jnm2kse

I work with a woman who has a 96 GXE with 55k on it. The other day her check engine light came on. She brought it in to the shop she always goes to(not the dealer) and they told her that one of the 3 O2 sensors had gone and also her antiKnock sensor. He wants to replace all 3 of the o2 sensors instead of just the one. His reasoning to her was that if 1 goes, the other 2 are not far behind. Total cost to do the job will run about 900 bucks.

Should she get all 3 replaced or is this guys just hosing her? She has done business with this guy for over 10 years but that doesn't mean anything really.

What do you guys think??

amb4081

I have a 1996 Maxima with 74K miles on it. My engine light came on at around that same mileage after I bought the car. I have a little hand held scanner. I had a bad O2 sensor too. It was the downstream O2 sensor located in the cat itself, which is common on the Maxima's. Very easy to get to. I went to Nissan and picked one up for around a hundred bucks. I installed it in about 15 minutes. Since then, I've had no trouble and the other two O2 sensors are fine. No more engine light coming on. If it was me, I would either do it myself or have the mechanic replace the BAD O2 sensor and leave the other two alone. Why replace something that's still good?

Sprint

iTrader: (10)

I doubt all 3 went at once..

do an ECU pull and check which one it is..

http://vbxmaxima.8m.com

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?threadid=45274

now when you find out.. let us know.. if you want to replace it yourself its real easy also..

oh btw.. the knock sensor code is offset by the o2 sensor.. if you fix the o2 sensor.. the knock sensor code will go away.. don't waste your money buying a new knock sensor

theblue

I'm just curious, was she running 87 octane gas?

Sprint

iTrader: (10)

i just noticed you say $900?

its a $130 at most job.. all you need is the o2 sensor and a 22 inch wrench.. it takes all of 5 mins.. if she is in CT i will do it for $20 + parts

Pappa Grande

Yup, Try this first - Before spending any money I would reset the ECU and use only 91 plus fuel for a couple of weeks. Then if the light comes back on replace the o2 sensor.

iwannabmw

iTrader: (3)

I don't think the octane has anything to do with an O2 sensor. Those are known to go bad around that mileage and it sounds like one needs to be replaced. The knock sensor's a different story, that one is probably fine, hard to tell without knowing more details though.

Steve Marsh

I agree, i have a 96se (since new) with 158,400 miles on it, and the last time that i replaced all 3 of my 02 sensors was at 74,900 miles. I have yet to have any problems. I would only replace the one that needs to be replaced, help this lady out and do it for her! As for the others that maight need replacing the computer will let you know. Best wishes!

jnm2kse

I'm not sure what octane she is running...I think pre-2K Max's don't require 91 octane correct?

I told her that she shouldn't have to replace all 3.

I have no idea what the antiknock sensor is or where it is located or how much it should cost...does anyone?

But we are in agreement that 900 is a bag job even to replace all 3?

Sprint

iTrader: (10)

no you are incorrect..

thats correct..

dont' worry about the knock sensor.. as i said in my prior posts.. everytime the O2 sensor goes.. it gives off a knock sensor code.. once you fix the O2 sensor.. the knock sensor code goes away..


i just told you $130 was as much as it should cost .. sheesh

Steve Marsh

Use nothing but super-unleaded, and change your fuel filter more often say every 8,000 miles or so (possible pig s**t sediment at the pumps inline pump filters (lazy service station owners). Don't put that cheap gasohol in your tank yuk! Use a good fuel system's cleaner that specifically states that it will not harm 02 sensors and or cats when used as directed! Chevron products are very good (walmart). Like sprintmax stated do not worry about the knock sensor, and just because the vehicle has one is no excuse for cheaper lower octane gas, fuel up with the premium! Good luck!

jnm2kse

Sorry Sprint...my bad...totally missed your reply...my bad

She'll be psyched..thanks for the info!

Sprint

iTrader: (10)

hey you guys live in MA.. i volunteer AndyXXL to do all the work

if she is close to CT .. i can help her out for a small monetary fee

Eric L.

Just replace the one bad O2 sensor. Costs $110 from Courtesy Nissan.

As for the knock sensor, I would not replace it unless you still get the check engine light and code for that after the new O2 sensor.

I think a reasonable charge for labor for the O2 sensor is half an hour, or $40. So, $150-170 for one O2 sensor, installation included, would be reasonable.

SuDZ

This place can definantly save you some cash around here. If neccesary you may want to look into getting a HAYES or CHILTON manual to help you out. I thik they are ~ 10 bucks.

SuDZ

nismo2020

iTrader: (1)

how do know you which o2 sensor to replace?

Zack_Rad

$900 huh, I'll do it for $850. I'll give her an extended warranty too, for %15 more. Can't go wrong with an extended warranty.

Sprint

iTrader: (10)

once you pull the ecu code

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

and once you get your codes.. you use the ECU decoder

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

this will then give you Front Left Heated Oxygen Sensor or Front Right Heated Oxygen Sensor

Then once you get the right o2 sensor code.. you order that one from the dealership

nismo2020

iTrader: (1)

thanx