[aabidansari]

Very interesting conversation going on here. My empathies with Kudoos.

Umm..My two bits on this issue - After initial launch of the Nano, Tata motors had an issue with the starter motors going kaput. They later on did a software update on the ECU to prevent the engine cranking if it was in running condition.
Also note that there are no knock sensors or cam timing sensors on this engine. Everything is ECU software controlled.

From the description of your problems regarding intemittent and irregular stoppages as well as engine knock, methinks it could be an issue with the ECU.

Ofcourse for all its worth, it may simply be a clogged air filter.

Do keep us posted on the developments. Love to hear about guys caring for their Nanos.

[kutoos]

Originally Posted by torquecurve

Can you ask someone to start the car with you watching from the rear? If the vibration is high could indicate a spark plug fault on one of the two cylinders.

@torquecurce: Thanks for the reply and appreciate the effort.

There is a big shudder when the engine fires up. Also when crawling in traffic, I've noticed that it keeps shuddering slightly and this stutter disappears when i rev up or pick up speed. Have taken it to the service centre now to check it out.

[quote=torquecurve;3485412] If the car settles after about a minute it could be due to the coil not providing enough juice to the spark plug or the spark plug is faulty ( needs more voltage) and runs fine with the alternator supplying current (~ 13.5v compared to 12v of battery). Remember the initial cranking is supplied by battery and typically switches over to alt after about a minute. ( battery charge recovered and then direct to line).

Have asked them to check on the spark plug. Will ask them to check teh coils and the alternator to see if all is well there.

[Cuatro]

Another issue I am facing in the Nano after 37000 Kms is the engine knocking. This happens especially in the 3rd gear if it goes at a relatively slower speed, say 20 KMPH. The next service is due at 40000 kms.

I'd like to hear from other Nano owners if they faced this issue. If so what was done to check this issue.

[john doe]

Originally Posted by Cuatro

the engine knocking happens especially in the 3rd gear if it goes at a relatively slower speed, say 20 KMPH.

I am sure that your Nano is knocking because you are at too low a speed for 3rd gear.

For a 624 CC engine, it is essential that you be in the appropriate gear, especially since it is no longer a brand new engine, or clutch.

[Cuatro]

Thanks john_doe. However this problem just started to surface since about 2000 kilometers. I now start to suspect the clutch or the air filters. I will surely mention these in the next service and try fixing them.

[aabidansari]

Can someone help me with my issue? I have been consistently getting an FE of 12~13 on my Nano in the city. Why? - I simply don't know.
However, when I took her out on the highway I got upto 20kmpl.
Is it the car of is it me?

[VeluM]

Originally Posted by Cuatro

Thanks john_doe. However this problem just started to surface since about 2000 kilometers. I now start to suspect the clutch or the air filters. I will surely mention these in the next service and try fixing them.

I think what john_doe meant is that the problem probably started because you have been driving in the wrong gear, and straining the engine. I agree with john_doe (if that is what was meant).

Originally Posted by aabidansari

Can someone help me with my issue? I have been consistently getting an FE of 12~13 on my Nano in the city. Why? - I simply don't know.
However, when I took her out on the highway I got upto 20kmpl.
Is it the car of is it me?

Where and when do you drive (city, time of day, traffic conditions)? High traffic, stop-and-go conditions can drastically reduce the average. In the Nano it may also be relevant to mention the regular load.

[GrammarNazi]

Originally Posted by aabidansari

Can someone help me with my issue? I have been consistently getting an FE of 12~13 on my Nano in the city. Why? - I simply don't know.
However, when I took her out on the highway I got upto 20kmpl.
Is it the car of is it me?

Even I'm facing the same issue. I used to easily get 18-19kmpl in the first 2 years, but then on the mileage within the city dropped to 14-16kmpl (all figures without A/c). Try extracting more mileage by upshifting to 3rd as soon as car crosses 25kmph and 4th as soon as you cross 40kmph - limit top speed to 50kmph. (Edit : Check your tyre pressure. I keep it at 32 for the rear and 30 for the front - abit higher than 'recommended' pressure)

I've got ~27 - 28kmpl on highways over 100kms WITH 3 aboard (limiting speed to 60kmph). I guess mileage can vary with driving style & traffic conditions. Limit acceleration and drive sedately. If it still doesn't improve, visit T.A.S.S.

Warranty days at TaMo is the crucial time to get anything & everything repaired as necessary. Mine is expiring ~12th August, so planning to get my wiper motor checked too. The fast mode has become Extremely fast & almost looks like it'll break off.

[john doe]

In most of the above cases, I believe that the most likely cause is weakened clutch. The life of the Nano clutch ( in my experience) is not a very long lasting one. I am on my 2nd clutch ( Tata warranty zindabad !)

ABout the wiper speed changing, my Nano's wiper stopped last week. I had the devil's own time finding out which service centre in Pune had the LX model's combination switch in stock. Finally found it in Concorde and spent Rs.1015 to replace the switches.

