My check engine soon light goes on at about a 1/4 tank on a regular basis. I go to the gas cap and make sure that it is on properly and the light goes out after a few startups. Can the cap be defective or am I looking at some other problem. Thanks

 

Only way to know for sure is have the cel light scanned when you have it on.. Autozone does free diags..

 

Thanks they just opened an autozone near me.

 

FYI I took it this morning to be scanned and they found that the light came on due to catalytic converter efficiency. WTF.

 

if you are under 80k and you are sure that was the code then i would take it to the dealer. ive have been told that emission parts such as the cat are covered under 80k, at least with nissan. edit- you may to check out this thread if you have not seen it already. http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....hreadid=231108

 

The light came on because you need to have the ECU reprogrammed... The sensor reading or whatever is out of the "acceptable" range according to the ECU. Well, at least that's what I was told when this happened to me. The dealer just reprogrammed it under the 3yr/36k warranty.

 

The odometer now reads 41k. I was thinking it might have been an O2 sensor but what do I know. Should I be prepared with the KY gel before I go to the dealer?

 

Don't break out the gel just yet, my friend...unless it's a boring Saturday night..or you've just got plenty of money to burn at the dealership.

Actually..it's correct about the ECU reprogramming. Get that done first for free...then if YOU can, troubleshoot the O2 sensors...then the ignition coil.

The point is- save that gel for when you really need it...but you're not there yet.

 

Thanks for the advice. I guess I'm not looking foward to working with a dealership. I may have to post to see where there is a good dealership in Northern New Jersey.

 

"check engine soon light" , its a steady light.
just came on my car today.
i have a 2000 maxima se with 31k miles...nelly, let us know how you make out...i know nothing about engines and i dread bringing my car to the dealer knowing its gonna cost me big $$$...any advice appreciated.