While driving my 02 (average about 100 miles/day), I've noticed "light" detonation while accelerating normally (not aggressively). I know that if I take it in to the dealership, they will just say - "no problem found" or tell me to use higher octane fuel. I currently use 93 supreme and nothing off-brand. Typically, this could be traced to the EGR system since it operates at part throttle.

This same thing happened to a Honda I used to own and it required the EGR system to be thoroughly cleaned. Although it didn't require this until about 120k. This cleaning worked and improved gas mileage about 1.5 to 2 mpg.

Does anyone have any info to offer or has experienced similar detonation and more importantly, cured it. What bothers me is that I know the computer is retarding my timing nearly all the time for this.

Thanks

 

there is alot of threads on this subject. I do too have experienced it as well as others here on the org. Best thing to do is call Nissan at 1-800-NISSAN-1 and make a file about your issue.

 

Thanks for the response. Can you hook me up with a couple of threads with a link??

 

what is the mileage on your car? You should try doing the fuel system cleaning (w/B&G products) first. I had similar problem and this procedure had cured the pinging/knocking issue.

 

I have a stupid question.

What is detonation?

 

as the gasoline/air, mixture is pressurized in the chamber, it heats up (as if there isn't enough heat in there) and combust prior to the power stroke. When this happens the engine can knock or vibe funny. The better the gas or higher the octane rating, detonation is minimized. Essentially you get better behaved hydrocarbons.

In other words, your getting less ommph for your buck....

Correct me if i'm wrong....

 

thanks for clearing that up.

 

of course...

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....nation+pinging

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....nation+pinging

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....nation+pinging

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....nation+pinging

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....nation+pinging

 

It's got about 39k on the clock; not much in my book. But, I did purchase the car used with 35k on the clock. The car has had all services and recalls performed but I cannot speak for the quality of fuel the previous person used.

Also, recently I had to replace the battery and noticed that my fuel mileage decreased about 2 mpg and I am not sure why. I have checked it by calculating the mileage, not relying on the computer on the dash. Any reprogramming required??? What gives??

 

Take it to your Nissan dealer and have them perform all necessary Technical Service Bulletins pertaining to your Maxima. You can locate all the TSB's at the top section of the 5th gen forums. Print them out and take them to the dealer.

 

I would suggest a 12 gallon tank of gas and Chevron Techron. Drive short trips with the car until the tank is empty.

Mine hasn't ever pinged, but I did notice that on occasion it would not fire up quickly (sometimes at all) when turning the key for a few seconds. After getting half-way through a tank of Techron, the car fires up immediately...I haven't noticed any mpg gains but it does feel a little more responsive at the throttle.

Since you don't know the history of the car, you have to assume the former owner did not take excellent care of it. Start off with the gas treatment then perhaps switching to a better quality oil before shelling out money for TSB's. The problem is most likely related to poor maintenance and/or hotrodding the car.

 

At that mileages, there are many things that can/need to be done as a preventive maintenance. For example:

1) cleaning your fuel injection system (this help out a lot)
2) air/in-cabin/pcv filters
3) TSB for hestitation (call the dealer w/your vin# see if there are other TBS's)
4) clean the throttle body
5) inspect sparkplugs (even though they're supposed to last for 100K)
6) change/flush out the old transmission fluids (use synthetic oil for
protection/durability)

You could also try to reset your ECU, using these procedures and see if that would help:

http://www.technosquareinc.com/350reset.htm

-good luck!

 

I had pinging while using light throttle on my 2K2 Max GXE (no powertrain related mods). It was worse in hot weather. I ended up having TSB NTB03-023 done on it. They reprogrammed the ECU and replaced the MAF. It seems pretty much fixed although I did still notice some while using light throttle going up hills. I was always using 91 or 92 octane gas.

It's not my primary driver anymore and it's way cold now, but I think it's pretty much fixed except for the above.