[aabidansari]

Originally Posted by VeluM

Where and when do you drive (city, time of day, traffic conditions)? High traffic, stop-and-go conditions can drastically reduce the average. In the Nano it may also be relevant to mention the regular load.

The drive is my daily commute - in heavy traffic (Chennai-Tnagar). Always in 2nd/3rd, rarely 4th, can never do beyond 40. Ofcourse all this with the AC on. I use Shell unleaded btw.

Originally Posted by GrammarNazi

Even I'm facing the same issue. I used to easily get 18-19kmpl in the first 2 years, but then on the mileage within the city dropped to 14-16kmpl (all figures without A/c). Try extracting more mileage by upshifting to 3rd as soon as car crosses 25kmph and 4th as soon as you cross 40kmph - limit top speed to 50kmph. (Edit : Check your tyre pressure. I keep it at 32 for the rear and 30 for the front - abit higher than 'recommended' pressure)

I've got ~27 - 28kmpl on highways over 100kms WITH 3 aboard (limiting speed to 60kmph). I guess mileage can vary with driving style & traffic conditions. Limit acceleration and drive sedately. If it still doesn't improve, visit T.A.S.S.

Warranty days at TaMo is the crucial time to get anything & everything repaired as necessary. Mine is expiring ~12th August, so planning to get my wiper motor checked too. The fast mode has become Extremely fast & almost looks like it'll break off.

Tyre pressure - I keep it at 28 as recommended by Tata. Maybe I should press up to 30. Is 32 safe enough?

Wow 27~28 FE on the highways. I envy you man!

Originally Posted by john doe

In most of the above cases, I believe that the most likely cause is weakened clutch. The life of the Nano clutch ( in my experience) is not a very long lasting one. I am on my 2nd clutch ( Tata warranty zindabad !)

My Nano is in its third year running now. I don't know if I can get my clutch replaced free. But I shall check it up. How much does it cost to replace one anyways?

Also my wiper wash does not work. The wiper works but no 'phuss-phuss' from the sprayer. This is a repeat problem actually and I have to get it rectified every service.

[john doe]

Originally Posted by aabidansari

Wow 27~28 FE on the highways.

My Nano is in its third year running now. I don't know if I can get my clutch replaced free.

Also my wiper wash does not work. The wiper works but no 'phuss-phuss' from the sprayer. This is a repeat problem actually and I have to get it rectified every service.

The Nano comes with a 4 year warranty. Please ask your service centre to look up their Siebel CRM software to tell you exactly what month your warranty ends. Your car should be able to get the clutch for free. If not, the cost should be less than Rs. 3K including labour.

I too get 26-27 kmpl on the bombay-poona expressway each and everytime. Caveat: I drive at 70 max and have the AC on for 25% of the time.

Only a complete check of the fuses, the Wiper controller module ( an LX speciality, next to the fuse box) , the pipes carrying the water and the combination switch will identify the problem.

Keep us posted.

[shashanka]

Originally Posted by aabidansari

Can someone help me with my issue? I have been consistently getting an FE of 12~13 on my Nano in the city. Why? - I simply don't know.
However, when I took her out on the highway I got upto 20kmpl.
Is it the car of is it me?

Hello Mr. Ansari,
First off the bat, let me say what a relief it is to come across another marine engineer in these columns ! I had almost given up hope and begun feeling depressed that I may be the only mariner gearhead in this vast ocean of yuppie software geeks!
I don't know if I'm qualified to comment on the issues you face with the Nano - but one thing seems to come thru' after going through all these comments/replies : that TaTa could have done a bit more development work on the vehicle before unleashing it on the public. It reminds me of the sixties and early seventies when the British makes (yes they were still making them then!) - Ford, Jaguar, Vauxhall, Standard - would happily launch half-baked models on to the unsuspecting public ! And then use their ensuing tears and hair-tearing as the learning curve ! And the wise buyer would wait for a few years till the learning curve had flattened a bit and the initial glitches ironed out before plonking his hard-earned !

[aabidansari]

Originally Posted by shashanka

Hello Mr. Ansari,
First off the bat, let me say what a relief it is to come across another marine engineer in these columns ! I had almost given up hope and begun feeling depressed that I may be the only mariner gearhead in this vast ocean of yuppie software geeks! !

Ahoy there shashanka!
From one sailor to another - after having worked on Marine engines with over 100000 bhp and then to the Nano's 37bhp is the mother of all anti-climaxes!
But I zimbly love the car

Though I have niggly problems with the machine, I do not bear any grudges, partly because I am of the opinion that any car is as good as its driver!

I am waiting for Tata to unleash the next version of the Nano. I would probably trade my 2012 for the new one.

[Fx14]

Originally Posted by aabidansari

I am waiting for Tata to unleash the next version of the Nano.

Rumours and reading material on various forums seem to suggest :

• it would be the Twist Active F-Tronic (AMT with openable rear hatch)
• expected to be launched after the Zest i.e. anytime from August '14 till ?

[aabidansari]

@kutoos - hey buddy, still waiting for your update on your Nano problems. Any solutions so far?