Now before anyone gets their panties in a bunch and tells me to read the stickies, hear me out. This problem is of my own making, but maybe you guys can offer a solution.

I bought a 98 max last year. This max had a de-k in there. The check engine light came on about a month ago, and I really haven't driven it since, but the light will not go away. I took it two places to diagnose the problem, including a maxima dealership, and both told me the only code that came up is a "wrong engine" code.

I want to pull the codes from the ecu, but how accurate are the codes if there is a different engine in the car.

Mechanically nothing seems wrong with the car to me, or to the mechanics who looked at it for me.

Anybody know how I can find out what is wrong with it. Can I pull the codes. I'm hoping its something simple like the o2 sensor, but I don't want to spend unnecessary amounts of money.

I went into the "all motor" forum, and posted this several weeks ago, but I didn't get a response.

 

well if you have a de-k and the code is a wrong engine code then it's probably right. If the car runs fine then don't worry about it.

 

Side note - what is DE-K?

 

[QUOTE=ComradeJew]Side note - what is DE-K?[/QUOTE
the de-k is the 222hp dohc timing chain drivin 3.0L they used in the 2000 - 2001 max's
wich is obviously not available in a stock 98

 

Well I have to get it inspected soon, and I'm afraid I won't pass inspection with a check engine code.

VQ30DE-K is a 00-01 maxima engine

On a side note, I think I need a new starter...terrible screeching noise when starting on cold mornings, almost sounds like a kazoo, or a stiffled cough...I don't think the starter would cause the check engine light to come up. Would the AC not working cause the engine light to come on?

 

no the a/c not working will not trip a mil, your screech noise is only on start up? when really cold ? and its just for a second right? most likely the power steering pump. seing this a lot right now

 

yes it could be that, because i notice it is a little hard to steer if i dont let the car warm up entirely. the steering becomes very "jerky".

 

"wrong engine code"

you'd got to be kidding. . .

 

What's wrong with that?

 

If *I* was going to swap in a newer engine then I'd be swapping in the newer computer and matchign the harness too. Never heard of "wrong engine" code - wonder if they were winding you up?

 

Havnt seen anyone switch ecu's. Not even sure you can do that. And I don't know how inspections are in PA. You'll have to find out if the de-k will allow you to pass.

Your power steering fluid is cold in the cold weather. Thats why it's hard to steer when the car is cold...

 

How close are you to Youngstown, OH? If you have friends or family go register there, no echeck, thats how I get by with my ecu lights.

 

even though you didn't want to hear this, read the sticky and pull the codes and post them here and after that we'll be able to help you more

 

try resetting the ECU?

 

I reset the ecu and the code came back a day later.

I have a code 0505, which is

0505
No Failure Recorded/Detected

wtf

 

From what i remember that code means nothing is wrong but can be triggered by a voltage
surge/drop. I could be wrong on this, but how old is your battery?

 

5-6 months old

 

Lol you gotta be kidding me. Go to autozone and see what PXXXX code comes up.

 

well, my aunt had 0505. I reset it and it never came back. so reset it using the method in the link i PM'd you with and hopefully it wont return. But go to AZ first and see what they pull.