Quick question...

I have a 2000 maxima covered only by the 5yr/60,000 powertrain warranty... (bumper to bumper expired earlier this year)


My service engine light just came on again (already tried battery disconnect... it came back after a week or two)... When I take it to the dealer, should I expect to pay for repair/diagnostic service, or is this covered under powertrain?

Any thoughts??? I don't have the warranty book handy...


-Tom

 

$85 to $95....or go to Autozone and get it done for free.

 

Tell me more.... I assume autozone is an auto repair chain? they diagnose for free? (can't find any useful info on autozone.com)

-Tom

 

autozone is just like advance auto and pep boys except they decided to equip their stores with OBD2 diagnostic readers. just roll in and have them pull the code for free. then decide if its an item that would be covered under your remaining warranty or if its a repair you can do yourself.

 

Sweet.... thanks guys... i'll be sure to do that tomorrow..


-Tom

 

BTW, has your ECU been flashed/updated by the dealer? If not, I bet you're going to find a code related to a downstream O2 sensor since you didn't mention any drivability problems. The fix may as simple as reflashing the ECU and some people have been able to convince the dealer to do that for free as part of the 8/80 emissions warranty (the ECU is a covered item).

 

car drives fine... no loss of power.. error always gets thrown during highway driving at mildly open throttle. (I've battery-reset it.. and it takes a few weeks to come back). How do I find out for sure if it's an ECU flash? can i get the ECU revision from my vin or production date?

 

See the following TSB link that was posted courtesy of studman a while back. If you have a 2K and end up with code P0420, get the ECU flashed before replacing anything. If you don't know if the ECU was flashed, chances are you never had it done.
Of course I'm assuming you purchased the car new....

 

Ok, the code was P0420, Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)

My dealer swore there was no applicable ECM upgrade...

I am like 90% sure that my car is Fed Spec... (Not california) I will check for sure tomorrow.

Does the earlier TSB apply to a Fed Emissions car as well? Does anyone have the Service manual Pages for DTC P0420 procedure?

-Tom

 

Just checked my original sticker... It lists California Emissions.. Going back to the dealer tomorrow! Thanks guys, i think the TSB is the exact problem!...

 

good luck with the dealer tomorrow. hopefully they can pull up the TSB and get all the relevant info they need for the ecu flash and replacement of the precat.

 

My coils went and then after they were replaced I started getting this error code...reset it twice myself then gave up. Took it to dealer who reprogrammed car for $126...supposedly test drove and said that if it didnt work it was a new catalyst not covered under warranty to a tune of $500. 30 miles from the dealer SES light went back on. SO now I am forced to argue with them about replacing teh cat under warranty which they say isnt covered...love em!

 

I have the TSB in front of me, so I'll be damn sure that THEY find it... One question though...

Under the ECM table (current/new) There is no entry for 2000 Auto with V-tires... does this mean that after the upgrade, my top speed will be limited?

-Tom

 

#1. ECU is SPECIFICALLY covered under 8/80,000 warranty.... I checked the warranty manual today... In my state (NJ) you can't pass inspection with the SES light on, so both conditions on the 8/80,000 apply automatically for any SES light incident. THEREFORE, reprogramming the car SHOULD BE FREE!!!

#2. catalytic converter is covered under 8/80,000 warranty.. not sure about anything else..

-Tom