Electronic Diagnostics: Nissan Qashqai 1.2
Tracing and fixing faults in electronic engine management systems
The Qashqai has proved a huge hit for its practicality for family use. Is such enthusiasm justified when it comes to the model’s diagnostic aspects?
Kim Henson and Edward Haggar take a look beneath the bonnet.
The first-generation Nissan Qashqai, designated J10, made its debut in 2006 at the Paris Motor Show after guesting as a concept car at the 2004 Geneva Show. Based on the X-trail and combining the benefits of a hatchback and estate car, the model was described as a ‘crossover’ or sports utility vehicle, only deliberately more compact than traditional SUVS. Its name was a reference to a nomadic tribe in the mountains of south-west Iran. The body was created by the Londonbased Nissan Design Europe, while the mechanical aspects were developed by Nissan Technical Centre Europe in Cranfield, Bedfordshire.
Since launch, the Qashqai has been a success, especially for the Sunderland plant where it has been built from the outset. It proved popular with both the public and motoring press for its appealing blend of family-friendly features. It also found favour in export markets around the globe.
In production for more than seven years, the J10 was offered with a choice of 1.6or 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines. The standard car was a five-seater, but a longer wheelbase, sevenseat version, designated Qashqai+2 was added to the line-up in 2008. The model received a facelift in 2009, with electronic stability control fitted to all versions.
A revised and updated secondgeneration Qashqai, designated J11, arrived towards the end of 2013, still built at Sunderland. It was sold in Britain from February 2014 and proved just as much of a success as its predesessor. The newcomer was sold with petrol power – a 1.2-litre model, with a 1.6 offered from late 2014 – or as a 1.5- or 1.6-litre diesel.
More than one million Qashqais have been sold around the world since launch, making it the most successful Nissan model ever. The top markets for it include Britain, Russia, Italy, Germany and Spain.
Our vehicle for this feature is a second-generation 1.2-litre fourcylinder petrol version, registered in March 2017. The engine is designated DIG-T for ‘Direct injection Gasoline – Turbocharged’, which produces greater power and torque than the firstgeneration 1.6. It’s a refined vehicle and frugal to run, with more than 50mpg a realistic prospect in normal everyday motoring. It’s a willing performer if it’s kept spinning at higher revs, enabling the turbocharger to do its job.
Helping us through the diagnostic aspects of this engine is Edward Haggar.