ATTN:98 SE Owners, Mystery Box Under Hood

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Jun 4, 2002 | 05:32 AM
  #1  
Ok I own a 98 Max SE fully loaded. Under the hood if you look where the washer fluid container is, right in between the nozzle (where you pour the fluid in) and the right fender there is a little black box mounted. It has two plugs on it's under side. Just wondering what that box is, since it is buzzing when I start my car. Or maybe other models have it aswell. Can't figure out what it is. Thanks!
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Jun 4, 2002 | 10:39 AM
  #2  
I think that the black box is the sensor that sets off the low washer fluid warning light. Believe it or not, that was actually an option for the SE's and GXE's.
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Jun 4, 2002 | 10:42 AM
  #3  
i think it could be also since my friend has a 98 SE and just took a look at it
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Jun 4, 2002 | 11:58 AM
  #4  
Really? Weird, why would that thing be buzzing like crazy? It even looks kind of big for a washer fluid sensor. Hmmmm...weird stuff.



Quote:
Originally posted by D-sta
i think it could be also since my friend has a 98 SE and just took a look at it
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Jun 4, 2002 | 12:34 PM
  #5  
The wiper fluid warning sensor is in the tank of wiper fluid.

DW

Quote:
Originally posted by heems27
I think that the black box is the sensor that sets off the low washer fluid warning light. Believe it or not, that was actually an option for the SE's and GXE's.
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Jun 4, 2002 | 12:48 PM
  #6  
I just checked my car. The only black box I see on that side is the relays. Nothing else. Something tells me that you may have some aftermarket stuff installed, like a car alarm, and it may have been dis-abled, or at least the horn killed, b/c it was causing problems.


My car's a fully loaded SE as well

DW
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Jun 4, 2002 | 12:51 PM
  #7  
Doesn't look after market at all, wires that run to the box, also run to the relay box, headlights, as in the same batch, they aren't aftermarket wires. Ya the washer fluid sensor is in the actual container. I wonder what the hell this thing is.
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Jun 4, 2002 | 12:55 PM
  #8  
Take a PIC so we can see it.

DW

Quote:
Originally posted by elcid
Doesn't look after market at all, wires that run to the box, also run to the relay box, headlights, as in the same batch, they aren't aftermarket wires. Ya the washer fluid sensor is in the actual container. I wonder what the hell this thing is.
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Jun 4, 2002 | 12:59 PM
  #9  
Ya that's what I'll do I'll try and get a pic in tonight. Thanks!

Quote:
Originally posted by dwapenyi
Take a PIC so we can see it.

DW

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Jun 4, 2002 | 04:04 PM
  #10  
Ok well I can't get a hold of a digital camera. But the box is about the same size as a floppy disk but about 1.5 inches thick. And it has 2 plugs in it, it's a sealed black box. The plugs almost seem like sensor plugs or something they're not that small both plugs are 6 pin but one is almost double the size of the other.
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Jun 4, 2002 | 04:44 PM
  #11  
Quote:
Originally posted by elcid
Ok well I can't get a hold of a digital camera. But the box is about the same size as a floppy disk but about 1.5 inches thick. And it has 2 plugs in it, it's a sealed black box. The plugs almost seem like sensor plugs or something they're not that small both plugs are 6 pin but one is almost double the size of the other.
I own a 98 se no cold weather package bought in NJ shipped from RI I have no such box at all. Buy a disposable camera take photos drop off at a 1 hour photo that will do digital prints and upload. Otherwise everyone will respond with "aftermarket part".
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Jun 17, 2002 | 06:29 AM
  #12  
Ok I got soem pics up, sorry it took so long. Here is the link. Now maybe somebody can identify this box. Thanks!

http://community.webshots.com/album/40974853dIYYKL
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Jun 17, 2002 | 06:39 AM
  #13  
Quote:
Originally posted by elcid
Ok I got soem pics up, sorry it took so long. Here is the link. Now maybe somebody can identify this box. Thanks!

http://community.webshots.com/album/40974853dIYYKL
WOW totally looks like a relay box. I have no idea what that is. Hope someone can figure it out.
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Jun 17, 2002 | 06:47 AM
  #14  
I looked at my car again. Nope. Nada. Maybe you have an auto, and I have a 5 speed, so this part may be related to auto only

DW
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Jun 17, 2002 | 06:47 AM
  #15  
It's bolted to the side of the car, I can't open it, but it has to plugs going to it. I checked with my buddy's 98 Max he has it also and has no idea what it is. It's not in the Haynes Book. Mine still buzzes on occassion, mainly when I start the car then after going for a bit it will stop. Maybe it's not getting power or something. How could I check my alternator. Yesterday my power windows didn't work, or my locks, then while driving they slowly came back and then after about 15 min. of driving they where back to normal. My battery is fine. Hmmm.....

Quote:
Originally posted by webboy


WOW totally looks like a relay box. I have no idea what that is. Hope someone can figure it out.
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Jun 17, 2002 | 06:52 AM
  #16  
Quote:
Originally posted by elcid
It's bolted to the side of the car, I can't open it, but it has to plugs going to it. I checked with my buddy's 98 Max he has it also and has no idea what it is. It's not in the Haynes Book. Mine still buzzes on occassion, mainly when I start the car then after going for a bit it will stop. Maybe it's not getting power or something. How could I check my alternator. Yesterday my power windows didn't work, or my locks, then while driving they slowly came back and then after about 15 min. of driving they where back to normal. My battery is fine. Hmmm.....

When you unplug it, what happens?

