I'm getting a check engine light. I read the ecu code as 02 15. I translated that to an OBD code P1446 using the table at the top of the forum. I then googled p1446 and maxima and found that it indicates the "vent control valve".

First, did I follow the right process to come up with this diagnosis. Second, is this something for a novice to undertake fixing or should I take it to a dealer?

Thanks. -- Bud

 

Pretty easy fix . Just unblts from the cansiter . Unless of course you break the bolts off in the canister then you need that also .

 

Thanks. Where exactly is the Evap Canister?

 

Ooops! Found something that says it is underneath the vehicle near the left rear tire...

 

If it's a 96 Max then it might be under the recall. Call up Mid City or another dealer.

 

It is a '98. I don't know about a recall but there evidently is a "TSB". Is there a way to get the TSB? The number is 00-060.

 

I have the exact same problem with my '96. Check out the thread I started a week ago for some more advice.

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=296453

Lemme know what you find out.

Mike

 

02 15 is P1446, but that's an undefined code...

09 03 is P0446 which is vent control valve.......

This info is from here: http://vbxmaxima.8m.com/ecudecoder.html

So, your code is not vent control valve! Don't go buying any parts till you find out what it is!!

 

According to Haynes manual:
0215 = EVAP canister vent control valve closed
0903 = EVAP canister vent control valve circuit fault

 

I have a '96 and just checked with the dealer. Apparently mine is not under recall. Don't know why. I hear a lot of guys with '96s are getting it fixed by virtue of a recall.

Oh well.

Mike

 

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=265311
0903
Diagnostic Trouble Code 0903 indicates a problem with the Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Canister Vent Control Valve or its associated electric circuit.

This part is used by the Engine Control Module to perform the fuel system leak test. Since it is used only for self-diagnosis your engine will run perfectly well despite the dashboard Malfunction Indicator Lamp.

The EVAP canister and this valve are located under the car, near the rear left tire. You might check to make sure all the electrical connectors in that area are secure.

There's no telling how expensive the repair will be, because no definite diagnosis has been made. Maybe you just have to re-plug a loose connector. Since the EVAP system is part of the emissions control system you might have warranty coverage.

 

It was the Evap Vent Control Valve. Very easy to replace. It is behind the driver side rear wheel. Pull off a hose, unscrew two bolts (10mm), kind of pry it out with a screw driver and disconnect the plug. I tested it by connecting some alligator clips and touching it to the battery. Tried to clean it with wd40, but no go. Part was $47 from the local Nissan dealer. Took about a 45 minutes including the trip to the dealer (just down the street). I took some pictures so when I get a chance, I'll post them. Thanks everyone. -- Bud

 

BTW, It is not surprising that this thing gets gunked up and fails given that it is under the car right behind the wheel. I wonder if there is some sort of preventitive maint that should be performed to clean this thing every 30K miles or so?