Micra - timing belt problem?

Question

My 2003 new-style Micra started playing up at the weekend, cutting out twice while I was driving along main roads. (Hugely dangerous).

I took it to the garage today and they told me it needed a new timing belt - a two to three-day job, costing from £900 plus VAT. According to them, this is a problem the 2003 Micras are prone to - and Nissan has produced timing chain kits to combat the problem. However, the owner still has to pay - despite not being at fault.

Any info would be good!

Answer 1

Hi there,

How good is your service record?

If it's relatively spot on, go back to your dealer and ask for Nissan assistance, Yes ask for Nissan assistance. The warranty dept of any Nissan dealer is obliged to contact Nissan customer services on your behalf. If they don't and you contact cust serv and complain that you visited a named dealer and NO help was given, it goes against the dealer and affects their CSI and can affect the bonus payment from Nissan. So it is easier for the dealer to make a claim on your behalf and gain some assistance if a strong case is put forward. Sounds strange but I se it done every day and I am amazed at was contribution people get.

btw all petrol Micra K12's are fitted with timing chains and the fix is a new timing chain kit but fix time is usually 10 hrs and if you have been quoted £900+vat then bite their hand off as our Nissan dealer is over £1100+vat inc servicing the engine once it's been rebuilt!!

ps remember you said the Micra are "prone" to this problem so Nissan have known about this for over 5yrs.

Get some quotes too.

Good Luck

Answer 2

Nissan Micra Timing Belt

Answer 3

Nissan Micra Timing Chain

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.



RE:

Micra - timing belt problem?

My 2003 new-style Micra started playing up at the weekend, cutting out twice while I was driving along main roads. (Hugely dangerous).



I took it to the garage today and they told me it needed a new timing belt - a two to three-day job, costing from £900 plus VAT. According to them, this is a...

Answer 5

In most cars, Timing belts need to be changed at 70K miles, or 60K miles for Diesel engines.



This is something that should be done as part of a major service around these mileages, and because of this, it is NOT normally covered by a warranty.



However, if the timing belt has gone BEFORE the 60K mileage, and because it has been recognised as a genuine fault, then it SHOULD be fixed under warranty.



Main dealers will charge a fortune to fix a timing belt, but, a small independent mechanic / garage will charge much less.



Its a job that needs to be done, because a worn / damaged belt can cause the engine to misfire which in turn can cause catastrophic damage that can cost throusands to reapair.



I would go round a few local mechanics and ask how much they will charge. £900 for a job that is NOT your fault is daylight robbery.

Answer 6

these cars have timing chains, nissan have a fault with the chains stretching and going slack as yours has and causing running problems, i think it flags up as cam sensor faults.



i have head it on good authority that changing the oil every 6000 miles prevents this but the micra has much longer service intervals than this.



if your car has a full history to makers specification phone up nissan themselves and see if they will make a goodwill gesture and pay for part of the repair.



if not find yourself an independant to carry the job out.



if its 10 hour job, most independents are £40 an hour plus parts.

Answer 7

they are lying. Does not take more than a day to do a timing belt. Yeah right so 2002 and 2004 Micras aren't prone to it just your 2003 Micra which you just happened to own. Don't be bamboozle and take your car to another shop and always take the scariest hugest dude you can with you everytime you need repairs done.

Answer 8

The price quoted is pretty exhorbitant considering the timing belt costs about £20. and why so long to change to change the belt. I would ask around other garages for a qoute inc. VAT, and you would like a written Guarentee. for the work, and include it in the service book.I would also ask Nissan dealers if what you were told about these belts is true.

Answer 9

Take your car to another garage (preferably a Nissan dealership), just to confirm that is the actual fault.



Then you can get quotes from other garages if it is anything expensive.



Remember, haggle hard (even at Nissan) to get the best price.

Good luck.



P.S. Just found this page with people complaining about this fault - I would take it in and complain this must be a known fault just to see what they say.

I'm sure they don't want loads of people writing to Watchdog!!

http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews331.html

Answer 10

Congratulations..... you have found bigger liars than the beloved Tony.



Timing belts/chains are extremely unlikely to cause your problem!!!!!!

The cutting out is most probably an ignition or fuel problem.



AND..........

The cost of replacing a belt on most cars is about 20GBP plus 2 hours labour.



Take it to someone who knows what they are doing

Answer 11

Its a chain. look on ebay to see for yourself. Just search for "micra timing chain".

Answer 12

You said a new 'timing belt', then you said they have made a 'timing chain kit' ?? Which one does it have? And that's damned expensive!

Answer 13

this model does not have timing belt chain drive take to truthful garage

Answer 14

Somebody is feeding you sh*t babe if you have a fault on the cam chain it ain't going to just cut out its going to be terminal.Get somebody who knows something about motor cars to have a look and not some rip off jerk who knows jack sh*t