Potential faults on the Nissan Navara 2.5

Take note of these Navara 2.5 issues

When discussing the Nissan Navara and the possible issues it may have in stall for you, it is important to present them on a platform suitable for that purpose. We at our SAC Service Centres  hope to create such a platform, but before we do so, we want to make it clear that the issues presented here are real issues, as experienced by owners of Nissan Navara 2.5 vehicles. To add to this, we at no means intend to instill fear in you when sharing these experiences. This article is purely informative; it is our wish that it may enable you to identify possible issues beforehand. Prevention, at the end of the day, is far better than cure. This article furthermore do not imply that you WILL experience any or all of these issues, but there is a possibility that you MAY. It is also important to keep in mind that owner behaviour (maintenance or the lack thereof, and your style of driving) and the roads on which you daily drive, may differently affect the behaviour of two similar vehicles, as will become evident during the discussions that will follow.

Nissan Navara Generations

Let us model that platform by sharing a little bit of Navara background. The Navara derived its name from the Navarre region of northern Spain where it was built at the Nissan factory in Barcelona. Since 2012, the bulk of Navara manufacturing moved to Thailand. Navara is the name for three generations of Nissan bakkies, the D22, the D40 and the D23. The 2.5 Navara will be our focus for the purpose of this discussion, and you may note, as shown below, that Navara bakkies with these engines was manufactured in all three of these generations.

D22 (1997 – 2004)

• Navara 2.5 liter – TD25 i4 [diesel]
• Navara 2.5 liter – YD25DDTi i4 [turbo diesel]

D40 (2004–2014)

• Navara 2.5 liter – QR25DE i4 [petrol]
• Navara 2.5 liter – YD25DDTi i4 [turbo diesel]

D23 (2014–present)

• Navara 2.5 liter – QR25DE i4 [petrol]
• Navara 2.5 liter – YD25DDTi i4 [turbo diesel]

Even though the Nissan Navara is mostly considered to be a tried and tested vehicle, it seems as if owners of Navara bakkies fitted with the YD25DDTi diesel engines (especially the ones in the D22 and D40 generations) experience the bulk of issues. In fact, the GDL Auto blog names the Nissan Navara in the D40 generation as one of ten vehicles you should never buy. It is easy to say that something is so and so, it is easy to badmouth something or someone, so let us not take that allegation on face value, but let us rather verify or dispel it by directing our attention to what others say about this vehicle and in particular, this engine type.

Our journey will start with the Australian Car Review, who presented the numerous recalls of Nissan Navara D40 bakkies between the periods 2006 and 2014. These recalls happens whenever the potential of injury caused by a manufacturing fault or defect, is detected. Every recall affected vehicles between a certain sequence of vehicle identification numbers (VIN); the numbers affected for each recall will not be mentioned here; feel free to visit the Australian Car Review site mentioned in the list of sources for this purpose. We will now look at these recalls, but before we do that, please do keep in mind that some of these recalls are more than a decade old, so the point of this exercise is purely to substantiate the premise made that the D40 generation Navara is a vehicle with many issues. After having gone through the recalls, we will divert our attention to common issues as experienced by owners themselves.

Nissan Navara Recalls

Here then are the list of recalls made since 2006, so get comfortable because this may be a lengthy exercise.

Steering Shaft – Recalled February 2006

There were problems with the fitment of the lower steering shaft. The shaft can become detached and this will result in a loss of steering control.

Rear Wheel Bearings – Recalled May-Aug 2006

The rear wheel bearings may experience excessive wear and this may lead to noise from the rear axle. If this is ignored, the bearings could fail and cause the shaft assembly to become detached from the axle. This may cause serious damage and injury.

Braking Performance: Non-ABS Bakkies – Recalled October 2006

The relay box bracket, intended for vehicles with ABS specification, was also assembled in vehicles without ABS; interference between this bracket and the rear brake pipe in the engine compartment may affect braking performance.

Bonnet May Open While Driving – Recalled May 2010

Vibrations may cause the hood striker loop to separate from the hood and damage the hood latch assembly. If the hood is not securely latched, it could unexpectedly open while driving. Imagine the havoc it may create.

Engine May Stall and Not Restart – Recalled October 2010

Nissan Navara vehicles sold prior to June 2006, had ignition relay problems. The relay contacts within the power distribution module shown the tendency to become contaminated with a build-up of silicon dioxide; this could cause poor conduction at the relay contacts and result in the engine stalling and failing to restart.

Towbar: Chassis Frame Rail May Crack – Recalled April 2013

It was found that the attachment points on the towbar – over time – could exert excessive stress upon the chassis frame rails. This may cause cracks at the end of the rails, or in extreme cases, bend sections of the chassis rails around the towbar attachment points.

Seatbelts May Be Swapped – Recalled December 2013

The seatbelts on the left and right sides may have been swapped, so in the event of a collision, this could affect restraint performance and present a serious risk of injury to the occupants.

Airbag Inflator Housing May Rupture – Recalled March 2016

The propellant tablets in the airbag inflators in Navara vehicles manufactured in Thailand between 2008 and 2014, may absorb moisture over time. This could create excessive internal pressure on deployment of the airbag and result in the rupture of the inflator, causing metal fragments to scatter. This could be harmful to the occupants of the vehicle.

Extended Ball Joints (Performance Suspension) – Recalled May 2016

In some cases, the ball joints may fail. If the ball joints separate while the vehicle is in motion, the suspension may fail, posing a serious safety hazard to the occupants of the vehicle and other road users.

This concludes the highlighting of the recalls, and we have to emphasize again that if your vehicle does not fall within the parameters mentioned at the beginning of this discussion, then there is no need for concern. If however it does, then the reasonable thing to do is to bring your vehicle to your nearest SAC Service Centre, and let us have it thoroughly checked.

Nissan Navara 2.5 Potential Faults

We will now move on to the section where we look at possible faults with the Nissan Navara 2.5. The potential Navara 2.5 issues, causes and fixes discussed here, are based on owner experiences and online sources, and as such, it should solely serve for reference purposes; if you suspect an issue, we recommend that a qualified mechanic and/or technician carry out repairs and/or modifications on your vehicle.

Timing Chain Stretch.

The timing chain of the YD25DDTi engine (especially in the D40 generation) has a tendency to stretch. The timing chain guides and the vacuum pump timing chain sprocket and shaft may also exhibit wear and/or damage. Timing chains in all engines undergo wear because they are moving parts; however, with this specific engine the factory chain configuration is inadequate for the work it must perform. Premature wear in the chains is a direct result of this. A faulty timing chain may cause the valves and pistons to collide, causing serious engine damage. The recommendation is to replace the simplex timing chain and tensioners before 100 000 kilometres and have it inspected every 40 000 kilometres thereafter. Double-row timing chain kits give greater longevity and may overcome premature wear and failure of the single-row timing chain. Visit us here if you want to read more about the timing chain.

Coolant Leak – Exhaust Gas Reticulation (EGR).

In the YD25DDTi engine of the Nissan Navara D40, the EGR cooler may corrode or split internally or around its flanged ends, causing a coolant leakage. Due to the heat of the exhaust system, the coolant may evaporate and you will not be able to see any pooling beneath the vehicle. Because of this, regularly check your vehicle’s coolant level and check for any stains around the EGR pipe and cooler. The loss of coolant may cause the engine to overheat and damage the cylinder head gasket.

Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor – Limp Mode

In the Nissan Navara D40, 2.5-litre, the sensor for the exhaust gas temperature is prone to failure. This can cause the engine to enter limp mode in order to prevent possible overheating of the turbocharger. Nissan released revised exhaust gas temperature sensors that may be distinguished by their part number having a ‘B’ as a suffix. If you experience power loss and your vehicle go into limp mode, then you may consider having the sensor checked. It is also advisable to check your fuel pressure valves and pump because a lack in fuel pressure may also put your vehicle in limp mode.

Driveline Vibrations

The cause for a Nissan D40 Navara exhibiting noise and/or vibrations from the drive shaft, may be wheel related, it may also be the prop-shaft universal joints or, for automatic models, the torque converter. If you are uncertain about the specific cause, then you should do what the most owners do, start at the universal joints. Follow the safe route and have it inspected whenever you experience this kind of vibration.

Front Suspension Noise

A clunking, squeaking, popping sound from the front suspension in the Nissan Navara D40, especially when turning the steering wheel to either side, when driving over speed bumps, on rough roads, or during acceleration and deceleration, can be caused by wear of the front stabilizer bar bushings. Have these verified as the fault and have them replaced.

Oil Pump

There are numerous complaints about oil pumps on the Navara that stripped the spline on the drive shaft, resulting in a lack of oil pressure. If the hydraulic lifters and oil light came on while driving, then you may wonder whether it is the oil sensor, or maybe the oil filter or oil pickup that is blocked, or maybe even a faulty pressure regulating valve or oil pump! What usually happens is the spindle shaft wears off on the edges of the flat surfaces and just freely spin around inside the pump gear, not pumping any oil. This is dangerous and may result in damaging the turbo because of a lack of oil pressure. Be alert when it comes to oil pump issues, and remember to change that oil pump after 100 000 km.

Manifold Crack

There has been complaints that manifold cracks are common when it comes to the YD 2.5 diesel engines. The lack of exhaust gas reticulation (EGR) can elevate the cylinder temperatures and in extreme cases, it can raise the temperatures enough to warp the head and blow a hole in a piston. The cylinder head is made of alloy; the exhaust manifold is usually cast iron. Excessive vibration may cause the intake manifold to crack. The exhaust manifold could also easily crack if it were dunked in water, for example if you go through a deep river crossing – the turbocharger can also be affected by this. Make sure to inspect the manifold frequently to ensure there are no cracks present.

Turbo

If the power on your 2.5 dCi (2013) all of a sudden cuts out, it may be that the boost controller is acting up or that you may have a faulty actuator. Inspect the actuator for a loose connection or a loose actuator arm. If any of these are present, rectify it.

On the topic of the turbo, there are many complaints that the Navara have extreme turbo lag when the engine is cold. The suggestion is that, with the pipes cold, there is not enough vacuum to operate the variable valve. There may also be something wrong with the control box that operates the variable valve timing. Whichever is the case, if you experience turbo lag then bring your vehicle to us, we specialise in vehicle maintenance, repairs and upgrades. Feel free to read more about the turbo here.

Clutch

So many Navara owners complain about clutch slipping and clutch failure. Some had their clutches changed twice, others as much as three times, and then you get the owners who can boast of having driven more than 193 000 km without a single clutch issue. Apparently, there was a batch of bad clutches, but Nissan replaced them. It also seems as if the clutch problems are more prominent with the diesel Navara bakkies than with the petrol ones. What helped was a reprogramming of the ECU to limit the amount of power it pushes out in order to protect the clutch. This smoothed out the gradient while leaving peak powers untouched. We should also not exclude driver error whenever we discuss clutch issues. Whether the clutch gives you 80 000 km or 200 000 km, always ensure that you are aware of clutch related issues. Read our article on clutches for more information on its maintenance and care.

Cracked Firewall – Clutch Not Engaging.

The Nissan Navara D40 seems particularly susceptible to cracks in the firewall around the clutch master cylinder. This may be due to the forces exerted on the firewall when the body flexes. These cracks will prevent the clutch from engaging.

Dual Mass Flywheel

If you experience a light vibration that eventually turned into a shake, then it is possible that there is a loose ring on the dual mass flywheel. Some owners opted for a solid flywheel, but not everyone seemed to be equally happy with the result, so many eventually reverted back to the dual mass flywheel. Others opted for a dual mass flywheel clutch kit, and that seemed to iron out the issue.

Injector Rattle

If you experience excessive black smoke when accelerating, jerking and extremely rowdy injectors (as if a tappet is going to pop out or injectors are about to crack), then you may experience injector problems. Consider bleeding the injectors and/or have the computer reset. You may also consider recalibrating the diesel pump and injectors. Feel free to read more about the injectors here.

We do not underwrite the following advice, so in the event of you embracing this, then be sure to do so on your own volition. Many vehicle owners add 1 cup of 2-stroke oil (2SO) in every tank; they say it makes the engine more silent and it gives better economy. The adding of 2SO seems to be a popular option, and you may visit the link available under 4×4 Community (given in the list of resources) if you want to read more about owner experiences in this regard. Here, especially from post 08 onwards, it is argued that if you use a decent 2SO, it will help to grease the moving parts of the high-pressure pump and injectors, and make the injectors quieter. The diesel will also burn cleaner and delay clogging of the diesel particulate filter (DPF). As in most cases, there are usually two sides to a story. Before you consider adding 2SO to your diesel/fuel, do yourself a favour and visit this site for a substantive, peer-reviewed study done to date that does not rely on anecdotal evidence. Here the Fuel Expert address the question whether you should add 2SO to a diesel engine or not, and concludes that you should never do that. It is argued that 2SO is designed for 2-stroke engines, not 4-stroke engines, and that using 2SO in the latter may cause complications. If you have both sides of the story, you may then decide for yourself which path to take – the 2SO or the non-2SO one. We reiterate the point that if you decide to use 2SO, you do it on your own terms.

Fuelling Issues – Blocked CAT

If you experience a considerable drop in average fuel efficiency (as much as 3 km/l less than usual), then it may be that, among other things, your catalytic converter (CAT) is blocked. A blocked CAT will also impede your vehicle’s acceleration and ability to start. If these symptoms present themselves, or when the check engine light goes on, then be sure to have the CAT inspected.

4×4 Not Engaging

If the 4wd indicator stays permanently illuminated and nothing happens when you engage the 4×4 setting, then you should consider checking (and if necessary, replacing) the sensors on the gearbox/transfer case. If you know how to do it, then you may remove the connector on the transfer case and spray it with a good electrical contact cleaner. This may rectify the issue. It may also be that the wiring loom and/or the actuator need replacement. Sometimes water may leak into the breather pipe and cause corrosion in the motor. Finally, always ensure that your vehicle is not in gear when you change the selector from 2wd to 4wd.

Excessive Smoke

If you experience smoke bulging from the tailpipe, especially when accelerating, then it is likely that you need to inspect the air filter and/or clean the mass airflow sensor. A faulty exhaust gas reticulation (EGR) valve will also do that. A faulty turbo bearing seal will create grey smoke and you will smell the burnt oil. If there is an excess of black smoke – then it is mostly unburnt fuel; grey smoke – then it is mostly oil; white smoke – then it is mostly water or brake fluid.