-RMB

BOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMM!!!!
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Jun 17, 2002 | 07:07 AM
  #17  
Never tried unplugging it while the car was on. I unplugged to see what it was and to try and open it, but I couldn't open the damn thing.

Quote:
Originally posted by rmb


When you unplug it, what happens?

-RMB

BOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMM!!!!
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Jun 17, 2002 | 07:10 AM
  #18  
Does your car have traction control??
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Jun 17, 2002 | 07:12 AM
  #19  
Don't think it has traction control. Not sure though. It's a 98 SE with every option. How do I know if I have traction Control

Quote:
Originally posted by dwapenyi
Does your car have traction control??
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Jun 17, 2002 | 07:13 AM
  #20  
That's too funny....
Quote:
Originally posted by elcid
It's bolted to the side of the car, I can't open it, but it has to plugs going to it.
because yesterday I noticed that box too!
I have a 97 SE, fully loaded (including cold weather) and I was thinking the same thing...

what is this thing?

anyhow, if it makes you feel better, I have it too, and I have a 97.
don't know if it makes a difference, but I have a CANADIAN Max!

my $0.02.

FLO_BOY
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Jun 17, 2002 | 07:17 AM
  #21  
Re: That's too funny....
I have a Canadian Max also, I know people have them just that mine buzzes like loud, and stuff, almost like a small motor in it or something.
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Jun 17, 2002 | 07:25 AM
  #22  
Unplug it and try to start the car....

Unplug it when the car is running....


If it's important it should pull ECU codes that we can look up...

Maybe it's a Canadian Windshield-Washer-Solvent Evaporation control system......

Do you guys have the Limited-Slip-Differential? Maybe it's got something to do with that....

-RMB
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Jun 17, 2002 | 07:37 AM
  #23  
Ya I thought about that, casue I do have the limited slip differential. Hmmm... Ya I'll unplug it and see what happens, I'll do it after work soemtime. Maybe it's something to do with airbag sensor or something
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Jun 17, 2002 | 08:06 AM
  #24  
1st, are you an automatic?? Only automatics have Traction control, or TCS available. If you have TCS, then there should be a button to the right of the steering wheel, next to the small wheel you use to adjust the interiror light illumination.

DW

Quote:
Originally posted by elcid
Don't think it has traction control. Not sure though. It's a 98 SE with every option. How do I know if I have traction Control

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Jun 17, 2002 | 08:13 AM
  #25  
I do have an automatic, there is no button, but I remember reading now that it wasn't offered in the 98 models or previous models. I think it was introduced in the 99

Quote:
Originally posted by dwapenyi
1st, are you an automatic?? Only automatics have Traction control, or TCS available. If you have TCS, then there should be a button to the right of the steering wheel, next to the small wheel you use to adjust the interiror light illumination.

DW

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Jun 17, 2002 | 08:46 AM
  #26  
Quote:
Originally posted by elcid
I do have an automatic, there is no button, but I remember reading now that it wasn't offered in the 98 models or previous models. I think it was introduced in the 99
TCS has been an option on Maximas since the 3rd gen.
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Jun 17, 2002 | 09:09 AM
  #27  
It's starting to sound like something that's specific to canadian aximas only. What's the difference?? Daylight Running lights?? Is that like a requirement on every car in Canada?

DW
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Jun 17, 2002 | 09:11 AM
  #28  
Quote:
Originally posted by dwapenyi
It's starting to sound like something that's specific to canadian aximas only. What's the difference?? Daylight Running lights?? Is that like a requirement on every car in Canada?

DW
Yes it is...that would make sense...
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Jun 17, 2002 | 09:40 AM
  #29  
The black box is for the daytime running lights, and it is standard in canada for most if not all cars to have daytime running lights

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Jun 17, 2002 | 10:03 AM
  #30  
Ding Ding Ding!
Jackpot!


Quote:
Originally posted by Unibomber
The black box is for the daytime running lights, and it is standard in canada for most if not all cars to have daytime running lights

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Jun 17, 2002 | 11:52 AM
  #31  
Re: Ding Ding Ding!
Damn! I checked my left bulb becasue it was out but just needed soem adjusting I guess the contact is loose. But when I took the bulb out I saw soem burning in there, and the plastic was a bit melted. What would cause that?
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Jun 17, 2002 | 12:12 PM
  #32  
if your running a aftermarket bulb then the wattage is too high for the harness.. also sometimes if u buy a stock bulb this will happen from a manufacture defect

u can replace the wire harness with thicker wire or get a harness from the junk yard and use correct wattage bulbs 65/45 i believe
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Jun 17, 2002 | 12:25 PM
  #33  
Where can you get thicker wire harness in canada for it. Thanks man!

Quote:
Originally posted by Unibomber
if your running a aftermarket bulb then the wattage is too high for the harness.. also sometimes if u buy a stock bulb this will happen from a manufacture defect

u can replace the wire harness with thicker wire or get a harness from the junk yard and use correct wattage bulbs 65/45 i believe
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Jun 17, 2002 | 03:02 PM
  #34  
dunno man but i did see this link on another site

http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin....ss.html
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Jun 17, 2002 | 04:52 PM
  #35  
??? that link doesn't work

Quote:
Originally posted by Unibomber
dunno man but i did see this link on another site

http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin....ss.html
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Jun 18, 2002 | 09:58 AM
  #36  
http://store.yahoo.com/dpstore/upgra...g-harness.html
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Jun 18, 2002 | 11:09 AM
  #37  
So I went to Nissan and asked how much the part cost $200 bucks! Now I'm wondering if the daytime running lights module runs anything else, casue if it doesn't affect anything else, I'm not going to fix it. Anybody know?
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