2000 import tech roundup

Motor, Dec 1999 by Weissler, Paul

Because the engine computers on the Maxima and 130 are now programmable, the opportunity for emissions and performance fixes is in place. The oxygen sensor wiring is always susceptible to exhaust heat damage, so you've got to be careful when doing any kind of underhood service. Nissan uses a locating tab around the wiring to safeguard it.

If you look at the multilink struttype rear suspension, you'll think, Something looks different. Although it's still the same torsion beam/rear strut design from years past, Nissan's novel lateral link has now been moved rearward, mounting to the back of the torsion beam. The redesign, with new bushings, improves ride comfort, and the new location creates a toe-in force on the rear tires for improved handling during hard cornering, without the addition of toe links.

Xenon high -intensity-discharge (HID) headlamps are optional on the 130, and Nissan has thoughtfully put a warning about the dangers of high voltage and the need to be sure power is off before you try to change a bulb.

Subaru

The 2000 Legacy and Legacy Outback wagon are all-new models with new sheet metal and new interiors, and a number of service-related changes you'll want to know about.

The Phase II engine, a SOHC version of the 2.2/2.5 horizontally opposed four-cylinder, was introduced on the Japanese-built Forester and Impreza last year. It goes across the board for 2000, including the 2.5 in the new U.S.built Legacy and Legacy Outback (Impreza and Impreza-based Outback Sport have the Phase 112.2 as standard). The 2.5's horsepower is unchanged at 165, and torque is up just 4, to 166 ft-lb. But the Phase II's torque curve is a lot flatter than that of Phase 1. How can a SOHC beat the old DOHC? In this case, it permits a reshaping of the combustion chamber, which allows for larger valves and more lift (plus a "tumble" port design for lower emissions).

Although all 2000 Legacys are 50state models, two fuel systems are being used. Both have air-assist fuel injectors (to help vaporize the spray for improved combustion), and neither system uses a mass airflow sensor (the airflow is calculated from other sensor readings).

Legacy automatics (along with Imprezas with the 2.5-liter four and all Foresters) get what's called the "UJ" system. This type has the air assist controlled by a solenoid valve. At idle, the solenoid is always open. Off-idle, the solenoid valve closes and only a small amount of air bleeds through. The "UJ" system also includes a baro sensor, on the right front strut tower, and a stepper-motor-type idle speed control. A combination air intake temperature/ pressure sensor produces separate signals to the engine computer.

Legacy 2.5 manuals (as well as the Impreza/Outback Sport with the 2.2liter four) have a simpler system that uses a rotary-type idle speed control valve to regulate air assist to the injectors. It's basically the same setup used on '99 California-spec, Subarus, although the computer algorithm is different.

On the Legacy and Outback, the fuel tank was moved forward for 2000, so it's partly over the rear axle and partly under the rear seat. Yes, you have to remove the rear seat for access to the fuel pump and subpump. Both pumps are mounted relatively low in the tank, so you have to first drain the tank before you pull a pump. Otherwise, fuel could spill into the passenger compartment. Removing a drain plug will allow the entire passenger side of the tank to drain, plus enough fuel from the driver's side to avoid a problem.