kartan

I got the the 0201 code about 3 months ago, tried to get it from the ECU, broke the stupid lousy piece of $^&%* screw, and just got around to fixing it.

Anyhoo, it reported an 0201, ran fine for a few months. I got around to clearing the code. It was fine for about a day, then it started up all rough and decided on spitting out an 0201 with an 0603 (cylander 6 misfire). At a friends advice, i changed the #6 sparkplug (needed to be done anyway, and will do the rest later) and cleared the code. The next day 0201 came back again, but the car was running fine (and has been).

my problem is, obviously there must be a problem if the damned code keeps coming back, but what the heck is it?

since im a bit of a the article below doesnt make a whole heck of a lot of sence to me.

anyone explain or have any thoughts?

(the ECU Code explaination http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?threadid=235667

slizan99

iTrader: (1)

bad coil pack

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

0201 = Ingition Signal Primary Circuit Fault

Make sure all your coil packs are plugged in securely. Unplug them, make sure the contacts are clean and plug them back in. Spray some WD-40 at the contacts as well. You may also have a failing condensor or a bad ground someplace.

kartan

condensor.....would that be the same condensor that the A/C uses? Because the damned A/C hasnt worked all summer, but that never really bothered me.

thats going to suck.

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

Not quite. The condensor is a small capacitor that's on the ignition primary circuit. It's tied up in the wire harness on the right side of the front head, near the scoup. It's a hard device to find.

Kevlo911

iTrader: (36)

Diagnostic Trouble Code 0201 indicates a problem with the ignition coil and power transistor. The ignition signal from the Engine Control Module is sent to and amplified by the power transistor. The power transistor turns on and off the ignition coil primary circuit. This on-off operation induces the proper high voltage in the coil secondary circuit.

The malfunction is detected when the ignition signal in the primary circuit is not entered during engine cranking or running.

The items to check include
- Harness or connectors (the ignition primary circuit is open or shorted.)
- Power transistor unit built into ignition coil
- Condenser
- Crankshaft Position Sensor (REF)
- Crankshaft Position Sensor (REF) circuit

A misfire on any individual cylinder should set a code, and a problem with the CPS should also set a code.

I would have expected to see DTC 0201 along with one of the following DTCs.
0407 - Crankshaft Position Sensor (REF)
0608 - Cylinder 1 misfire
0607 - Cylinder 2 misfire
0606 - Cylinder 3 misfire
0605 - Cylinder 4 misfire
0604 - Cylinder 5 misfire
0603 - Cylinder 6 misfire

You didn't get one of these "companion" DTCs, and that is puzzling. Maybe one of them will show up in the next few days.


from my sig

kartan

i realize that kevlo911. (i quoted the link...)

i was trying to get some insight as well as a bit more of an "english" explaination.

hungtdao

You got a bad ignition coil. If it is # 6 then just change that coil only to save your money. But eventually, more coils will be bad since these coils were made defective by vendor for all Maxima years 95-00. A new coils have been redesigned for better life. They are also being used on new Nissan cars.

You may search "ignition coil" in this forum to learn more about this problem.

kartan

Thank you, that is an answer I was looking for. It is strange however that it happens so randomly. It has not happend for a few weeks now. Odd.

Thanks.

hungtdao

This problem can happen randomly. It will likely happen after driving on highway for a while. That was why some cars did not detect the code for a specific misfired cynlinder rather a general "Ignition Signal Primary" code. Then dealer wanted to replace all six coils. I once tried to measure a bad ignition coil with an ohm meter but found no difference against the other. When a bad coil is getting worse, you will experience your car engine misfired. Don't wait too long to replace that bad ignition coil if the problem constantly happens. It can damage the converter which will likely cost around $700.

Ninos_Maxima

iTrader: (5)

a coil from a 2k1 max should fit right into a coil from a 99 right, The have the same engine and stuff

Ninos_Maxima

iTrader: (5)

Where can you get an Ignition Coil Pack from for cheap?

Kevlo911

iTrader: (36)

shut up, not to be mean but before you post you should get ur facts strait. the 95-01 have 3L engines. the 02+ have the 3.5. the 99-01 had the coil pack probs. not many 95-98 have coil probs. how do u know a new design is being used? the 3.5L VQ most likely has a different coil pack then the 3L ones.

hungtdao

If I buy parts to replace, I would buy the exact one based on year and model. That is why most Nissan dealer request VIN number, if order on-line, to ensure that customer buying the right parts. When a bad coil happened to my Maxima, I had discussed with several part salemens from different Nissan Dealers. Yet, a dealer guy informed me that this coil problem existed most likely on 4th generation and early 5th generation Maxima. Unfortunately, this is not a recall and will not cover if the 30K miles warranty is expired. New replaced coils have been re-designed. He even shown me a new vs. old part # have been changed in his computer database. Since many customers reported the coil problem, he said that the Nissan not only to re-design to fix the problem but also to prevent it on any coil in future regardless of engine size.

Ninos_Maxima

iTrader: (5)

So a 2k1 Coil pack would fit right, Same engine, No Coil problems