hey - i'm new to this but this is an awesome site. anyway, i had a question.

i got a 1995 Maxima SE and whenever i turn the key just to leave the radio on, my check engine light comes on. after i either reset the ecu manually or have the car reset itself after a many starts, the check engine light goes off. when the first check engine light came on, i took it to the shop and the technician said that he checked what the code was telling him and there was nothing wrong. but whenever i just have the radio on (i think that is the ACC setting) with the key, it never fails for the check engine to come on. any help would be greatly appreciated. could it be something with my steering column where the key is put into.

 

I thought all the dash lights came on when you just had the radio on? I would only worry about the Engine light while the car is running.

 

well, the check engine light stays even when driving. it only goes away if i manually reset the ecu or just wait for the the max to reset itself.

 

Pull the codes yourself and let us know what you get..

ECU fault code diagnosis

How to get the code:
http://vbxmaxima.8m.com/ecu.html

What the code means:
http://vbxmaxima.8m.com/ecudecoder.html

 

There are 4 key positions:
Off
ACC
On
Start

With the key at ACC the light should not come on. If you turn it to On, but do not actually start the engine, the CEL will come on.

 

I just checked my light when i have it in that possition.. my light also says on.. i dont think its a problem.. the only time it is,,were if it was on while driving or if the engin was started.. i wouldnt worry about it if it goes of when started...

 

the problem is that i turn my key to the ACC so i can just listen to the radio. then if i decide to turn on my engine, the CEL light comes on and stays on even as i drive.

if i reset the ECU or just let the reset itself and do the same thing (listen to the radio by turning the key to ACC and then turn on my engine), the CEL light comes on again.

when i got it checked the first time, the code was for the EVAP Control, which i got it checked and replaced, and the service technician says that the EVAP is working fine now.

 

Check again, must have a new code(s)....




Good luck hope its nothing but a friendly BS code.