Stalling – Battery

If your vehicle keeps cutting out, then the first thing running through your mind may be a faulty fuel injector, a faulty turbo, or an ECU failure. One owner had the following experience. While driving, the dashboard lights flickered on and off, and all power to the vehicle was suddenly lost. The vehicle refused to start, but eventually it did. Later, during an inspection of the engine and the battery, it was found that the battery tie down (hold down) had worked itself loose, causing the battery to shift. During an uphill drive, everything was fine, but as soon as the vehicle faced downhill, the battery shifted and that moved the positive clamp off the battery. It is always wise to check something we deem as insignificant, such as the battery, whenever you experience a stalling problem such as the one described here.

Now that we looked at the recalls and the many issues experienced by owners, it should be left up to you to agree or disagree with the statement that the Navara in the D40 generation is one of the ten vehicles you should never buy. The evidence thus far seems to weigh heavily in favour of the statement made, but we need to add a point easily overseen. The Nissan Navara 2.5 may last a long time if you treat it right. There are owners of Navara 2.5 bakkies who use their vehicles as workhorses, having more than 250 000 km on the clock, without ever experiencing a single engine problem. The secret… they service their vehicles frequently (at least every 15 000 km), some add an extra diesel filter that cleans up to 0.5 microns, and many let the vehicle idle before switching it off. The latter seems to be an important hint, doing a cool-down after driving. Warming your vehicle up before moving off and cooling it off thereafter, may help to extend the life of the turbo. The point is, even though there may be many issues, there are also vehicles without issues.

This brings us to the end of the discussion regarding possible issues on the side of the Nissan Navara 2.5. We hope that the information supplied here can be of use. At our SAC Service Centres, we specialize in vehicle repairs, maintenance and upgrades. We have branches countrywide, filled with qualified personnel and high-tech equipment to cater for your vehicle needs. Visit us for a professional and friendly experience.

Sources consulted during the writing of this article:

• 4×4 Community. 2009. Pump Diesel. Online available at: https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/showthread.php/40538-Pump-Diesel Accessed 28 Aug 2018.
• Andrews High Tech Automotive. 2016. Nissan Navara Engine Failure – Owners Beware. Online available at: https://andrewshightech.com.au/tips/nissan-navara-engine-failure-owners-beware/ Accessed 13 July 2018.
• Australian Car Review. (Undated). Recalls & Faults: Nissan D40 Navara utility (2005-14). Online available at: http://australiancar.reviews/reviews.php#!content=recalls&make=Nissan&model=Navara&gen=710 Accessed 13 July 2018.
• Burrow, Matthew. 2013. Nissan Navara engine problem. Online available at: https://www.whatcar.com/news/nissan-navara-engine-problem/ Accessed 13 July 2018.
• Fuel Expert. 2018. Adding 2 Stroke Oil to Diesel. Online available at:
• http://www.fuelexpert.co.za/2strokeoilindiesel.php Accessed 13 July 2018.
• GDL Auto Blog. (Undated). Nissan D40 Navara Review. Online available at: https://gdlauto.com.au/nissan-d40-navara-review/ Accessed 13 July 2018.

Within the above article, potential problems, causes and fixes have been identified as founded on the experience of vehicle owners and repairers, online sources such as discussion blogs, technical service bulletins and SAC experience. This information is provided solely for reference purposes. SAC strictly instruct readers that only properly qualified individuals should carry out repairs and/or modifications on your vehicles. It should also be made clear that the number of times an item is identified within this discussion should by no way be seen as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur. Two of the exact same vehicles, owned by tow entirely different owners, driven in entirely different ways and on different terrains, and looked after in their own unique ways, will each behave differently. As mentioned, this information is provided solely for reference purposes but we hope – in the process of doing so – to empower you with relevant information which may enable you to make informative decisions whenever you experience any of the mentioned setbacks.

Related Articles:
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Potential faults on the Nissan Navara 3.0

Be aware of any Nissan Navara 3.0 issues

The Nissan Navara derived its name from the Navarre region of northern Spain, where the 3.0 version was mainly produced between 1997 and 2014. The 3.0 Navara usually refers to the D22 and the D40 generations, and the following bakkies was built as part of these generations.

Nissan Navara 3.0 Generations

D22 (1997 – 2004)

3.0 liter ZD30DDT i4 [turbo diesel]

D40 (2004–2014)

3.0 liter dCi V9X V6 [turbo diesel]

At our SAC Service Centres nationwide, we have a philosophy that works: prevent problems beforehand by fixing small things before they turn into bigger things. In order to do this and act preventatively, you as a vehicle owner need to be aware of any possible issues that your vehicle may present to you. Knowledge is a weapon to the same extent that ignorance may be an enemy, which is why we at SAC share knowledge with you, especially when it comes to issues that you can look out for, and prevent, before they escalate into serious issues.

Possible Nissan Navara 3.0 Potential Faults

Through extensive research, we identified the most commonly complained about issues with the Navara 3.0. Before we share these issues with you, we want to state clearly that the issues presented here are not our opinions but rather real issues as experienced by Navara 3.0 owners. We also want to add that this article in no way imply that you WILL experience these issues, but that there is a possibility that you MAY experience them. What we do know, is that owner behaviour (vehicle maintenance or the lack thereof, driving style and roads driven), may have an entirely differently impact on two of the exact same vehicle makes and models. You may care for your vehicle by having it serviced regularly and driving it responsibly, and then testify of a 300 000 km problem-free driving experience. Another owner, with the same vehicle, may have an entirely different experience. We do not imply that if you look after your vehicle, you will have a problem-free experience; you may do so and still experience setbacks. Vehicles consist of many moving parts, the latter cause friction, and it in turn cause wear and tear. Components are therefore prone to failure. You may even care for your vehicle to a high degree, but unknowingly use a dirty grade of diesel, which may cause injector problems. The point is, both good and bad care may cause issues.

At the website Productreview, you may find many reviews on the Nissan Navara 3.0, especially in the D22 generation, mostly riddled with positive heading such as “Can’t fault the d22”, “This car’s been my rock”, and “7 years, still going at 467,000 ks on clock”. With so many positive reviews, it seems as if the Navara 3.0 is not as problematic a vehicle as its 2.5 sibling is. Apparently, the earlier D22 Navara 3.0 engines were problematic, but those bugs were fixed. The few issues we did identify, is what is of importance here, so let us have a look at them.

Turbo lag

Owners tend to raise the issue of turbo lag, especially when the engine is still cold. It seems that this is an overall problem with the Navara, keeping in mind that this is also an issue in the Navara 2.5. One reason for this may be due to inefficient vacuum present in the cold pipes to operate the variable valve; the lag may also be caused by a faulty control box operating the variable valve timing. One owner said that among his friends, including him, they have six D22 Navara bakkies, and they got rid of a lot of lag by installing full exhausts on their vehicles. Read more about the exhaust system here to see how these systems may alter performance.

