I've got a stock '95 Maxima SE with 140K miles. Basically runs great, no complaints. For the past month or two the check engine light has come on about once a week. Every time I check it (using screwdriver) it has code 0505, which means no problem. I'm going to try and find an ODBII scanner at the local auto parts store but hopefully someone here can give me an idea about what the heck is going on. Why would the CEL keep coming on but then say there's no problem?

Also, on Friday my car started making a ticking noise. Seems to be coming from passenger side of engine near the top. At idle, the noise is kind of like if you took a really lightweight hammer and hit it on an aluminum block about 4 times/second. The ticking noise speeds up as rpms increase.

Last problem is an exhaust leak. Local Nissan dealer said it is a rear manifold leak and would be at least $500 to fix since they won't know where the problem is until they take it apart, and recommended that I do nothing unless it really bugs me! Sounds like it's a nasty job that they hate doing.

 

ghost code, the ticking's prob ur timing chain, take ur car to a muffler shop they should be cheaper> u could do it ur self for next to nothing + ur time. good luck

 

lol sounds exactly like my car, engine light bugs me. but when I check. i get about 19 codes. LOL. nothing wrong. but a scanner would be nice.. the 95 computer had some problems.

the ticking sound might be the same as mine, one of the camshaft lobes has too much clearance between it and the little shim piece for the valve. thats a pain in the *** job.

also I agree with maxspeed96plat. take it to a muffler shop. or even check it out yourself. it could just be the gasked. if its tha acually manifold. may as well treat yourself and buy some after market headers. and yes a muffler shop will costy less than the dealer..... 500 is ALOT for an exaust leak

 

I don't see any problems with the '95 ECU... Quality aftermarket headers cost a fair amount and aren't worth the gains over a y-pipe alone.

Have your battery and alt checked out, from what I've heard minor charging system issues can cause the 0505 CEL.

 

I spent like $230 shipped for headers AND y-pipe on ebay. It's the SS Auto Chrome ones.

Took me about 4 days/4 hrs per day to install my headers (what a PITA job that was) but I'm happy with the result. It's definitely is not easy, which is why the dealer is charging $500.