Engine – 12 Reasons Your Figaro May Overheat

Here we explore the reasons why the the needle in the temperature gauge of your Figaro has risen to the H area of the gauge. If this happens you must bring the car to a safe stop, and turn the engine off. Lift the bonnet and carefully examine the engine, being very aware that the radiator might be extremely hot. Look for any evidence of leaks or damage.

We have detailed these below, thanks to The Figaro Shop for their assistance.

12 COMMON REASONS WHY THE TEMPERATURE RISES TO HOT

1 – Blocked Radiator
Look inside for sludge (usually rusty colour) You can try to flush but due to age, we recommend replacement with a new aluminium version or a rebuilt unit.

https://www.thenissanfigaroshop.co.uk/parts-department/product/nissan-figaro-remanufactured-radiator/

https://www.thenissanfigaroshop.co.uk/parts-department/product/nissan-figaro-new-aluminium-dual-core-uprated-radiator-with-fan-copy/

2 – Failed Fan Switch
Located at the base of the radiator and has a 3-pin plug. Works by internally expanding to create a contact and turn the fan on via the 2 relays. Easy to test by unplugging and shorting a combination of the 3 wires (car loom side) to ensure the fan works.

https://www.thenissanfigaroshop.co.uk/parts-department/product/radiator-fan-switch/

3 – Failed Fan
Cooing fan may have failed due to age. New fans come included with the aluminium radiator but we keep good used ones in stock also

https://www.thenissanfigaroshop.co.uk/parts-department/product/figaro-radiator-cooling-fan-used/

4 – Hoses
One of the most common issues are split/perished hoses causing water to escape slowly. You can either change hoses individually (costly) or change all to new silicone upgraded variants (owner club code applies for -10%)

https://www.thenissanfigaroshop.co.uk/parts-department/product/nissan-figaro-silicone-coolant-hose-kit/

5 – Main water pipe / o ring
Another common failure is the main water pump pipe and o ring at the end of it. This can corrode/perish and cause leaks (usually towards the driver’s side)

https://www.thenissanfigaroshop.co.uk/parts-department/product/water-pump-outlet-pipe-zinc-coated/

or o ring only:

https://www.thenissanfigaroshop.co.uk/parts-department/product/water-pump-o-ring/

6 – Water Pump Failure
Less common but failure of the water pump/bearing/impeller can restrict good water flow causing the vehicle to overheat. As it is driven by the timing belt, we recommend both belt and pump are changed at the same time

https://www.thenissanfigaroshop.co.uk/parts-department/product/cambelt-tensioner-and-water-pump-kit/

7 – Thermostat
The thermostat is designed to regulate the temperature of the engine allowing it to warm up to operating temperature and then “open” to promote the flow of water around the whole cooling system. Over time, this can seize causing the vehicle to overheat. You can change the thermostat on its own but due to age/corrosion, we recommend the kit below.

https://www.thenissanfigaroshop.co.uk/parts-department/product/new-thermostat-and-housing/

Or thermostat only:

https://www.thenissanfigaroshop.co.uk/parts-department/product/thermostat/

8 – Fan Relay(s)
Less likely but can prohibit the cooling fan from operating. 2 relays located at either side of the engine bay. Will need testing (same test as fan switch above)

Used replacements are available.

https://www.thenissanfigaroshop.co.uk/parts-department/product/nissan-figaro-engine-bay-relays-green-blue/

9 – Heater Matrix
The heater matrix supplies heat to the inside of the cabin and can break due to its plastic construction. Check for the smell of coolant inside the car, steam, wet carpets, or leaking water toward the back of the engine. New metal variants are available.

https://www.thenissanfigaroshop.co.uk/parts-department/product/heater-matrix-new/

10 – Timing
Ignition timing is one to have checked and having timing retarded below the recommended setting can cause the engine to labour and overheat. Timing should be set to 15 degrees BTDC when using E5 super unleaded. Physical cam timing should also be checked as we have seen customers with engines 1 or 2 teeth out of time due to a jumped timing belt or poor timing belt change.

11- Head Gasket
This is a common one with age and is almost guaranteed after prolonged overheating. The gasket forms a seal between the cylinder head and the block and can breach causing water to enter the combustion system. This can, if not noticed quickly, can damage pistons resulting in a new engine being needed or just a cylinder head skim and head gasket replacement with associated parts.

https://www.thenissanfigaroshop.co.uk/parts-department/product/head-gasket-set/

12 – Turbocharger
The turbochargers on the Figaro are water-cooled and when they start to fail, they hold on to a huge amount of heat. This heat can overrun the cooling system and cause the engine to run far hotter than intended. You can usually tell as the car feels less zippy and has a delay when accelerating indicating the start of turbocharger failure. (owner club code applies for -5%)

https://www.thenissanfigaroshop.co.uk/parts-department/product/brand-new-turbo-charger-fitting-kit/