Another solution to turbo lag is to opt for a chip. You may consider installing a Unichip and become part of the group of bakkie owners who testify to the fact that it will greatly reduce or even eliminate turbo lag. Many owners mention that turbo lag was greatly reduced and in some cases even eliminated, after the installed a chip.

If you experience turbo lag then bring your vehicle to an SAC Service Centre; we specialise in vehicle maintenance, repairs and upgrades. Feel free to read more about the turbo and its maintenance here.

Blocked CAT

If you experience a considerable drop in average fuel efficiency, then it may be that your catalytic converter (CAT) is blocked. A blocked CAT may also impede your vehicle’s acceleration and ability to start. If these symptoms present themselves, or when the check engine light goes on, then be sure to have the CAT inspected.

Exhaust Gas Reticulation (EGR) Valve

It seems as if the exhaust gas reticulation (EGR) valve can give problems at times. A faulty EGR valve (especially when clogged) may result in black smoke from your vehicle’s tailpipe. A faulty EGR valve may also present itself in a form of rough idling, bad fuel consumption, a lack of power during acceleration and with a “check engine light” that will come on. If you experience any of these symptoms, have your bakkie checked at one of our countrywide SAC Service Centres.

The issues highlighted here, seems to be the most common ones experienced by 3.0 Navara owners. There are mentioning of smaller issues, issues that can be prevented by regularly servicing your vehicle. Read more about servicing hints here. In the event of any issue raising its head in your Navara, be assured that we at our SAC Service Centres are competent – in both experience and equipment – to address any issue.

Sources consulted during the writing of this article:

• 2018. Nissan Navara D22 (1998-2014). Online available at: https://www.productreview.com.au/p/nissan-navara/m/d22-1998-2014/2.html Accessed 23 Aug 2018.

Within the above article, potential problems, causes and fixes have been identified as founded on the experience of vehicle owners and repairers, online sources such as discussion blogs, technical service bulletins and SAC experience. This information is provided solely for reference purposes. SAC strictly instruct readers that only properly qualified individuals should carry out repairs and/or modifications on your vehicles. It should also be made clear that the number of times an item is identified within this discussion should by no way be seen as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur. Two of the exact same vehicles, owned by tow entirely different owners, driven in entirely different ways and on different terrains, and looked after in their own unique ways, will each behave differently. As mentioned, this information is provided solely for reference purposes but we hope – in the process of doing so – to empower you with relevant information which may enable you to make informative decisions whenever you experience any of the mentioned setbacks.

Related Articles:
A few potential faults on the Nissan Navara 2.5
Get more Power out of your Nissan Navara or Hardbody
Nissan Service, Repair, Conversions & Unichip Plug Ann Play

Potential faults on the Chev/Corsa Utility

Did you know?

In this article we will be telling you more about the background of the Corsa-Chevrolet Utility vehicle, but also about the issues it may have.

You may wonder how it came to be that this bakkie is called the Corsa-Chevrolet. The bakkie was actually at first only the Corsa bakkie, but back in 2010, General Motors South Africa announced that the Corsa bakkie will form part of the greater Chevrolet family. The Chevrolet badge was slapped on the front, and the Corsa bakkie was rebranded as the Corsa-Chevrolet Utility. That, in a nutshell, is how the utility vehicle under discussion, was born. Whether this unity was a worthwhile one, will become clear later.

So why is it called a “utility” vehicle, and not simply a bakkie? Well, it actually is called a bakkie here in South Africa, because we are bakkie people. Just imagine a person with knee-high socks, who smoke cigarettes without filters, in a utility vehicle… no, that guy belongs in a bakkie! Unfortunately, the Corsa-Chevrolet was built to be a ute (short for ‘utility’) and the word just stuck to its name. The word utility actually has its origin from the French, and it means “useable”, in other words, it is something that serves a useful purpose. We will see if this “ute” has done justice to its name.

There were various models in the Corsa utility range, the most of them being petrol vehicles. Our focus will not be on the petrol vehicles but rather on the diesel ones. The Corsa Utility in the diesel range was available in the 1.7DTi as well as the 1.3D. The Corsa Utility 1.7 diesel produced a power output of 55 kW and 165 Nm torque, with a top speed of 150 km/h and an average fuel economy of 17.5 km/litre. This bakkie was fitted with a five-speed manual transmission. The Corsa Utility 1.3 diesel with its turbocharged engine (released between 2012 and 2017 in the Sport, Club and AC design levels), was also fitted with a five-speed manual transmission. It delivered 55 kW of power and 170 Nm of torque, with an average fuel economy of around 18.1 km/litre. The 1.3 is reported to have been one of the best-selling workhorse bakkies in the South African vehicle market.

According to media.gm.com, the Corsa Utility was for more than four years the leader in its class, but it was also the second most popular light commercial vehicle in South Africa since its introduction in 2004. After its initial launch, the Corsa Utility immediately captured the attention of South African vehicle owners in both the commercial and recreational market. The vehicle was so popular in South Africa that it accounted for 32% of the total global sales. The reason for its success is ascribed to the fact that it redefined the small utility vehicle sector in terms of its appealing interior space, load carrying ability, style and features. The Corsa Utility received numerous awards for vehicle quality and customer satisfaction.

In 2005 the Corsa Utility was the highest ranked pick-up brand. In the 2006 JD Power Initial Quality Study (IQS), it was named as the segment leader and scored a hat trick with this award in 2007 and went on to lead the category again in 2008.

2008 – Best Overall LCV Brand in the Synovate Quality Awards.
2009 – Synovate Gold Awards as leading single cab ¾ ton pick-up
2009 – Best Overall Light Commercial Brand.

[J.D. Power is a global marketing information services company founded in 1968. It conducts surveys of customer satisfaction, product quality, and buyer behaviour for car industries. The firm is best known for its customer satisfaction research on new-car quality and long-term dependability. Its service offerings include industry-wide syndicated studies, proprietary research, consulting, training, and automotive forecasting… J.D. Power conducts multiple annual surveys of the automotive industry worldwide. The Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) is a measure of problems experienced after three years of ownership, while the Initial Quality Study (IQS) is a measure of problems experienced within the first 90 days of ownership – Wikipedia.]

Apart from these accolades, General Motors South Africa also subjected the Corsa Utility 1.7 litre diesel pick-up to a set of speed and endurance challenges. In doing so, it aimed at setting a range of records and to test and illustrate the reliability and durability of the vehicle. According to media.gm.com, after 72 hours of gruelling endurance, a total of 15 new SA and World class records (in time and distance) was set. The average fuel consumption for this 72 hour period, was 10.5 km per litre.

All seemed well, and it truly seemed as if only awesomeness spewed out of this bakkie’s tailpipe. It therefore certainly came as a shock when General Motors announced in 2017 that it would exit the South African market scene – reason: they see no investment potential in South Africa. Much can be said about the validity of their choice to vacate South Africa, but the matter of the fact is that they did, and in the rear view mirror they left a trail of impressive Corsa-Chevrolet Utility vehicle sales. Corsa-Chevrolet bakkie owners had good reason for panic, but General Motors assured owners that they had no cause for concern. General Motors announced that Isuzu will take over their operations and that Chevrolets will be serviced at Isuzu workshops, with all parts guaranteed to be available for at least the next 10 years.

