4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999) Visit the 4th Generation forum to ask specific questions or find out more about the 4th Generation Maxima.

Car Issues Need HEEELP!!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-09-2003 | 11:14 AM
  #1  
Mmmaxx's Avatar
Thread Starter
Supporting Maxima.org Member
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 796
Car Issues Need HEEELP!!

Hello everyone,

I posted something similar to this a few weeks ago, but did not get any replies. Here is the short version of the story. A few weeks ago the Check Engine Light came on. I ran the code and was baffled by the amount of flashes, so many I couldn't get it correct. I went to autozone and had them run the codes for me and it came back with P1320 code. Which was not listed in the computer. I came home and looked it up online and got "Primary Ignition Signal Malfunction" it says something similar in the haynes manual as well, but I could not find any more information on it after searching google for hours.

Anyway, from them on my car has been running fine, no noticeable running problems. Today I started my car and it was just shaking as if the engine were misfiring. After about a minute of letting it sit it stopped shaking and everything was smooth sailing after than, even when I turned it off then back on. It seems to only do it when the car cools down and I start it up. My question is, does anyone know what This error is and/or how to fix it. (Primary Ignition signal malfunc.) I was told it could be coil packs. What else might this be? Has anyone else had it? If so how did you fix it?

Side Note; How much are brand new coil packs each..how much can I expect to spend on a new fuel pump, and how much is a new MAF sensor (if I can get a new one?)

Thanks guys!!!
Old 10-09-2003 | 11:39 AM
  #2  
ivelweyz
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
First check if it's the coils for sure. What you do is turn on the car and disconnect one coil at a time. If one of the coils doesn't change the way the engine runs that coil is ****ed...
Old 10-09-2003 | 11:55 AM
  #3  
Mmmaxx's Avatar
Thread Starter
Supporting Maxima.org Member
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 796
Ok I will try that. Quick question, if it only does the rough idle for a few seconds and then idles normally would it still be the coils, it wouldn't be the spark plugs because then it would be rough constantly? Or no?
Old 10-09-2003 | 12:27 PM
  #4  
SuperFishstick's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 663
fuel injector?
Old 10-09-2003 | 01:23 PM
  #5  
Jatan's Avatar
...
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,330
From: Chicago, IL
This link is found in the CEL sticky post: http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?threadid=235667

0201
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.
---------------------------
New coil packs are like $120 each at the dealer, but ask in the Classified section for used ones.

New MAF sensor goes for like $500 I think. Ask in the Classified section for a used one.
Old 10-09-2003 | 01:56 PM
  #6  
Mmmaxx's Avatar
Thread Starter
Supporting Maxima.org Member
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 796
Cool, thanks for the info Jatan, I just went down to the dealer and asked what the problem might be from the oldest grease monkey there. He immediately told me what was in your post about the primary ignition circuit going to the secondary circuit. He didn't mention anything about the Crankshaft Positioning Sensor though. He said its not always clear which coil is giving the primary ignition signal and that if the car only idles rough for a few seconds then acts normal it is likely not a completely bad coil, but a bad connection in the internal ignition wires with-in the coil casing itself... also said figureing out which one was the problem would be hard because there is not much time to test them before the car comes out of the mis-firing **** its doing. He said I could get a new Coil for 80 dollars or so brand new from their parts dept. I don't want to get sucked into having to buy 6 of them if I can avoid it. He also said that if it evens out like that after a few seconds then there should be no problems with driving it, just to let it warm up good before i drive. Which is ok I guess. I have a feeling this is going to put a huge hole in my pocket very soon though
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Lakersallday24
6th Generation Maxima (2004-2008)
10
06-16-2019 01:35 AM
ah2002
5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)
13
03-09-2016 01:42 PM
jhontelj
5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)
2
08-17-2015 04:07 AM
acw
5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)
10
08-13-2015 12:50 AM



Quick Reply: Car Issues Need HEEELP!!



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 03:49 AM.