InspectorGadget

Hi All, You can add my car to the list having these kinds of problems. I imported the car into NZ at 45k and noticed an intermittent issue with the AT shortly after which would occur about every six months or so. It would generally occur when the following sequence of events had happened: 1) The vehicle was brought up to operating temperatures and run for an extended period of time at motorway speeds. 2) The vehicle was then stopped and turned off for at least 20 minutes or longer and allowed to partially cool. 3) It was then taken for another run at a minimum of 100Kp/h. If it was carrying a bit of load, that also exacerbated it. 4) More likely to happen in the summer months. Currently the car has about 145K on it and I have had one solenoid kit go (definitely a faulty shift solenoid "A"). The symptoms of that were quite different in that every time you got to over 105Kp/h for more than about 5 minutes, you were guaranteed to see the AT light come on. As you guys have worked out, this is a separate issue. To date the work I have had done is as follows: 1) Take the car into an auto-trans shop with the light on. Using their diagnostic computer, it spits out a fault code for Shift Solenoid "A". 2) The auto-trans shop retested the fresh solenoid pack and confirmed that this was operating normally. They then sent me to an auto-electrician 3) The auto electrician tested the wiring loom inside the auto trans (OK), retested the solenoids (OK). 4) I was able to locate a full workshop manual for the R34 on the internet and supply this to the auto-electrician. This contained a wiring diagram for the tiptronic auto-trans used in the R34. Through this they were able to work out that the only other component in the same circuit 'Shift Solenoid "A"' is a "Shift Solenoid A Pressure Detection Switch" (PN 31041-4AX01 I believe), which they figure must be the cause of the problem. It is interesting to note that there are two pressure switches in the auto-trans, but only one will generate a unique fault code clearly stating that it is a auto trans pressure switch issue. The second one, and the one that I believe we are all having problems with, trips the fault code for the Shift Solenoid A, fires up the AT light on the dash, and puts the car into "Limp Home Mode". This obviously makes diagnosing the issue a bit harder, especially when this type of code is not stored when the vehicle is turned off. So, right now I have a new pressure switch in my glove box waiting for me to get annoyed enough with the car want to put it in. The switch cost me NZ$150 ex Japan, and the auto-electrician tells me that it is buried inside the trans somewhere, and they will need the help of a transmission specialist to get to it. I have attached the wiring diagram and circled the component I think is the source of our problems. Your thoughts? InspectorGadget R34_Wiring_Diagram.pdf

I just replied to another poster on the same topic. Check out this site http://www.japanhotel.net/ I have used them a number of times and they are good. If you are after a real authentic Japanese experience, you could also try a capsule Hotel or a Love hotel A good capsule hotel will set you back around 3-4000 yen for the night, and a love hotel around 7-10000. Love hotels generally allow people to check in from arount 9 - 10pm. INSGDT

Check out this firm http://www.japanhotel.net/ My fiancee and I used them a couple of times when I was living there and doing the occasional side trip. Many of the hotels they offer are classified as "business hotels", ie not the top of the range tourist hotels and they are also close to the centre of town. The service is top notch from these guys. Most offer rates of between 5000-12000yen per night. INSGDT

Me and a mate caught one guy a number of years ago harassing a schoolgirl on the Joban-sen. He has basically trapped her in the corner of the doors. We slowly made our way towards him without arousing his suspicion, and when the train made the next stop, we shoved him out as the doors were closing. He missed his train, and the schoolgirl thanked us in English. It certainly made my day. IG

They reckon that about 30% of the population either has the antibodies and/or develops the symptoms. If you haven't developed the symptoms yet, it is unlikely that you ever will. Count yourself lucky. This year it's a bit weird for me. There's a hell of a lot more pollen around, but my symptoms are a lit milder than in previous years. I'm certainly not worried about this development. It's my last year here anyway as I am shipping out at the end of April. IG

I usually use this one: http://www.excite.co.jp/world/english/ The translations are easier to understand, but you need to cut and paste what you want changed. IG

Yup. I have it too. With most foreigners, if you are susceptible, it takes about 1 -3 years to develop the symptoms after you enter Japan. So for the first couple of years you may not have any reaction. Antihistimines are good, but don't go on the piss after you've had them though. You can also buy HEPA air filters and ionisers for your home, and they work really well. IG

What's the bet that all that dust is actually Cedar pollen, which is floating around en mass at the moment. If so, I wouldn't bother cleaning it for about 3 months . . . Nice 'liner! IG

There was one related to the Crank Angle Sensor (CAS) which affected quite a few models. Basically the plastic resin used warped under heat, putting the sensor out of place, which in turn gave a faulty signal to the ECU. IG

It could be discharge (High Intensity Discharge, HID) but I've usually found that they write it down as 'Xenon' when when it's noted on the Auction sheets. I would have thought that that Chaser would have been too early for factory Xenon's, unless the previous owner installed an after market kit. IG

I've just bought a GT-X (NA) about a month ago but I'm still yet to drive it. From what you guys have written above there could be two issues here. One seems to occur when the auto box is pushed hard. Ie R34GTX with his 150km blast, and Abo Bob on the track. And the other is related to the solenoids. I checked on the Nissan Japan website, and there is nothing there about a recall related to these auto boxes. What are these shift kits? and what do they do? IG

I've just been through this process about a month ago (but to New Zealand). If you're looking for an Auction agent in Tokyo, have a talk to this company. http://www.grahamberry2.co.jp/. In particular, Fujita-san ([email protected]) is the bloke that you're after. Fantastic service. IG PS PM me if you want more info.

The Blue, Black and Grey is back. Sanity has prevailed. IG

Bugger. You could have a chat to these guys: http://www.economovejapan.com/self_eng_index.htm IG

SAL isn't actually that slow. I regularly post stuff back to NZ marked SAL, and it gets there in about 7 days (even though they quote 2 - 3 weeks). It only really ever gets bumped off the flights if the post is really busy (ie the end of the financial year or Christmas) You should be OK. Use this tool to find the best option for you: http://www.shipping.jp/en/intl.html IG IG