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Sold an E50 Lemon?!

C

CantonasCollar

Member
E50 Owner
Midlands
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Location
Derby
First Name
Nick
Elgrand
E50
Region
Midlands
Evening all,

I think I already know the answer but thought I'd run it past you folk on the off chance I could possibly do something.....
Back in November of last year I bought an E50 from a chap off Facebook. Came across as a very decent bloke chatting prior to meeting and in person but turns out that he's done one over on me. Test driving it all seemed spot on and have intermittently driven it since purchasing one because of the lack of being able to drive due to covid and because I've been out of action for 3 months as a result of breaking my elbow during a run.
Long story short it started stalling a couple of weeks ago and continued to do so every time we took it out, anyway took it to specialist garage for Japanese vehicles and they've since discovered that the engine maintenance light has been removed and there has been an issue with the engine for some time. They are still trying to work out the issue with it and are taking it to Nissan for diagnostics on Monday when hopefully all will revealed.
So basically he's sold me a car that was crocked and covered it up by removing the bulb.
I appreciate that these are the risks with buying privately and I also understand that I should've noticed that the light wasn't coming on when turning on the ignition. I have yet to contact the bloke on Facebook for all its worth but my question is, is there anything I can do other than message him to give him a piece of my mind? I haven't got a leg to stand on have I? Proving it that he removed it is the sticking point eh?
Thanks in advance..... :(
 
Sounds most unfortunate. Whilst the removed light doesn't instil confidence you've no way of knowing if it was removed for this particular problem or for another reason. Also you'll never know if the previous owner was even aware of the removal and since it seems to be a new issue that they were aware of a problem. You could try dropping him a polite line to see if he could shed any light on the matter but its not worth getting into agro and causing more upset.

I'm surprised a Japan specialist can't read the codes but there are two types of OBD sockets on the E50 and you may have the earlier version with less common number of pins in the socket. Let us know the exact year/model and engine and we'll be better placed to advise.

There is a thread about E50 diagnostics readers which the garage/yourself may benefit from investing in and there is also a method of setting the ignition and counting flashes on the dashboard but this depends on the type of OBD socket you have. If you can get the codes read then it would save the cost of a trip to the Nissan dealer.
 
malcolmyz85 said:
Couple of simple questions what is engine and what codes has garage found
Click to expand...
Thanks for getting back to me Malcolm, it's a 3.2 diesel, not sure of the codes will call them tomorrow and find out.
Lize said:
Sounds most unfortunate. Whilst the removed light doesn't instil confidence you've no way of knowing if it was removed for this particular problem or for another reason. Also you'll never know if the previous owner was even aware of the removal and since it seems to be a new issue that they were aware of a problem. You could try dropping him a polite line to see if he could shed any light on the matter but its not worth getting into agro and causing more upset.

I'm surprised a Japan specialist can't read the codes but there are two types of OBD sockets on the E50 and you may have the earlier version with less common number of pins in the socket. Let us know the exact year/model and engine and we'll be better placed to advise.

There is a thread about E50 diagnostics readers which the garage/yourself may benefit from investing in and there is also a method of setting the ignition and counting flashes on the dashboard but this depends on the type of OBD socket you have. If you can get the codes read then it would save the cost of a trip to the Nissan dealer.
Click to expand...
Thanks for taking the time to reply Lize, you speak a lot of sense and little will come from flying of the handle so to speak, he had the Elgrand for 2 years so find it hard to believe that he wasn't aware of it being removed. But you never know I guess! I'll drop him a message tomorrow and see what he has to say.
I too was surprised that they weren't able to read the codes, I didn't take the call my wife did but will get in touch with them tomorrow to find out what the readings are. I'll then take a look at the thread as you suggest Lize.
As mentioned above its a 1999 Highway Star, 3.2 diesel. Thanks again.
 
