Hi Everyone,
My 1996 Maxima is having some CEL issues. A few weeks ago the CEL came on and it was code # 104 VSS. I cleared the code and it stayed off for about two weeks, then the light came back on.
Yesterday I checked the CEL and now I have two codes 707 (PO136) (rear O2 sensor) and 504 (PO600) TCM issue.
The rear O2 sensor seems easy enough to replace.....except that it is somewhat rusted into the cat. I started spraying it down today with oil, and I will order a new O2 sensor on Monday.
Now the bigger issue is the 504 code, TCM issue. I don't want to damage my trans! My car seems to shift and drive fine. I assume that the original 104 code and the 504 code are related.
Based upon the searches that I have done, it seems that I should be having speedometer issues and cruise control issues; both work fine. The only cluster issue that I have is the lazy odometer and trip odometer. Neither record many miles, most of the time they don't work.
So where do I go from here? I don't want to throw parts at it if it won't fix the issues. Should I just replace the VSS? What about a new cluster assembly? Should I just get a new cluster from Nissan? If so, how much do they charge for the cluster?
Would the VSS/Cluster issues give me the TCM 504 code?
There seems to be very little code 504 info.

Any and all help would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Zack

I'd reset the ECU and see if the code comes back

It seems that a new Nissan speedometer is NLA from Nissan; I looked at courtesynissan.com



Zack

I would think a bad VSS could cause those issues.

But ive heard of my clusters failing as well

But if the VSS was bad it would seem that I would lose the function of my speedometer, and or the cruise control? Does the VSS control the odometer operation?


Thanks,
Zack

Any other ideas?

Zack

If you are going to buy a cluster, find someone on here with one or find one in a junk yard. I bought one on here for $30 for a 95. The vss code may be coming up because of the odometer issues...not 100% on that but it seems logical since, like you said, your speedo works fine. I'd start with a cluster since they go bad quite often and can be had on here fairly cheap ($30-$50) clear the codes and see what happens. Also, the vss is fairly cheap too so you could replace that easy enough. To me, It's a toss up but I'd be more inclined to say your speedo cluster is shot since It's just the odometer not working.

The VSS is cheap and the TCM needs the input from that sensor to operate the transmission correctly. If that signal is failing or incorrect it may be causing issues with the TCM. The VSS signal does go through the cluster. The cluster circuits, as simple as they are tend to fail. Sometimes a solder joint refresh gets them up and running.

Remove the cluster, check for any lose connections or obvious corrosion on the circuits and connectors. If the problem is still happening, replace the VSS. If the problem still doesn't go away, sell the car while the check engine light is off...

Well while driving today, the CEL went off. It seems odd that I would have two codes, and now the light simply goes away. Now I am really confused! And the car still drives perfectly fine, as it always has.

I will order the VSS from the dealer. Does someone have a price/part number for the VSS?


Thanks,
Zack

Well my car has been at the shop for over a week. The mechanic is totally stumpted by the TCM code. The VSS has been replaced, and the code came back quickly. He checked the wiring, and that all seems fine. He has not touched the cluster as of yet. He feels it may be computer related. I am going to call him tomorrow to discuss the cluster with him. Any other ideas on this seemingly odd code.

Thanks,
Zack