1989 Nissan Pulsar problems
The Nissan Pulsar (Japanese: 日産・パルサー, Hepburn: Nissan Parusā) is a line of automobiles produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan from 1978 until 2000, when it was replaced by the Nissan Bluebird Sylphy in the Japanese market.
Between 2000 and 2005, the name "Pulsar" has been used in Australia and New Zealand on rebadged versions of the Sylphy. This arrangement continued until the introduction of the Nissan Tiida (C11) in 2005; at this time the Pulsar name was retired. In 2013, Nissan replaced the Tiida in Australia and New Zealand with two new models badged as Pulsar. These were based on the Sylphy (B17) sedan and Tiida (C12) hatchback, the latter also sold in Thailand under the Pulsar name. In 2014, a European-only replacement for the Tiida was introduced using the Pulsar nameplate.
The original Pulsar was a hatchback to be sold exclusively at a different Nissan Japan dealership network called Nissan Cherry Store as a larger five-door hatchback alternative to the Nissan Cherry. Although Pulsar models were front-wheel drive from introduction, Nissan did offer four-wheel drive as an option on select models internationally.
The Pulsar sold in Japan originally served as the intermediate model offered at Nissan dealerships Nissan Cherry Store between the Nissan Violet and the Cherry, while different versions of the Pulsar sold at other Japanese networks served as the base model, with other larger Nissan products. Various Pulsar-based models were exported as international market conditions dictated, sometimes labeled as "Sunny", "Cherry" or "Sentra", while the internationally labeled product was actually a Pulsar and not a Japanese market Sunny or Cherry.
The name "Pulsar" is taken from pulsar (portmanteau of pulsating star), a highly magnetized, rotating neutron star.
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Common 1989 Nissan Pulsar problems
The Nissan Pulsar, introduced in 1989, is a popular choice among car enthusiasts for its sporty design and performance. However, like any vehicle, it is not immune to a range of issues that can affect its reliability and performance. Here are some of the most common problems reported by Nissan Pulsar 1989 owners, based on complaints and discussions on various online forums and websites.
Engine Stalls While Driving
One of the most common problems reported by Nissan Pulsar 1989 owners is that the engine stalls while driving, often after about 5 minutes of operation. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty ignition module, a malfunctioning fuel pump, or a clogged fuel filter. In some cases, the RPMs may start to fall and then recover without stalling, while in other cases, the car may stall completely, requiring the driver to pull over and restart the engine.
No Start or Clicking Sound
Another common problem reported by Nissan Pulsar 1989 owners is that the car fails to start, often with no clicking sound or other indication of engine activity. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a dead battery, a faulty starter motor, or a damaged ignition switch. In some cases, the car may have been parked for several days, and the battery may have simply discharged over time. In other cases, the issue may be more serious, requiring extensive repairs to the electrical system.
Trouble Starting the Car
Some Nissan Pulsar 1989 owners have reported difficulty starting the car, even when the engine turns over. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty fuel pump, a clogged fuel filter, or a dirty spark plug. In some cases, the car may require multiple attempts to start, and the engine may run rough or stall shortly after starting. This issue can be particularly frustrating for drivers, as it can make it difficult to rely on the car for daily transportation.
No Start in Non-Running Condition
Some Nissan Pulsar 1989 owners have reported that the car fails to start when purchased in non-running condition. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a damaged ignition system, a faulty fuel pump, or a clogged fuel filter. In some cases, the car may require extensive repairs to get it running again, including the replacement of major components. This issue can be particularly frustrating for buyers, as it can make it difficult to determine the true cost of ownership.
In summary, the Nissan Pulsar 1989 is a popular car that is known for its sporty design and performance. However, like any vehicle, it is not immune to a range of issues that can affect its reliability and performance. Some of the most common problems reported by Nissan Pulsar 1989 owners include engine stalls while driving, no start or clicking sound, trouble starting the car, and no start in non-running condition. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty ignition modules, malfunctioning fuel pumps, clogged fuel filters, dead batteries, faulty starter motors, damaged ignition switches, and dirty spark plugs. By understanding these common problems, Nissan Pulsar 1989 owners can take steps to maintain their cars and ensure that they remain reliable and safe for years to come.
