Hi ...

I found this web site, because my Dad is having a problem with his 98 Maxima, Auto.

He was rear ended before the new year, fortunately no injury. They did about $8,000 in damage. well, the car is now repaired, I guess an okay job.

Unfortunately, there are 3 sensors that have been flaged and his car will now not pass the Texas inspection. he took it back to the shop and they called the dealer.

supposedly, they took the car and reset the computer. told him to drive it about 100 miles and it would reset the codes.

I found out about the ECU, and how to reset it (I think, turn the screw twice clockwise for 2 to 5 seconds). My take would be to reset it again and then see if the codes keep showing up.

if so, back to the repair shop.

if I understand resetting the ECU correctly, all codes should be cleared out and the ECU should 'learn' his driving style.

any assistance would be greatly appreciated !!

thanks, steve biel
s.biel@gte.net

 

Damn, three posts up too..

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....hreadid=104931

 

Resetting the ECU or clearing the codes does not make the ECU relearn anything. It only clears any error codes stored in memory.

The ECU is constantly learning as you drive. There is never a need to completely reset it to the point of losing the operating parameters. The only way to do this is by disconnecting the battery for an extended period of time. Both the Haynes manual and the Nissan Factory Service manual state never to completely reset the ECU by disconnecting power to it. It will cause poor engine performance while the ECU learns the general running parameters all over again.

Replacing a completely dead battery in our cars can also cause poor engine performance due to the ECU losing it's general running parameters. The Haynes manual tells you this in chapter 6.


What 3 sensors was the ECU indicating were bad?

 

Hi ...

thanks so much for the reply.

initially, the two codes were P0450 and P0446. both are evaporative emission control system related, so I am told.

the car went back to the shop and they took it to the local dealer. there was a damaged wire - code 00489CP.

go back to try the inspection again, and get message that the catalyst, o2, and EGR are all "not ready", however no codes were present ??

any ideas ??

many thanks, steve biel