Well i got my max about a month ago. All was great and it was driving like a dream. all of a sudden i heard a noise from the muffler thought it was loose. turns out i got 2 holes in it. then just this week my check engine light came on. i would like to know can a hole (or 2) in your muffler make u loose enough horse power to the point where can feel the diffrence? also someone told me i need a timing chain soon. could that be another reason? and which should i focus on first? any suggestions u have would be glad. i would really like my max 2 drive the way 2 used 2 it drives like a civic now. EWW!

 

aaaaaa..... welcome to my world.. iv been trying to figure out this stupid car for the longest time now.... check ur codes first befor u do anything

 

ROFL! call me stupid or whatever u please i tried but i was scared 2 break the plastic thing covering it so i stopped trying 2 get the codes

 

would you rather break the plastic or break your timing chain? Or change the timing chain(for 400$) and have the problem stay?

 

ok. well i'll do the codes when i can but can some one please answer the question. im off 2 bed for now. thanks alot for your help already

 

then take it to autozone and get the code scanned for free

 

We can't answer queston well if we dont know the code! You need to get it checked at autozone first then let us know. Could be a serious problem, or nothing too big for now. Get the code then you'll know which to focus on.

 

why would u need to replace your timing chain? they are designed to last the life of the car.

 

don't be afraid to break the seal. Checking the codes yourself is really easy. I've done it so many times already. I never remember which way to turn first, but the screw only turns one way. check the codes and then get back to us.

 

You can read the codes without an electronic thing that autozone uses?

 

you have to remove the ECU cover that's by the gas pedal and turn the diagnostic screw on the ECU while your car is ON and the CEL will flash, long flashes then short flashes (ex. 2 long flash and 3 short flash - code is 02 03) then you have to look up what the 0203 code is....

http://vbxmaxima.8m.com/ecu.html

This site will tell you how to run the diagnostics yourself and also has a code inputer thing to tell you what the code(s) you pull from your car means. (Stickys are always a good place to start looking)

 

Thanks a lot! I had no idea.

 

well i got the codes today at autozone. turns out i need a new knock sensor and o2 sensor. I dont know what either of those do so any help would be appreciated. and could either of those 2 result in a loss of power? Also while im posting now those are the least of my troubles. WHile i was parked a trailer smashed into my drivers side door. Fuc**d up my door and fender. When i move the steering wheel left or right it moves like water (VERY EASILY). Now 2 keep the car straight i need 2 hold the steering wheel at an angle not straight. Besides that the tires make a noise as if i was burning out (even when im just pulling out of a spot doing less then 10 mph. any one have any idea what could be wrong? i doubt its power steering but i did check the fluid. seems fine. any advice would be greatly appreciated. idk if its worth 2 fix or just claim it totaled take the book value and get a new max (DONE WITH CIVICS! AFTER DRIVING THIS MAXIMA I LOVE THEIR POWER) ty -alice

 

there u go then.. thats whats making the problem... replace the o2 first.. the ks might be fine.. check it with a ohm meter..

 

so the 02 sensor is why im loosing power?

 

yea if its giving u that code.. which o2 is it

 

o2 sensor decreases MPG i think.

 

Valentine,
Yes a hole or two in your muffler can cause you to lose hp. But since you have the ks and O2 code as well I would suggest you get them fixed in the following order. O2 sensor, see if the code goes away, if no, ks, if yes, no ks, then muffler. My original muffler lasted 8 yrs, 5 of which were in cold wet German winters. Moral: go OEM on parts, they last.

 

thank for all your help.