Even though the Chevrolet Utility was discontinued in 2017, we at your local SAC Service Centre do not plan to exit the country at all, we are here to stay and we will continue to assist Corsa-Chevrolet utility vehicle owners with all their service and repair requirements, just as we have done in the past. Yes, the Corsa-Chevrolet diesel bakkies do indeed need to be serviced, and it does break down and need to be repaired. We may have painted a picture that this bakkie is a reflection of awesomeness, but even they had their issues. When has something in the automotive industry ever been built flawless? What then is the main issues with the Corsa-Chevrolet diesel bakkies? Before we look at them, first of all, the problems/issues discussed here are real issues as experienced by owners of these vehicles. When discussing any problems/issues, it is always advisable to inform the reader that a problem experienced by one owner, by no means imply that the same problem will manifest in every other similar vehicle. Many factors play a role when it comes to vehicle faults, such as driver behaviour, maintenance of the vehicle, and in some cases, even factory faults. The primary reason for sharing these issues with you, is to make you vigilant to any possible problems that your vehicle may present you with, because we at SAC Service Centre believe that prevention outweighs cure by far! Let us have a glance at the few problems.

Problems

The main problem seem to have slipped in the moment the Chevrolet badge was slapped on the front of the Corsa Utility. Why do we say this? At 4x4community.com, some owners stated it clearly that they had very few issues with the Corsa Utility vehicle, and that it was indeed a very reliable workhorse, but that all changed when it became the Corsa-Chevrolet…

One owner stated: “… we had Opel Corsa bakkies – NO issues. Then got three Chev Corsa bakkies…. MISTAKE!! We no longer have any Chev Corsa bakkies! … Simply don’t understand how it went from a reliable OPEL to a worthless vehicle by changing the badge….” [The term “worthless” was used as a substitute for an offensive term].

Harsh words, but that seems to be the feeling. In any case, if you own a Corsa-Chevrolet diesel bakkie, we advise you as an owner to look out for the following:

• The central locking may at times behave erratic (unlocks and immediately locks again).
• The gears of the air vent adjuster may strip, this would need replacement.
• The airbag failure dashboard light burns permanently. Read more about dashboard lights here.
• The water pump dashboard light stays on even while there is water in the reservoir. Read more about dashboard lights here.
• When the main headlights is on, the engine keeps running even after the keys has been removed.
• Excessive shaking when braking. Read more about brakes here.
• The alarm goes off whenever it feels like it.
• The engine cuts out for a brief moment while driving. In some cases it switches off and afterwards just crank, refusing to start!
• Check the vehicle’s front wheel bearings.
• Any high engine temperatures?
• Does your vehicle have starting troubles, especially after replacing a filter?

In the event of you experiencing any of these issues, contact your nearest SAC Service Centre immediately. We have qualified mechanics and technicians to assess your Corsa-Chevrolet by having it diagnosed; we also use high quality replacement parts to address any faulty part; we also specialise in giving your Corsa-Chevrolet bakkie a thorough service.

Service your Chevrolet Corsa Utility Bakkie at an SAC Service Centre today!

If you are looking for a service centre that will offer you all the services your Chevrolet may require, then look no further. At our SAC Service Centres, we only deal in exceptional and affordable service, as well as honest advice. We are here for you, and remember that regular maintenance and service is the key to a prolonged vehicle life. Read more about regular maintenance and what service options we have to offer here.

Why choose an SAC Service Centre for your Chevrolet’s servicing?

It is important to make use of a reputable service centre to service, maintain or repair your Chevrolet Corsa Utility Bakkie. Here is why you should make use of an SAC Service Centre:

• We have a strong reputation within the motor vehicle services industry, making us a reputable choice of service centres for your Chevrolet Corsa Bakkie.
• We run AA Quality Assured service centres, ensuring that you will get excellent service and high quality parts for your vehicle.
• Dedicated teams of qualified specialist stand ready to ensure satisfying and efficient workmanship.
• We offer (on request) courtesy cars, should you need a vehicle while yours is in for repair or services
• As a reputable service centre, we also offer a warranty on all the work done at our workshops.

In our discussion of this vehicle, only a few issues was highlighted, and it seems that this bakkie do indeed honour its ute-ness as being a useful vehicle. Its accolades and awards, and even the records it set, is impressive, and its reliability resulted in the fact that there are still many of them on the roads today. If you are the proud owner of a Corsa-Chevrolet Utility vehicle, we at SAC Service Centre hope that you will continue to have many pleasurable driving hours, and we are here to help you whenever that awesomeness on four wheels, need a remedy, a touch-up, or some extra TLC.

Sources consulted during the writing of this article:

• 4x4community (2015). Chevrolet utility problems??? Online available at: https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/showthread.php/213392-Chevrolet-utility-problems. Accessed on 27 September 2018.
• co.za. 2017. Chevrolet utility information & support. Online available at: https://www.chevrolet.co.za/cars/utility/model-overview.html. Accessed on 27 September 2018.
• gm.com. 2010. Chevrolet Corsa Utility – Buyers choice in sub 1-ton pick-up market. Online available at: https://media.gm.com/media/za/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/za/en/2010/Chevrolet/08_11_chevrolet_corsa_utility.html. Accessed on 28 September 2018.
• 2018. J.D. Power. Online available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J.D._Power. Accessed on 27 September 2018.

Within the above article, potential problems, causes and fixes have been identified as founded on the experience of vehicle owners and repairers, online sources such as discussion blogs, technical service bulletins and SAC experience. This information is provided solely for reference purposes. SAC strictly instruct readers that only properly qualified individuals should carry out repairs and/or modifications on your vehicles. It should also be made clear that the number of times an item is identified within this discussion should by no way be seen as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur. Two of the exact same vehicles, owned by tow entirely different owners, driven in entirely different ways and on different terrains, and looked after in their own unique ways, will each behave differently. As mentioned, this information is provided solely for reference purposes but we hope – in the process of doing so – to empower you with relevant information which may enable you to make informative decisions whenever you experience any of the mentioned setbacks.

Potential faults on the Chevrolet Trailblazer

Know its issues

The Chevrolet Trailblazer is a mid-sized sport utility vehicle, produced by General Motors between the periods of 2002 and 2009, and again from 2012 to the present. According to Wikipedia, there are two generations of Trailblazers, and just as insightful as it is to know where you come from, it is equally insightful to know the lineage of your Trailblazer, so let us have a quick overview of them.

The First Generation of Trailblazers (2002–2008) was produced at the Moraine plant in Ohio. These vehicles were fitted with petrol engines and were only available in the USA and Canada. In 2002 the Trailblazer won the North American Truck of the Year award, but six years later, on 16 December 2008, the last Chevrolet Trailblazer rolled off the Moraine line. A week later, General Motors closed the production plant, thereby ending the production of all Trailblazers.

In 2012, General Motors and Isuzu recalled more than 258,000 SUVs in the U.S. and Canada. The recall affected the Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, Isuzu Ascender and Saab 97-X, all from the 2006 and 2007 models. The reason for the recall was the risk of fires caused by short-circuits in power window and door lock switches. It was also the same year that the next generation of Trailblazers entered the automotive scene.

