Anyone read Japanese?

**Edbear** · 30th December 2009, 16:46

Bought an Estima last Monday for the hols as we couldn't fit everyone in the Pulsar, which regretfully is now for sale. (Anyone after a 1999 one-owner SLX in good nick?)

Van went very well and I'm impressed with it but there is one wee puzzle. As per the pics, there is an extra lever on the dash but the writing is Japanese so not sure what this lever is for. Anyone able to tell me?

**wbks** · 30th December 2009, 16:48

I believe it is a turbo valve

**Edbear** · 30th December 2009, 16:53

Originally Posted by wbks

I believe it is a turbo valve

Hmmmm.... Like variable boost..?

**wbks** · 30th December 2009, 16:56

Originally Posted by Edbear

Hmmmm.... Like variable boost..?

Exactly. The boost generated usually just brakes traction at low speed, but at the time they developed this with the 420lb boost the traction control systems out weren't advanced enough to be practical, hence manual control for straights, something like the stormbringer that gives another 60hp when it gets over 180

**Edbear** · 30th December 2009, 16:58

Originally Posted by wbks

Exactly. The boost generated usually just brakes traction at low speed, but at the time they developed this with the 420lb boost the traction control systems out weren't advanced enough to be practical, hence manual control for straights, something like the stormbringer that gives another 60hp when it gets over 180

Ah, okay. Now I've just got to get over 180 and flick the lever...

**munster** · 30th December 2009, 16:58

Does your model have rear aircon / heat?

From one we owned previously, I think it's to do with the amount of airflow it redirects to the rear unit.

**Motu** · 30th December 2009, 17:00

I think that's for powered vent swing - the centre vents swing from side to side.I didn't know you were a Pacific Islander.....

**Edbear** · 30th December 2009, 17:00

Originally Posted by munster

Does your model have rear aircon / heat?

From one we owned previously, I think it's to do with the amount of airflow it redirects to the rear unit.

Oh, so variable boost to the rear air-con, then... What happens then at 180..?

**gunrunner** · 30th December 2009, 17:01

Take it up to 6250 rpm maybe its vboost .

Looking at it on the dash its would probably be something to do with heater .

**wbks** · 30th December 2009, 17:02

Originally Posted by Edbear

Oh, so variable boost to the rear air-con, then... What happens then at 180..?

You learn how well a van handles at 180 with locked wheels/fucked engine

**steve_t** · 30th December 2009, 17:03

It says "Back seat priority heater"

**Edbear** · 30th December 2009, 17:23

Originally Posted by steve_t

It says "Back seat priority heater"

Oh, so no variable boost then... I was planning on taking it up to 6,000rpm at 180k and flicking the lever but if it just means the rear passengers are going to get priority heat, I can't see the point...

**wbks** · 30th December 2009, 17:26

Originally Posted by Edbear

Oh, so no variable boost then... I was planning on taking it up to 6,000rpm at 180k and flicking the lever but if it just means the rear passengers are going to get priority heat, I can't see the point...

they wont be in the seat by then, it's actually a variable remote pneumatic actuator fitted to some pistons under the seat. For those awkward moments when someone dropped one and you just wish you could be alone

**Edbear** · 30th December 2009, 17:27

Originally Posted by Motu

I think that's for powered vent swing - the centre vents swing from side to side.I didn't know you were a Pacific Islander.....

If one considers NZ a Pacific Island...

I was a bit skeptical about them but it was a well looked after van and the right price at the time.

Have to say I am pleased with it, it cruises very comfortably with lots of room and holds its own on the hills.

There are so many of them on the roads, it seems every second van is an Estima! And most of them the same colour as mine!