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My e50 eml doesn’t work either but I haven’t taken it out , I’m guessing it has failed , loads of single little bulbs in the dash , the 3.2 is a gd solid engine normally, sorry I can’t help with code reading mine is different model , but @Elliematt83 might , I would think about taking car to a diesel shop , could be loads of different things that cause your fault , fuel filter , air filter , maf and it goes on , hard to really say without more info , even car standing for 3 months might have added to faults , gd luck with your search , maybe old member might have fault before
And check your pipe from turbo , 90 deg
 
I'm not very knowledgable about E50s but it sounds like yours is the '99 pre-face lift model with it having the the 3.2 so the plug is the less usual 14 pin version.

A double check is this:
Karl said:
If yours is pre facelift (easy check - headlight consists of 4 parts, headlight, side/fog light, turning light, indicator). Then you have the 14 Pin Consult port.

If yours is post facelift (easy check, headlight is ONE solid unit). Then you have the 16 pin OBD-II port.
Click to expand...

This is the code reading section so you can have a browse:

E50 Code Reading (EML)

Got an error code on your E50? Ask here for help.
forum.elgrandoc.uk forum.elgrandoc.uk

Here's an informative thread about code reading on E50:
https://forum.elgrandoc.uk/threads/e50-Elgrand-code-reading.8311/

There is a recommendation for an adapter which works with the 14 pin plug in this thread:

Theres one about EML flashes here but since your bulb isn't working it won't assist, just included it incase someone else reads this thread at a later date:

List of code meanings here:

Let us know how you get on.
 
I feel your pain :( if you don't fancy reading the eml flashes nds2 app for the 14 pin is great it's free but you would need the suitable 14 lead they can be found cheap enough, as malcolm says check the elbow on the turbo pipe I'd also change the fuel filter as they can get a build up of water in them but until you have the codes it's a stab at what the problem is
 
Thanks all for your replies, it really is appreciated. Still without her unfortunately, I spoke to the garage on Friday as suggested above they are waiting on the 14 pin OBD plug, they were taking it to Nissan tomorrow to speed up the process but told them that we were happy to wait to save the extra money and wait for them to carry out the diagnostics when the part arrives. Not convinced that Nissan would be much help with a 20 plus year old Elgrand anyway?
Have yet to contact the bloke I bought it off for all its worth, I can see how it would all play out anyway.
Not convinced this is going to be a happy ending, my long desire to own an Elgrand and very short experience with it (as much as I enjoyed it whilst it lasted) may have well come to a very abrupt end. 😟
 
CantonasCollar said:
Thanks all for your replies, it really is appreciated. Still without her unfortunately, I spoke to the garage on Friday as suggested above they are waiting on the 14 pin OBD plug, they were taking it to Nissan tomorrow to speed up the process but told them that we were happy to wait to save the extra money and wait for them to carry out the diagnostics when the part arrives. Not convinced that Nissan would be much help with a 20 plus year old Elgrand anyway?
Have yet to contact the bloke I bought it off for all its worth, I can see how it would all play out anyway.
Not convinced this is going to be a happy ending, my long desire to own an Elgrand and very short experience with it (as much as I enjoyed it whilst it lasted) may have well come to a very abrupt end. 😟
Click to expand...
Put some pics of your bus , u could get some interest on here , I’m not convinced it’s a lemon but without seeing and hearing I’m prob wrong , but it could be loads of different faults , if this garage is saying it’s had the engine fault for along time what exactly fault are they saying it has ??? Always gd to do basics, what exactly is car doing ???
 
I seem to remember the fuel relay going dodgy over time on the E50, easy test is to swap the A/C and Fuel relays over, just inside bonnet on the left side as I remember
20210425_100728.jpg
 
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Just wondering how the garage know its had the fault for a long time. Wouldn't give up. My eml light seems to have been cured by removing all the fuses and giving the blades a clean up with fine emery cloth. Could have been a coincidence but so far even the radio has stopped it's Norman Collier impression since doing this
 
I think that buying a second hand car is usually a case of "buyer beware". This seems to be particularly the case for private sales. The common expression that people write on receipts is "sold as seen". What validity this has in law I'm not sure but it is often used as a get out in case there is something wrong with the car.
Many, many years ago (1975 approx) I bought a Fiat 850 Sports. The driver's window winding system had been disconnected and the window was wedged closed. When I went to open the window this became obvious (having bought the car).

