Nissan Micra Common Problems and Solutions
Broken Door Handle
Problem:
One or more of your door handles has become brittle, cracked, or has completely snapped off.
Solution:
Although this affects all Micra models, it's a lot more common in the earlier models thanks to a more brittle material being used. If the door handles have become too damaged to use, then you can order the relevant handles using our handy spare part tool.
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Illuminated Engine Failure Light
Problem:
The warning light on your dashboard is lit up, indicating an engine failure.
Solution:
Inspect the camshaft pulley and the timing chain tensioner. If you can see that they are worn or damaged, then they will need to be replaced. We sell both, so you won't have any problems sourcing the replacement parts.
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Keyless Entry Failure
Problem:
Your keyless entry system is malfunctioning, so that you have to use the manual key to gain entry and to lock the car.
Solution:
There is a problem with your keyless entry control module. Before you buy a replacement from our store, it's worth removing the F17 fuse from the fuse box/relay board. Then, sit back and relax for five minutes before you reinsert the fuse. If that doesn't fix the problem, then we'll deliver your keyless entry control module straight to your door.
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Rear Fog Constantly On
Problem:
The rear fog light won't turn off.
Solution:
You'll find that it is usually a software problem that any mechanic will be able to resolve quickly. In some cases, though, it will be a faulty multifunction control module. If so, we can deliver a replacement quickly. You will then need to replace the faulty unit.
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Stalling and Juddering
Problem:
The car will start fine, but then judder and cut out. It will then take a few minutes before you can restart.
Solution:
This will most likely be a simple problem with the engine coolant temperature sensor. We can deliver your replacement very quickly, and you shouldn't have any problems removing the faulty one and installing the new sensor. Unfortunately, the K11 (1993-2003) and K12 (2003-on) models might be experiencing a problem with the throttle body. You should try removing it and cleaning it out, which often resolves the problem. If it doesn't, then you'll need to order a complete throttle body.
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Clutch Slip (All Manual Models)
Problem:
You are finding that the clutch will occasionally slip, especially while accelerating.
Solution:
This is a sign that your clutch has become worn or damaged. Your only option is to replace the entire clutch system, which we can deliver straight to you. Replacing a clutch system might seem like a job best left to mechanics, but it's probably a lot easier than you think (and definitely cheaper) to do yourself.
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Loss of Power
Problem:
There are sudden drops in power while driving.
Solution:
This will almost always be caused by a problem with your mass airflow sensor. You'll be able to buy a replacement filter from us, and it's quite a simple replacement task.
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Broken Turbo (Diesels Only)
Problem:
The turbo has stopped working.
Solution:
This is very common in diesel Micras, which have notoriously problematic turbos. You can order a replacement turbo from our store, but it's worth checking the exhaust gas recycling valve first, as this is much quicker and easier to replace than the entire turbo.
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Rough Idling
Problem:
You are experiencing rough idling and a general lack of engine performance.
Solution:
This is more common on Micras that has been used for short journeys only. It's usually a case that the car hasn't been getting regular doses of antifreeze, meaning that the head gasket is either about to blow or has already become seriously degraded. You'll have to buy a replacement head gasket from our Micra spare parts list and replace the damaged one.
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Car Shaking
Problem:
When you're driving, you can feel the car shaking from side to side. The steering wheel may also shake whenever you accelerate.
Solution:
The velocity joints (CV Joints) in the wheel have become worn, and you will need to order them from us and replace them as soon as possible. This can be a very costly job and quite challenging to do yourself. However, it is possible to do, and there are plenty of online guides available that can walk you through the process.
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Unusual Sound When Braking
Problem:
There is a strange sound you can hear every time that you press the brake pedal. You might also notice oil leaking from the callipers.
Solution:
Your callipers will have seized, and you will need to replace them. This is quite easy to do yourself, but it can be a little bit fiddly. You'll need to order your callipers from our website, then replace the seized ones.
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Rattling from windows
Problem:
If you are hearing a rattling noise coming from the windows, then you have a problem with the runner seal.
Solution:
The runner seal inside the door will need to be adjusted to resolve the issue.
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Power loss
Problem:
If you have noticed that there is power loss when driving or a real lack of power at high speeds, then you most likely have a problem with the mass airflow meter.
Solution:
Replacing the mass airflow meter will fix the problem.
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Battery problems
Problem:
Early versions of the third generation Micra were known to have problems with the battery going flat. This problem is caused by a software failure.
Solution:
The VCM programming needs to be updated to fix this problem. It is covered under warranty, or Nissan might fix it as a good will gesture. If not, you will have to pay for the update.
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Starting problems
Problem:
The Micra has had problems with starting, both when the engine is cold and when it is warm. This problem is caused by a problem with the ignition switch overheating, which causes the starter motor to fail. Is the problem in the video below anything like yours?
Solution:
You will need to replace the ignition switch to resolve the issue. Nissan may fix this as a good will gesture even if the vehicle is not under warranty.
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Boot lock problem
Problem:
It has been known on the Micra to have problems with the boot lock. You will know that it is a problem when the boot will not lock properly and opening and closing is a problem.
Solution:
Check if the vehicle is still under warranty, if not you can ask a Nissan dealer to fix it for free under good will. Otherwise, you will be liable for the cost of the repair.
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Smell of Coolant Inside Car
Problem:
After driving, you notice that you can smell coolant.
Solution:
There will be a crack or a hole in your coolant overflow bottle. You will need to order your replacement, wait for us to deliver it, and then remove the broken part. It's a very quick job that shouldn't present any difficulties.
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Wipers Won't Stop
Problem:
The windscreen wipers work perfectly fine until you spray water on them. Then, they won't stop.
Solution:
This is often a problem that you'll find on the 1.2 Auto Micra, but it can affect most models. The cause is a faulty rainwater sensor. You can order one from us and replace the broken sensor very quickly.
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A Droning Noise While driving
Problem:
When you exceed 20mph, you can hear a droning noise coming from the engine.
Solution:
Don't ignore this problem and hope that it will go away on its own. It's a sign that your wheel bearing is worn, and you will need to order a replacement from our Micra parts list. You'll need to check which wheel bearing is worn so that you order the right type.
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