The Second Generation of Trailblazers (2012–present) that entered the market, was respectively fitted with a 2.5 litre (110 kW and 350 Nm) Duramax diesel engine, as well as its 2.8 litre Variable Geometry Turbocharged (132 kW and 470 Nm) diesel engine. Both of these models was fitted with a 6-speed transmissions (manual & automatic). The second generation of Trailblazers is built in Thailand and in Brazil. In Australia the Trailblazer was sold as the Holden Colorado 7 (2013 to 2016), but in 2017 it was rebadged as the Trailblazer as we know it.

Seeing that SAC Service Centres are specialist in the servicing, repair and performance enhancement of diesel vehicles, it will make sense that our discussion of the Trailblazer will focus solely on the second generation diesel categories. In our discussion, we will primarily look at any issues these vehicles posed to their owners. Our main reason for highlighting these faults, are not to place the vehicle or its brand name in a bad light, but solely to keep you vigilant of any possible faults you may encounter. The following faults can only be shared here thanks to the 4×4 community forums where Trailblazer (and other 4×4) owners share their experiences and concerns regarding their vehicles. Owner experience is first-hand experience, and as a result you may find the following faults to be noteworthy.

Possible Trailblazer Faults

According to 4x4community (2013-2018), the following issues were found to be problematic:

Park Distance Control (PDC)

It may happen that your PDC beep incessantly when reversing while you have a trailer hooked up to your Trailblazer. This should actually not happen when towing something because the system should detect that the towbar is in use and switch the PDC off while in reverse. It is possible, if this is the case with your Trailblazer, that an aftermarket towbar was fitted to your vehicle. What happens is that the original part have a harness & module for towbar fitment that will switch the PDC off when reversing with a trailer. If this is not the case, then let us have a look at this annoying fault.

Shaft bearing failure

When last did you inspect your vehicle’s shaft bearings? If you take a peek at where the drive shaft enters the front differential, and you notice any leakage, then it should be cause for concern. According to 4x4community (2017), premature failure of the front side shaft bearing is not uncommon. If your trailblazer is past its 100000 km mark, then it will be wise to have the shaft bearings inspected and replaced. Your nearest SAC Service Centre have doors standing wide open to welcome and assist you in this regard.

Gearbox damage – towing a Trailblazer

Did you know that you can damage your Trailblazer when towing it, and you neglect to put the Trailblazer in the N-setting? You may be aware of the fact that the input shaft from the engine drives the gearbox oil pump. If the engine is not turning, the oil pump will not be pumping. When you tow your Trailblazer, the drive shaft will turn the gearbox, but no pumping of the gearbox pump will take place. Think for yourself what will happen when there is gear interaction without any lubrication. The gearbox will surely be damaged. When you engage neutral in the transfer box, you disconnect the drive shaft from the gearbox. The gearbox will not be turning when towing your vehicle in this setting, so no damage can be done.

Unused windows get stuck

If you seldom use windows in your Trailblazer, do not be frightened if one day they fail to wind down fully. This may be remedied by lubricating the horizontal gutter at the bottom of the window, but the best advice is to regularly exercise the windows in your Trailblazer that you do not use often.

Engine vibrations

Are you “forced” to keep your engine’s revolutions below 3500 rpms due to excessive vibrations that can be felt in the steering wheels and pedals? This steering vibration is also apparently not an uncommon issue. Chevrolet made a counter balance available to address this issue. If you experience excessive vibrations when in high revs, then consider this option. You may also, as an alternative, have your vehicle’s shaft bearings inspected. Do not be in two minds about this, contact us today and let us remedy the issue for you.

Bonnet wobbles

This may become a major cause of irritation when driving, especially in wind and at 120 km/hr. Some fixed this by re-gluing the large piece of rubber fixed to the underside of the bonnet.

Major temperature fluctuations

The problem reported by a few owners, revolve around the tendency of the Trailblazer to show excessive fluctuations when putting load on the engine. Yes, it is acknowledged that you sweat more the harder you work, and vehicles will get hotter the harder they have to work too. It is however not normal for a vehicle to jump from a normal ¼ and ½ heat gauge indication, to ¾. It was found that the error lay in a very sensitive temperature gauge. When the Trailblazer reach a certain temperature, a second fan must kick in, and this does not happen. If you experience excessive temperature readings on your heat gauge, then it is advisable to bring your vehicle to your nearest SAC Service Centre and have the issue looked at.

Limp mode

Without any pre-warning or other indication, your Trailblazer’s engine management system engage and the Trailblazer enters limp (or reduced engine power) mode. There are a few things that may cause this. Usually it is related to the gas pedal or throttle body sensors detecting a problem. It may also be the turbo boost/drive train not functioning correct. Someone once said that we should always remember that turbos are very simple devices, in very expensive boxes that live in extremely hot environments! Even when your transmission oil reach higher than normal operating temperatures (say above 130 °C), the engine may go into protective (limp) mode. If your vehicle enters limp mode, have the issue pinpointed and correct the problem as soon as possible.

Battery clips

Many owners complain about the battery clips, and few think of checking the clips when the vehicle cuts out. The point is that these clips come loose, and when that happens, the first thing that usually gets all the blame is the fuse box! Inspect the clips on your vehicle’s battery; if it is not the conventional one, then the choice is up to you (if the vehicle is not under warranty anymore) to change them, or secure them better.

Some other minor issues, according to 4x4community (2016a), also came to light.

Taillight lenses

This seemed to be an issue with pre-2014 models. The lenses may pull away at the edges and let dust and moisture in. Just make sure this is not the case in your Trailblazer.

Oil Cooler water leakage

This problem also seems to be 2012 & 2013 model specific. The oil cooler on the right hand side of the motor may leak water. It is oil cooled and water cooled and usually leak overnight when cooling down, due to a faulty O-ring on the cooler.

Error messages

You drive along and all of a sudden you receive error messages such as these: Service ESP; Service 4WD. According to 4x4community (2016b), there is an interesting (possible) resolve to this. Owners seldom think of checking the wires; it was in fact a damaged wire that caused the error messages. What we want to bring to your attention is that when you receive an error message, it may be due to faulty wiring somewhere. Not only that, always inspect wires and see to it that they do not touch spots where they can get too hot and melt or burn through or become chafed. One owner experienced a lot of erratic error messages and electrical issues, just to find that his Trailblazer’s cable to the alternator was chafed and as a result, made a shortcut.

Suspension noise – recall

Another issue aired in the 4x4community (2014), was regarding noise from the front suspension, especially when you go over a bump. The problem was the coil springs, and there was a recall for this issue in 2013. If you experience an irritating noise from that area of your Trailblazer, then bring your vehicle to us and let us see if there is indeed a fault with the coil springs and/or shocks. It may even be the wheel bearing, the brake caliper or a CV joint.

Happiness

We do not only deal in negative issues, but also positive ones. Apart from the points highlighted above, many other owners stated it clearly that they had no complaints and were very happy and/or very impressed with their Trailblazers. According to many it performed well and is a great vehicle.

Only time will tell if the all-new 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer LTX 4×2 A/T, recently released in the Philippines with its roguish and aggressive appearance, will withstand the test of time (and owner driver behaviour), and receive the same positive feedback as its predecessors. With its 2.8-liter DOHC 16-valve inline-4 VG Turbo Intercooler engine, supplying a good 500 Nm of torque, and its six-speed automatic (and manual gear select) transmission, it surely seems impressive enough.

