Expert: Sean Halliday - 12/1/2006

Question
Dear Sean:

Thanks again for the prompt and most helpful information.  Any direction on how to replace my driver door pins and bushings?  Do I need a special press to install the pins?


-------------------------------------------
The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Dear Sean:

Thank you for very kindly for the prompt response!
1) Any suggestions how to find the EVAP leak for do it yourself person.  I have access to a code scanner so the other option is to just keep clearing the code every 3 months or so when it appears.

2)  The power locks do lock and unlock the car, but during a power loss it's helpful to have key access.
Any suggestions regarding the EVAP leak would be most helpful
-------------------------------------------
The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Dear Sean:

1)    My "service engine light" has come on twice over the last 6 weeks (Code P 1440); which Nissan dealer reports is a “small evap leak;” possibly a loose gas cap.  I tightened the gas cap and cleared the code only to have it re-code yesterday (P1440).  I replaced the gas cap today and cleared the code.  I smell no gas odors or any obvious gas leaks.  Any thoughts?

2  All 3 exterior locks have seized and will not open with the key.  I have tried spraying silicon graphite / and WD40 into the cylinders with negative results.  Thoughts?


Thank you in advance.
-----Answer-----
The car possibly does have a small leak from the EVAP system so its a trip back to the shop to find it.Most times it is a loose gas cap but this time it may be a tiny hole in the vacuum.As for the locks ,,doesnt this car have 4 way locking?.It should be ok with the remote ,central locking that is.Unusual for this age of car to have rusted locks...if theyre rusted the only way to fix them is to remove them and manually free them up or replace them.
-----Answer-----
The lock problem is remove them one at a time and free them up.Its a bit of a job but it can be done by removing the door panel and just unhook the mechanism.Most locks have clips so just pop it off and remove the lock.The EVAP problem is more complex as youre dealing with an explosive gas.Fuel and air mix and im sorry to say there isnt any parts store that has the equipment to find the leak.Many shops use nitrogen or lately ,,smoke.Sometimes you may hear the leak hissing but the car has to be raised on a rack as the EVAP lines run all the way under the car.From the tank to the engine compartment.Generally it doesnt cost that much to fix.Porobally a small hole in one of the rubber or PVC lines.Personaly i dont fix EVAP leaks as its a time consuming job and it is easier for a dealer to find the leak as they have all kinds of tricks to locate the leak.I would suggest you get it fixed soon because it will affect the engiine idle and start up eventually.

Answer
There is a special tool for the pins .It isnt that expensive so take a look on google and it will tell you where to order it theyre not too hard to replace.No tool or press needed to install them as they just should tap in ,,,the new pins.Its odd for a 99 car to have worn out pins.Are you certain its the pins and not the complete hinge?Some hinges are removeable from the door and pillar via bolts inside the door and wheel well.