driftandslide

has anyone got these codes from the ECU and what problems where linked to them.

0103 - engine coolant temp. sensor
0304 - knock sensor circuit
0908 - engine coolant temp. sensor function

Chickan

iTrader: (12)

well first off, replace your coolant temp. sensor, and check its harness for green corrosion (if corroded, try cleaning it, if unable to make the connectors shine, buy a new harness). Make sure you install the coolant temp sensor with rubber gasket maker (RTV works great) and also be sure to do the install in the morning, after your car has been sitting all night, otherwise it could fry the new sensor (leading you to the same problems). After that, reset the ecu, drive for a few days, and check again. There is a good chance your knock sensor code is actually just the temp sensor making the ecu go bonkers. If the knock sensor code comes back, you can either test it yourself, and replace if bad, or take it to a dealer and get raped. But the coolant temp sensor is definently a DIY job, as the part is like $20 and it takes 10 minutes, tops.

Chickan

iTrader: (12)

also there is a thread in the sticky part of this forum called "What are the ECU codes/Help my check engine light is on!" you might consider reading that ...

driftandslide

The directions say to drain the coolent before i change the sensor but is it possiable to change the sensor without draining the coolent. I ldont have a garage and will have to change it in the street.???

Chickan

iTrader: (12)

where is the coolant temp located? I'm doing this off memory, and I thought it was on top of the engine, but if it is under, yeah you might need to drain it. Call around some smaller garage, and you can possibly get them to drain/flush your coolant, and give you access to the car for 5 minutes to replace the coolant temp, but the shop would have to be really close to your house, so your coolant doesn't heat all the way up.

happyricefob

iTrader: (7)

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=263803

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=268218

SkoorbMax

Not sure how a 4th gen is but on a 5th gen you most definitely don't have to empty coolant for the temp sensor - it's at the top and easily accesible. I think I used an O2 sensor socket - since you'll need a deep one to undo it, unless you try an adjustable wrench, and I hate them.

1996blackmax

iTrader: (2)

I used an open ended wrench, and some sealant. I did not drain any coolant, and no coolant leaked out during the install.

I still have my cold weather stalling issue though . Have to let the car warm up for a few minutes after it has sat over night.

knight71

what does this sensor look like?...and where exactly is it located?

driftandslide

So i can remove the hoseclamp and radiator hose from the ECTS without draining the coolent and then just replace the sensor and reconnect the radiator hose? Also this my be a dumb question but is the ECTS the same as the thermostat. I see directions for chaning the thermostat and am thinking that is another name for ECTS. Thank you.

skeelo34

iTrader: (4)

dont remove any hoses for the ects! it sits right atop....i cant describe exactly its position..... Get a haynes manual and go from there....even better an FSM....

driftandslide

I have a 1995 maxima. I think it is located on the left side of the engine near the the windshield fluid containor and the coolent containor, if i am not mistaken.

1996blackmax

iTrader: (2)

Follow your upper radiator hose, the one on the driver's side unitl it connnects to the engine. Right after this connection there are two sensors, a small one, and one that is bigger. The bigger one is the ECTS, so the one that is further away from the hose. You do not need to disconnect any hoses, just unscrew the sensor and put the new one in.

thekenone

try autozone.com they have online repair manuals for our cars. with pics and directions

driftandslide

Is the correct placement of ECTS? And is the ECTS the same as the thermostat or am I mistaken.

1996blackmax

iTrader: (2)

You are on the wrong side of the engine in that picture. It is off of the upper radiator hose. The one on on the driver's side. The hose that is pictured is on the passenger's side, and it is the lower radiator hose.

skeelo34

iTrader: (4)

dude, blackmax96 explained it perfectly, why do u keep stickin to the other side of the engine? ECTS....
http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d801f4eba.jsp

driftandslide

Thank you all for your help. Sorry I kept thinking lower radiator hose instead of upper radiator hose and was therefore getting stuck with think ECTS=thermostat. But now that is all cleared. Thanks again everyone.

AJSpades21

I'm having a strange problem with my max. A couple weeks ago i got the 0103 and 0304 codes, replaced the knock sensor, 0304 gone. I then replaced the ECTS and the 0103 went away... until i pulled out of my driveway. my check engine light started flickering on and off. if i was accelerating the light stayed off. while driving at constant rpms the light flickered, and while decelerating the light was constantly on. i suspect the brittle wiring in the harness for the ects but haven't been able to find anywhere to purchase it. do i really have to go to a dealer for this?

pmohr

iTrader: (26)

Have you checked for what code it's storing?

If it was setting a code, the light wouldn't be going on and off. It would stay on. Are you not getting a misfire?

All you need is a female spade terminal and some wire, you can pick that up at any electronics store.