It is our hope at SAC Service Centre, that the information supplied here, may be of benefit to you. As specialist in the field of automotive service, repair and performance enhancement, we are experienced, qualified, willing and ready to assist you with any of your Trailblazer diesel requirements. Contact us today for a service, a check-up or a repair.

Sources consulted during the writing of this article:

• 2013-2018. Trailblazer – some experiences and problems. Online available at: https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/showthread.php/157053-Trailblazer-some-experiences-and-problems. Accessed on 26 September 2018.
• 2014. Trailblazer “recall”? Online available at: https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/showthread.php/181289-Trailblazer-quot-recall-quot. Accessed on 28 September 2018.
• 2016(a). Issues with my 2013 Trailblazer. Online available at: https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/showthread.php/243175-Issues-with-my-2013-Trailblazer. Accessed on 27 September 2018.
• 2016(b). Some minor issues. Online available at: https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/showthread.php/260480-Some-minor-issues. Accessed on 26 September 2018.
• 2017. Trailblazer front diff. Online available at: https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/showthread.php/286848-Trailblazer-front-diff?p=3739469 – post3739469. Accessed on 26 September 2018.
• 2018. Chevrolet TrailBlazer. Online available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_TrailBlazer. Accessed on 24 September 2018.

Within the above article, potential problems, causes and fixes have been identified as founded on the experience of vehicle owners and repairers, online sources such as discussion blogs, technical service bulletins and SAC experience. This information is provided solely for reference purposes. SAC strictly instruct readers that only properly qualified individuals should carry out repairs and/or modifications on your vehicles. It should also be made clear that the number of times an item is identified within this discussion should by no way be seen as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur. Two of the exact same vehicles, owned by tow entirely different owners, driven in entirely different ways and on different terrains, and looked after in their own unique ways, will each behave differently. As mentioned, this information is provided solely for reference purposes but we hope – in the process of doing so – to empower you with relevant information which may enable you to make informative decisions whenever you experience any of the mentioned setbacks.

Potential faults on the Mitsubishi Colt 2.8 tdi

Engine Head and Overheating

According to leisurewheels, the tough and reliable Colt 4×4 was introduced in South Africa in 1997 and was only available in a three-litre V6 petrol engine (with its 109 kW and 234 Nm torque). At the end of 1998, Colt introduced an upgraded version with its new three-litre V6 petrol engine (and its 133 kW and 255 Nm of torque). Colt did not only stick to the three-litre V6 engine, they also introduced a 2.4 litre petrol engine 4×4 and later the more economical and very popular five speed, 2.8 litre four-cylinder turbo diesel (with its 92 kW and 294 Nm torque engine). In the period that the Mitsubishi Colt (known in Australia as the Mitsubishi Triton) was available in South Africa (1997 – 2008) it surely made a name for itself. In this article we will place our focus on this third generation 2.8 tdi, specifically with regard to the main issues related to it.

Why do we do this? Steves Auto Clinic, as a leading automotive repair and service franchise in South Africa, strive towards sharing experiences of vehicle owners among each other. It is better to embrace the philosophy of preventing issues beforehand by fixing small things before they turn into bigger things! In order to act preventatively, we need to be aware. Knowledge is a weapon just as ignorance is an enemy. Before we discuss the issues and start sharing experiences here, we have to make it clear that these views and experiences are not that of the Steves Auto Clinic group, they are the experiences of Mitsubishi Colt 2.8 owners and/or experts on these models. We also acknowledge the fact that one swallow does not make a summer, that is, one instance of an event does not necessarily indicate a trend, that is why we at Steves Auto Clinic in no way ascribe any of the discussed issues here as general and sure faults, i.e., as trends. We believe that by creating awareness of these issues, we empower you to detect issues early and address them effectively.

Let us therefore have a look at the main issues identified with the Mitsubishi Colt 2.8 tdi.

Possible Issues

2.8 tdi Engine Head

In a topic raised in a 4x4community (2008) forum regarding the acquisition of a second-hand 2.8 tdi, the question was asked whether such an acquisition was a matter of a HOT or a NOT deal. This is an open question, but I think the answer can be found in the “head”! In the head? Yes, but not in your head, in the engine’s head… The question many asked, and the issue many raised, was mostly related to the engine head. The matter of head issues was also raised in a 4x4community (2015) forum. From these forums, a few important aspects became known that should be kept in mind when it comes to discussing the issue of engine heads.

The first thing to understand is that head problems with the 2.8 tdi is not necessarily year-specific; you may argue that it is prevalent only in pre 2003 models, but every year of the 2.8 tdi model will be susceptible to head problems IF not driven correctly. Heads crack because of overheating (we will discuss overheating next), and this was apparently a common occurrence with all the first diesel bakkies. If this was so, then why? The first answer lies in the fact that any diesel engine with an aluminium head and pre-combustion chambers may experience head problems when overheating. The pre-combustion chamber is made of steel and it is pressed into an aluminium casting; because they expand differently when hot, they are susceptible to cracks.

The second reason is that most diesel engines do not like high revs and that they are sensitive to heat. An owner of a 2006 Mitsubishi 2.8 tdi, who clocked more than 180 000 km on the odometer, and never revved it higher than 3000 rpm, said that he never had a single problem with his 2.8 tdi. Another owner confirmed this driving style when he found that going over 3000 rpm was a waste and going below 2100 was dangerous for exhaust gas temperature (EGT) on deep throttle. If the road demands more power, it was suggested to change to a lower gear and keep the rpm around 2750. This was also confirmed in another 4x4community (2012) forum, where an owner of a 2.8 tdi who’s vehicle had more than 280 000 km on the odometer, said that his bakkie was much happier at 2500 – 2650 r/min than it was at 3000 r/min or above.

High exhaust gas temperatures will contribute to a cracked head, and it is argued that high EGT is caused by over-fuelling. This happens because of driving the torque, so to speak, and of using low revs and deep throttle. If this happens, the turbo fails to spool fast enough (at low revs) while your throttle have a high demand, hence the over-fuelling and the resulting high EGT. Many owners suggest fitting an EGT gauge; this way you can monitor the heat and prevent the head from any damage. Always attempt to reduce an unsafe increase in EGT; practice proper maintenance on the pump and cooling system, injectors and air filter, and instil good driving styles in yourself. Doing these may all contribute to preventing any engine head problems. It is pleasing to know that the Colt’s block is at least bulletproof, and few people ever heard of a failing block. The problem seems to be only with the head that is susceptible to damage.

If you suspect an engine head default, then have a professional do a Tee-Kay head check with a combustion leak detector. The Tee-Kay is designed to check combustion gases in the cooling system and it is usually performed in the case of suspecting a leaking cylinder head gasket or a cracked block or cylinder head. It is also used when the engine overheats, when there is a loss of coolant, a rusty radiator condition, or even in the event of hard starting. Equally important, consider doing as many other owners have done and take your 2.8 tdi to your nearest SAC Service Centre for a thorough dyno and diagnostic check. It is at the end of the day far better to be safe, than to be sorry.