I guess you have test just about everything when you buy a car and keep your fingers crossed. Hopefully your problem will get sorted without too much expense, and you will end up with a nice car.😉
 
malcolmyz85 said:
Put some pics of your bus , u could get some interest on here , I’m not convinced it’s a lemon but without seeing and hearing I’m prob wrong , but it could be loads of different faults , if this garage is saying it’s had the engine fault for along time what exactly fault are they saying it has ??? Always gd to do basics, what exactly is car doing ???
Click to expand...
Yeah I'm not convinced just yet, still holding out some hope that we'll get her back and get to enjoy her still! My wife spoke to the garage initially so she may have interpreted it as there being an issue for a while, as you say no way of knowing how long it's been crocked due to light, it appeared to drive OK so may be a new problem.
It started stalling, in particular when reversing but on occasion when stopping at lights. I did some digging and thought it might be something blocked (which they've checked) or it could be the Torque converter?
Elgrandonaut said:
I seem to remember the fuel relay going dodgy over time on the E50, easy test is to swap the A/C and Fuel relays over, just inside bonnet on the left side as I remember
View attachment 53185
Click to expand...
Thanks for this, will certainly give it a go if all else fails! 👍
2810a.l said:
Just wondering how the garage know its had the fault for a long time. Wouldn't give up. My eml light seems to have been cured by removing all the fuses and giving the blades a clean up with fine emery cloth. Could have been a coincidence but so far even the radio has stopped it's Norman Collier impression since doing this
Click to expand...
☺ Pleased to hear that you managed to sort yours! Not giving up on her just yet, still hoping that it'll make a full recovery and more importantly doesn't cost an arm and a leg! 😰
Frogeyepete said:
I think that buying a second hand car is usually a case of "buyer beware". This seems to be particularly the case for private sales. The common expression that people write on receipts is "sold as seen". What validity this has in law I'm not sure but it is often used as a get out in case there is something wrong with the car.
Many, many years ago (1975 approx) I bought a Fiat 850 Sports. The driver's window winding system had been disconnected and the window was wedged closed. When I went to open the window this became obvious (having bought the car).

I guess you have test just about everything when you buy a car and keep your fingers crossed. Hopefully your problem will get sorted without too much expense, and you will end up with a nice car.😉
Click to expand...
That's it, always comes with its risks as you have no real comebacks once you've handed over your hard earned money.
Thanks mate appreciate it, fingers crossed its not too costly and we get to enjoy her over the summer and beyond!

Thanks all for the comments and support, you're a lovely bunch on here! 😊 👍
 
My two pence, I'd suggest it's fuel related, relay / blocked fuel filter / bad injector(s)
The engine light (bulb) may have been removed many moons ago, it may not necessarily of being the previous owner whom did this? so I'd not go all guns blazing towards the previous keeper, as there's no way of proving 'foul play' either way, at this stage.

From what I know of those 3.2 Diesels, they're excellent engines. I'm sure a decent garage will get to the bottom of it (eventually) I wouldn't be giving up yet, put it that way.

Good luck though! 👍
 
CantonasCollar said:
Yeah I'm not convinced just yet, still holding out some hope that we'll get her back and get to enjoy her still! My wife spoke to the garage initially so she may have interpreted it as there being an issue for a while, as you say no way of knowing how long it's been crocked due to light, it appeared to drive OK so may be a new problem.
It started stalling, in particular when reversing but on occasion when stopping at lights. I did some digging and thought it might be something blocked (which they've checked) or it could be the Torque converter?

