It has come to my attention that I have little to none in the part of my brain that relates to mechanics. You have no idea how frustrating this is when trying to figure some stuff out. Don't get me wrong, oil change is easy, actually in a weird way part therapy for me. I like doing it by myself. What P's me off is not being able to wrap my mind around the physical mechanics of some of the stuff that folks on the site do. Prime example is the whole radiator / transmission thingy. Now don't get me wrong, if the tables were turned and it all came down to legal mumbo jumbo then you have now entered my playground. I have sucessfuly had Nissan NA replace my faulty fuel relay thingy by way of my way with words, no to mention the littany of shee ite that I have had to deal with since I bought a Sept 05 model. Am I alone in this?
What to do when you are not mechanically inclined
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771 Posts
Not at all... Found this to be a great site to learn and learn on a rig I like, one thing that really helped me understand was the book on my rig, cant remember the name, but they break down your vehicle and show you things you yourself could by step by step.
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4,014 Posts
Perhaps at some point you will befreind someone who's knowledgable and will let you help out during maintenance or a modification on their vehicle. Your confidence will grow. (Although mine is a white collar job, I've worked in large industrial plants with many highly skilled maintenance people who are a great resource when I have a question about my truck or wife's car.)
I remain very impressed with several members of ths forum who are top notch mechanics and excellent writers. I've PM'd them at various times and they're also an excellent resource to call on.
This may sound stupid, but I also enjoy watching Spike TV's 'Powerblock' and ETV's 'MotorWeek'. Lots of good information on these shows and you can't help but pick up some knowledge and tips.
It's neat that you have an interest in the hobby. Let your primary concern always be your personal safety and then enjoy.
I remain very impressed with several members of ths forum who are top notch mechanics and excellent writers. I've PM'd them at various times and they're also an excellent resource to call on.
This may sound stupid, but I also enjoy watching Spike TV's 'Powerblock' and ETV's 'MotorWeek'. Lots of good information on these shows and you can't help but pick up some knowledge and tips.
It's neat that you have an interest in the hobby. Let your primary concern always be your personal safety and then enjoy.
I dont have much of a way with words and a short temper for things that seem bleedingly obvious to me.
I have a knack for wrapping my brain around all things electrical or mechanical. Im a physics major working as a control system engineer. It just makes sense to me. no gray area.
Anyway, Dont sweat not knowing the mechanics. If your interested in something or want to know how to do something, ask here. there are those of us who hang out here to help...
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1,087 Posts
perhaps, if time permits, take a couple of automotive courses at your local comm. college. or buy an old turd and just tear into it see how things work and go back together, and if you eff it up o well theres always somebody who wants it if the price is right
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295 Posts
I also have a 2005 and would love for Nissan NA to replace mine. Irishman, what exactly did you tell them and what was the method of delivery???? Can you please post what you did, as this will help lots of members here. I have compiled some really simple directions for completing the Radiator Auto fluid cooler bypass and will sned to you when I get home tonight. I believe it will help you....
Hyperx2002, here is what I did when it was the fuel relay sending unit, called Nissan NA and got a case #. While on the phone (note that all calls are recorded and reviewed again before they get back to you) I had a list in time order with everything that had gone wrong with the truck. It included the timing chain, rear end, ecu part, drivers side door lock, drivers seat replacement, fuel relay, passenger side window motor and I am sure one or more items. I had these listed as I mentioned in date order. With regard to the fuel relay unit the argument was based on the fact that the one they replaced my faulty 2005 one with was obviously the same part that was now under recall for the later year models. It took about 3 - 4 weeks of going back and forth and not accepting their initial response of "no" Be polite and firm and ask to respectfully speak to some one else.
Good luck!
Good luck!
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24 Posts
My advice, find a friend who is mechanically inclined and use his abilities and knowledge to learn to be more so yourself. When I was in the Air Force we used to say that some people were book smart (usually pilots) and some people were hands-on smart. Occasionally you'll run across someone who is both or neither. Personally I wouldn't worry too much about it. We can't all know how to do everything.
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I like checking out the forums but they can only take you so far just as much as the books. What I've done is found some people who know how to work on cars to "stupidvise" if I'm about to do something. I like the hands-on approach to learning and that's why I'd rather have someone who knows what they're doing on hand in case I screw up. hence, "stupidvise"
I just learn by pulling things apart. Almost all mechanical parts are very easy to replace. I've never taken any automotive classes, but I have replaced some pretty serious automobile parts by just sitting down and tearing them apart (And a little light reading to make sure I don't miss anything that might not be obvious.
That being said, I don't even feel like doing my oil changes anymore. I guess my time is more valuable to me now.
That being said, I don't even feel like doing my oil changes anymore. I guess my time is more valuable to me now.
Not alone. Cars are more complicated today (mainly through electronics) and it takes a specific train technician to know what is really going on without troubleshooting for months.
IMO, leave the mechanics to mechanics. Who wouldn't want to start listening to your legal mumbo jumbo, right?
Legal mumbo jumbo is actually quite easy to get around. Listening and making sure you are being listened to is key, as is a very few easily "worded questions" for example when on the phone with a Nissan NA rep...."Would you or would you not agree that having to replace a part that other Frontier owners have had replaced by Nissan NA" etc....mind your words and speak slowly and clearly, all conversations are recorded. Ask if you have permission to record the conversation and see what happens... 
Watch how quick the conversation ends.....
Watch how quick the conversation ends.....
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