2.8 tdi Overheating

Another issue raised in a 4x4community (2011) forum that was also raised at 2carpros.com and at justanswer.com, is the problem of overheating. Apparently overheating is not unheard of in the Mitsubishi 2.8 tdi engine. There are many aspects to consider if you experience an issue such as this, but the first thing to remember is the following: the engine is cooled by way of airflow and coolant. The thermostat allows the engine to get to an operating temperature and then it maintains that temperature. The main cause for an engine to run hot and/or overheat can be due to a faulty thermostat that either open or fail to open. The problem some owners experience is that even after replacing the thermostat, the problem at hand remains. If it remains even after replacing a thermostat, then it does not necessarily imply that the fault lies elsewhere. It may be that the brand-new thermostat can be faulty, as part of a bad batch. Thermostats are relatively inexpensive, so try one from a different dealership or another parts supplier. Do not hesitate to contact your nearest SAC Commercial Parts outlet for quality aftermarket spares and accessories.

One 2.8 tdi owner resolved the overheating issue by removing the thermostat, but this is not only a short-term solution, it is also not an advisable thing to do. The thermostat is there for a reason. Whenever you acquire a new thermostat, always ensure that the thermostat is not a single action thermostat if a duel action thermostat is required. Also make sure when replacing the thermostat, that the little bleeder nipple is facing up when fitted. The position of the bleeder is very important. When you change the thermostat as well as the radiator cap, and the thermostat is an 88 degrees Celsius thermostat, make sure that you use a 0.9 kPa radiator cap. With a 78 degrees Celsius thermometer you should stick to a 1.2 kPa radiator cap. It may also happen that the dashboard reading will show a higher reading for normal temperature after installing a new thermometer, especially in the case of an aftermarket part. In other words, the gauge may show a higher temperature, but that does not necessarily means that the engine runs hotter. If you doubt your gauge, then get a digital reading of the water temperature with an infrared thermometer.

You may also consider the following probable causes for overheating and/or an engine running hot. Make sure that there are no blockages of air in the cooling system. Bleed the system and see if that resolves the issue. On the point of blockages, some of the tiny little pipes running inside the radiator may also become blocked. Flushing the radiator will not clean out the tubes; radiator specialist will have to remove the top and bottom tanks to inspect and clean it. Apart from blockages, also inspect the coolant and water system for any leakages. You may consider having a pressure test done on the system to see if there are any leakages present. While you are at it, check the water temperature switch. It usually sits on top of the head and have two wires connected to it. Inspect the water pump too, it is common for the pump impeller to wear down and not sufficiently circulate the coolant through the system. Another possible cause is the viscous fan. The viscous fan is hard to test, and if in doubt, it is better to replace it.

Let us conclude by reiterating the importance of the cooling system. Maintenance of the parts of your vehicle’s cooling system, such as the radiator, hoses and seals, is paramount. If you fail to maintain it properly, it can lead to overheating and this may cause serious engine damage.

2.8 tdi Cold Start

Does your 2.8 tdi struggle to start, then it cuts out while spluttering and smoking profusely? Is there clean diesel coming out from the top of the diesel pump? This issue was raised on behalf of a concerned Colt 2.8 tdi owner in a pajeroclub forum. The reason for this behaviour may be ascribed to a faulty input shaft seal of the diesel pump. If it does not seal properly and allow air to enter, it can let diesel into the sump. You do not want a faulty pump; it can cost you your life if you have a runaway engine from diesel dilution in the engine oil. Have the pump or seal replaced.

2.8 tdi Oil Leakage

Various oil leakages was experienced by an owner, such as oil leaking at a newly installed oil pressure switch, oil sweat around the top of the tappet cover, and a slight oil leakage at the clutch pedal. The advice given was to change the speedo drive (due to the oil leakage on the clutch pedal), tightening the oil pressure switch, and inspecting the half-round seals in the front and back of the tappet cover. Apparently, the rear seals tend to leak, and don’t fret, it is normal for some oil sweat to be present around the tappet cover and turbo pipe inlet to the manifold.

This brings us to the end of the discussion of the Mitsubishi Colt 2.8 tdi. Any issues highlighted here should in no way instil fear in you and/or drive you to a point to get rid of your bakkie. Many bakkie owners speak highly of the 2.8 tdi. However, if you experience issues and require any assistance, be it repairs, servicing, and/or spare parts, simply contact your nearest SAC Service Centre and make a booking, or head down to your closest SAC Commercial Parts outlet. At our SAC Service Centres, we have skilled technicians and mechanics, as well as high-tech equipment to assist you all the way; at our SAC Commercial Parts outlets, we offer quality aftermarket spares and accessories. For fast, friendly, efficient and professional service, choose us; choose Steves Auto Clinic.

Sources consulted during the writing of this article:

• com. 2015. 2006 Mitsubishi Colt Club CAB 2.8 TDI Overheating. Online available at: https://www.2carpros.com/questions/2006-mitsubishi-colt-club-cab-28-tdi-overheating. Accessed on 17 September 2018.
• 4×4 Community. 2008. Hot or not deal – Colt 2.8 tdi. Online available at: https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/showthread.php/16778-Hot-or-not-deal-colt-2-8tdi. Accessed on 17 September 2018.
• 4×4 Community. 2011. Colt 2.8 TDi overheating problems. Online available at: https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/showthread.php/82796-Colt-2-8-TDi-overheating-problems. Accessed on 17 September 2018.
• 4×4 Community. 2012. 2002 Colt 2.8td problems. Please help. Online available at: https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/showthread.php/120826-2002-Colt-2-8td-problems-Please-help. Accessed on 17 September 2018.
• 4×4 Community. 2015. Colt head problems. Online available at: https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/showthread.php/239063-Colt-head-problems. Accessed on 17 September 2018.
• com. 2010. Colt: TDI… overheating problems when pulling… cylinder head… Online available at: https://www.justanswer.com/australia-car/3c3et-driving-colt-2-8-tdi-4-expecting-overheating-problems.html. Accessed on 17 September 2018.
• 2017. Retro Drive: Mitsubushi Colt 2.8 tdi. Online available at: http://www.leisurewheels.co.za/blogs/retro-drive-mitsubushi-colt-2-8tdi/. Accessed on 17 September 2018.
• 2012. Colt 2.8 TDI cold start issues. Online available at: http://www.pajeroclub.co.za/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6951. Accessed on 17 September 2018.
• 2018. Mitsubishi Triton. Online available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_Triton. Accessed on 17 September 2018.

Within the above article, potential problems, causes and fixes have been identified as founded on the experience of vehicle owners and repairers, online sources such as discussion blogs, technical service bulletins and SAC experience. This information is provided solely for reference purposes. SAC strictly instruct readers that only properly qualified individuals should carry out repairs and/or modifications on your vehicles. It should also be made clear that the number of times an item is identified within this discussion should by no way be seen as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur. Two of the exact same vehicles, owned by tow entirely different owners, driven in entirely different ways and on different terrains, and looked after in their own unique ways, will each behave differently. As mentioned, this information is provided solely for reference purposes but we hope – in the process of doing so – to empower you with relevant information which may enable you to make informative decisions whenever you experience any of the mentioned setbacks.