Thanks for this, will certainly give it a go if all else fails! 👍

☺ Pleased to hear that you managed to sort yours! Not giving up on her just yet, still hoping that it'll make a full recovery and more importantly doesn't cost an arm and a leg! 😰

That's it, always comes with its risks as you have no real comebacks once you've handed over your hard earned money.
Thanks mate appreciate it, fingers crossed its not too costly and we get to enjoy her over the summer and beyond!

Thanks all for the comments and support, you're a lovely bunch on here! 😊 👍
Click to expand...
Have search on here @CantonasCollar , I’ve seen plenty posts on 3.2 stalling , espo in reverse and something called the 50mph shudder , never had them in my 3.2 e50s but plenty have
 
Latest update! Missed garage owners call he left a message to say they were unable to code read it with their specialist equipment, took it to Nissan who were also unable to code read it either. Cost fortunately so far is very minimal even though they've had it for over a week, they've made a small repair to fuel line and paper fuel filter.
Will give him a call in the morning, but sounds like that they've got to the end of the line

with it. Not sure where to go from here. Im no mechanic but reading some of the threads the stalling doesn't seem to stop people driving it about regardless of the stalling. Want to get it sorted. Having looked at the threads these might be worth exploring....

- Maf clean/replace
- Diesel injector cleaner
- Crank sensor clean/change
- wynns dry fuel
- make sure your battery and alternator are functioning well

If I bring the old girl home even a complete novice like myself could manage the dry fuel and diesel injector cleaner. Are the other checks/cleaning relatively straight forward to anyone's knowledge? Or as someone who is not very competent should I try another garage to get a second opinion?
We had to jump start it a number of times, I put it down to the cold and it not being used much, but could this be contributing/ed to the stalling at all?

Thanks again! 👍
 
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Get your own cable and read the codes, without them its a bit of a guessing game. Most likely someone on here will have had the same problem and you could then go to a garage armed with the information. The things on your list can't hurt but I'd doubt any cleaner on the list will solve your problems and you'll spend quite a bit of cash getting them.
 
I had the same issue, it was cured by a combination of loose pin in accelerator pedal reseated, 10k boost intake foaming cleaner run through after the filter, maf sensor element (oily grime) cleaned VERY GENTLY with a cotton bud soaked in meths and swapped the A/C and Fuel Relay over, I can't say for certain which of these it was, it may have been a combination or all of the above contributing.
I did have the ECUTalk cable £70 from Australia connected to a laptop, with no faults showing on each occurence although the timing was showing slightly out of spec when running at idle.
 
Lize said:
Get your own cable and read the codes, without them its a bit of a guessing game. Most likely someone on here will have had the same problem and you could then go to a garage armed with the information. The things on your list can't hurt but I'd doubt any cleaner on the list will solve your problems and you'll spend quite a bit of cash getting them.
Click to expand...
Thanks again Lize, if I were to get the necessary obd plug etc would I not come across the same issue as the garage and not come up with any faults if I were to do my own diagnostics?
 
s200rey said:
My two pence, I'd suggest it's fuel related, relay / blocked fuel filter / bad injector(s)
The engine light (bulb) may have been removed many moons ago, it may not necessarily of being the previous owner whom did this? so I'd not go all guns blazing towards the previous keeper, as there's no way of proving 'foul play' either way, at this stage.

From what I know of those 3.2 Diesels, they're excellent engines. I'm sure a decent garage will get to the bottom of it (eventually) I wouldn't be giving up yet, put it that way.

Good luck though! 👍
Click to expand...
Thanks for the reply, I agree there is nothing to be gained by having a go at the person who sold us the bus (as much as my wife is adamant that we should! 😬) As you say there is nothing to say that it was him. Think the problem is that the garage owner suggests that it was him when he has spoken to my wife. Oh well. Thanks for the advice thinking it might be fuel related, unfortunately they haven't picked up any error codes when doing the diagnostics, so looks like end of the road with them. 😔
 
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