619MAX

I have a 96 Maxima with P1400 (EGRC Solenoid) and an P0105 (Map Sensor) check engine codes and while I was changing the valve cover gaskets I noticed my EGR tube was clogged. I cleaned it out but before I piece everything back together I would like to know if there is any possibility that the clogged EGR tube could have caused the P1400 to appear or if I need to replace the solenoid? I tried to unplug and plug im the connector with the ignition on and it did not make a noise so from what I have read, that may mean the solenoid is bad but not exactly sure. Any thoughts on this?

bumpypickle

iTrader: (1)

Replace the solenoid anyway it's cheap and kind of easy to get to

619MAX

Okay so I took 2 20 minute trips and the car still ended up throwing a P1400 after about 10 mins of driving but the P0105 hasnt come back even after 2 - 20 minute trips so maybe those 2 are related? Anyhow I believe the sensor to be the issue because I am getting power thru the harness but the solenoid makes no noise when I go to plug in the harness.

Ive searched the forums and havent found anything regarding how to replace it...seems like it is a very tight space. Does anyone have a photo or diagram of explanation of how to get to the bolt that secures the solenoid?

bumpypickle

iTrader: (1)

There's not really a special way to replace it, you kinda have to just slide your hand under with a skinny wrench. I cut my hands up so much but eventually got it.

619MAX

Okay I found it...It's on the bottom of the solenoid...I thought it was on the side of it since there is a "panel" on the drivers side of the solenoid and at first I thought what I felt on the bottom was another vaccum line but after looking at a picture of the replacement part I figured out that is where it mounts to the car

DBear

Is that the one that blocks access to the KS? If so, get a crows foot wrench or a flex head wrench, and that nut will come off easily.

619MAX

Okay I ended up tackling it and I just went ahead and stumbled upon a small 10mm wrench in the garage and used the closed end to tighten the nut. It was a pain in the *** because I have large hands but I ultimately ended up getting it tightened after getting a couple minor cuts but oh well it happens. I suggest hand tightening the nut first then hold down the solenoid with your left hand while tighening with the wrench with your right hand because when you try tightening the nut down, your hand will naturally come in contact with the solenoid and it will start to move the solenoid and there for actually loosen the nut. A ratcheting closed ended wrench is recommended for ease of use but I only had a standard closed end wrench and was still successful but it took some patience.

619MAX

And I haven't done the knock sensor yet but from what I remember I have seen a video of it done without removing the EGR solenoid as long as you have a flexible ratchet which is available at harbor freight tools and maybe some other retailers but I'm at 83k and haven't thrown a code for that yet...by the way the P1400 code did not go away by simply cleaning the EGR tube but the code has not reappeared yet after I have replaced the EGR solenoid.

bewrong

You can get at the knock sensor with a regular non-ratcheting wrench.

619MAX

Right, I was recommending the ratcheting closed end wrench for the EGR solenoid. A flexible ratchet, is what I recommended for the knock sensor. One where the ratchet's handle has pivoting points on it to bend so you don't have to take off the EGR solenoid to remove the knock sensor. A regular wrench could be used also but the ratchet provides more convenience for this particular application.

bewrong

You don't have to do that anyways, unless you have Cali emissions.