coltris22

Hey all,

I have a 2005 pathfinder with an unusual problem. I have taken it to two seperate dealers and none of them will help me with this. Every piece of chrome on the vehicle, including the emblems, are showing signs of discoloration. They look like waterspots at first, but when you get closer you can see they are an orange color. The spots are all over the chrome on the grill and emblems but not on the wheels. The wheels are made of something different so this is no surprise. The rest of the vehicle is fine and free of any marks. Nissan says that it is environmentally caused and they are not liable. This sounds like a load to me because the Pathfinder is supposed to be a rugged SUV that can stand up to the elements. Has anyone had the same problem and know how to get rid of the spots? I have tried every chrome restorative that I can find, and even went so far as to make a vinegar concoction.

Thanks in advance,

Brad

 

Xeno

I bet it is on everything and not isolated to the chrome. Also do note that it is chrome plated plastic, so don't use anything too costic to plastic.

Where do you live? (maybe bad pollution).

If it is spots then in was contained in water drops/vapor and was temporary exposure. Opposed to film or runs.

As for what it is, would only be guessing.

Try soaking it by leaving a mildly soapy rag on it for 30 min then wipe it off.

gbest03

Try a clay bar, keep the surface lubricated with a spray of car wash soap and water, it should come off.

__________________
06 Pathfinder LE
Black/Desert

coltris22

Thanks for the replies so far...

I live in Denver, Colorado. The service manager at Nissan that I have talked with told me that it is caused by Magnesium Chloride. They put that on our roads out here to keep ice from forming. I also had one the techs tell me that it could have been caused by an autowash that sprays a very harsh chemical wax. I have not tried a clay bar yet so I think I will try that next. I figured that all of the chrome restoratives that I had used would have alteast improved the issue but they could not even touch it.

Thanks!

Brad

Xeno

Magnesium Chloride is clear to white in color.

 

coltris22

Right, but the service manager was trying to convince me that the mag chloride ate the clear coat and stained the chrome paint. It has not touched the rest of the paint, only the pieces that are chrome painted/dipped.

coltris22

This is what it looks like:
http://www.cavalrycomputers.com/temp.htm

Think a clay bar would get this out?

Xeno

Shows you how much they know. I just checked the "chrome" for continuity and it has 0 resistance. That means that there is no "clear coat" or anything like that. Any type of polish would probably dull it (including the clay bar) clay bar was never meant for chrome, let alone plastic coated chrome. But you can try it in a small area.

Can you scrape it with your finger nail (completley off?)

coltris22

Scraping doesnt do anything. The paint appears to be stained and at this point I am at a loss. I found a place I can buy all the parts online to replace the chrome painted pieces, but it will cost about $500.00.

Xeno

Unless you moved and changed your driving route, it'll probably appear again. I would take it to a detail shop first & saee what they say!