Is A Nissan Pulsar a reliable car?
In a nutshell, these were pretty reliable cars mechanically speaking. Simple and fairly rugged, they were not known to have any major, endemic problems.
What engine is in a Nissan Pulsar 1989?
The Nissan Pulsar 1989 comes in Hatchback and Sedan. The Nissan Pulsar 1989 is available in Unleaded Petrol. Engine sizes and transmissions vary from the Hatchback 1.6L 3 SP Automatic to the Sedan 1.8L 5SP Manual.
Which Nissan Pulsar engine is best?
The Nissan Pulsar only offered a limited range of engines, but they're all pretty good. Most impressive is actually the entry-level 1.2-litre DIG-T, a four-cylinder turbo with 115PS and a very strong amount of pulling power from low revs.
Why was Nissan Pulsar discontinued?
Nissan will end production of the Pulsar family hatchback this summer, barely three years after its introduction, due to sales failing to meet estimates. It is understood Nissan targeted annual production of 80,000 Pulsar a year, but even in its first full year, it struggled to less than 35,000 cars.
1989 Nissan Pulsar car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Nissan Pulsar problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Exterior lighting problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Nissan Pulsar vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Nissan Pulsar complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Nissan Pulsar.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: I WAS FAILED DUE TO A SMALL CRACK IN THE TAIL LIGHT COVER. UNFORTUNATELY THE COVER IS PART OF A LARGE PANEL THAT WRAPS AROUND THE SIDE. THE PART COSTS $140 TO REPLACE. WHEN THE LIGHTS GO ON YOU CAN TELL NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CRACKED ONE AND THE GOOD ONE ON THE RIGHT SIDE. NO WATER GETS IN AND THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO SAFETY ISSUES WITH IT. I DON'T FEEL I SHOULD HAVE TO SPEND $140 TO FIX THIS WHEN THERE IS NO REAL NEED TO. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT I CAN DO TO GET MY CAR A STICKER?
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-19
- VIN: JN1GN34S4KW
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE'S HOOD FLEW OPEN, THE SECONDARY LATCH FAILED. TT FAILURE CAUSED DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. *SLC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-26
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: SHORT IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CAUSES AIR CONDITIONING FUSES TO SHORT/BLOW OUT, CAUSING AIR CONDITIONER TO FAIL. *SKD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT BRAKE FAILURE, WHEN PEDAL GOES DOWN LOW AND HEARS GRINDING NOISE, HAS REPLACED COMPLETE BRAKE SYSTEM AND CV JOINT BOOTS.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT BRAKE FAILURE, WHEN PEDAL GOES DOWN LOW AND HEARS GRINDING NOISE, HAS REPLACED COMPLETE BRAKE SYSTEM AND CV JOINT BOOTS.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Nissan Pulsar problems:
Nissan Pulsar NX Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Most Common Nissan Pulsar NX Problems ... Timing Chain Noise May Lead to Timing Chain Fai... Excessive timing chain noise, a rattling or ticking, on higher ...
What will stop the motor starting when I have a 1989 Nissan Pulsar
Jun 7, 2011 ... It's a very common problem on these. I usually just drill a tiny hole on the bottom to allow the oil to drain but the correct fix is to ...
N13 - any standard problems to look for?
Pulsar models are: GL base model 1.6. GXE (early ... the engine has been rebuilt. It has been pretty ... Easily replaced from Nissan for ~$130. Yes, again ...
1989 Nissan Pulsar Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Read 1989 Nissan Pulsar reviews from real owners. Find out what they're like to drive, and what problems they have ... 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX 1.6 from North ...
Opinions of the 1989 Nissan Sentra | Nissan Forum
Jun 14, 2006 ... Do you think its a reliable car that will hold up with not many problems or do you think it will be a problem? Also, what are your impressions ...
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