[kelly bauman]

Hi everybody,

I've searched and read stickies, but still haven't found an answer to my basic dumb question:

I've got a 2002 sentra gxe, with about 62,000 (lots of commuter miles), and I'm wondering just how important it is to get the timing belt replaced now. Before my dad died last year, he told me to do it at 60,000, but I'm wondering if I might be ok until 70,000 or so? Is there any indication before they go? Will it destroy the engine if it fails on the freeway?!? Somebody just told me it would at school, and I was surprised. Then again, I'm a high school Spanish teacher...not a mechanic.

Thanks so much,

kelly :loser:

 

[chimmike]

your car has a timing chain (it says so on the sticker )

Therefore, it doesn't need to be worried about or changed until around 120,000 miles.

 

[Kindfiend]

your car has a timing chain (it says so on the sticker )

Therefore, it doesn't need to be worried about or changed until around 120,000 miles.

Always shortest answers possible from Chimmike... Sorry to highjack your thread though.

Timing belts are usually changed around 90000 miles on cars that use them. Since you have a chain, which lasts much longer, you probably won't have to worry about it. Now, around 100k miles, you might need to look into getting the tensioners replaced. They hold the chain tight, and tend to get frozen after awhile. When they start to go, you will hear a scrapping sound from the passenger side of the engine. Light at first, then louder as the chain wears into the tensioner.

Yes, on Nissans, if the chain (or belt) broke, it could cause serious problems.

At 62000, you don't have much to worry about besides oil changes. You got a ways to go... enjoy

 

[chimmike]

actually, that's incorrect. it's highly recommended that a timing belt be replaced at every 60,000 mile interval, this has been true for as long as I can remember

 

[IanH]

actually, that's incorrect. it's highly recommended that a timing belt be replaced at every 60,000 mile interval, this has been true for as long as I can remember

Depends on the car, my Subaru was 60,000, my old Audi was 75,000
I am sure some of the newer cars are longer....
At least with Nissan going to chains on the Sentra's in 91 ??, we don't have to worry so much.
Good Luck...

 

[kelly bauman]

Thanks for everything, folks, this is a big weight off of my mind!

kelly

 

[chimmike]

you're quite welcome. However it is about that time when you want to do a normal tune up.

I suggest:
new spark plugs ( get them from Nissan)
and a new air filter.

Both of these things you can easily do yourself (without getting charged outrageously by a shop)

if you decide to do these two things, please post back here and I'll provide more detailed instructions for ya

 

[kelly bauman]

Thanks and Yikes!

Thanks a lot, Mike. I'd love to know how to do it myself.

Thing is, today on the way to school, the "service engine light" came on. i check the manual, and this apparently indicates an exhaust or emissions problem. Also according the manual, this is not an "engine is dying immediately" sort of message, either...which I guess is good.

I did check the gas cap (as instructed by the manual), and it may have been placed crookedly the last time. Something didn't feel right. I don't know...hopefully it isn't a big deal. I think I'll get a new air filter on the way home and see if that helps.

No!

kelly

 

[Kindfiend]

Thanks a lot, Mike. I'd love to know how to do it myself.

Thing is, today on the way to school, the "service engine light" came on. i check the manual, and this apparently indicates an exhaust or emissions problem. Also according the manual, this is not an "engine is dying immediately" sort of message, either...which I guess is good.

I did check the gas cap (as instructed by the manual), and it may have been placed crookedly the last time. Something didn't feel right. I don't know...hopefully it isn't a big deal. I think I'll get a new air filter on the way home and see if that helps.

No!

kelly

Since the dealership might charge you to check the code, I suggest taking it to Autozone and having the code pulled for free. Tell us what they find and at the very least you can be well informed when you take the car in for service... unless of course the gas cap was just loose. Good luck!

 

[kelly bauman]

Hmmmm....

Well, I took it to Nissan 'cause it needed recall work done anyway. I'm hoping they give it a once over while it's there!

Funny, about 30 miles after I repositioned the gas cap (and put in a new air filter) the service engine soon light disappeared. I'm guessing it was probably that.

We'll see. Again, thanks so much to the people who help out around here! So much of the time, the internet is just silly...it's really coming in handy now.

Thanks!

kelly