Since I can't use the search, I have to post the problem.

My problem is the light is coming on and Nissan doesn't know why.
They say they can't diagnose right away because of my aftermarket parts (I have a Stillen Intake, Frankencar pipe, and y-pipe) They have it over the weekend...not doing anything, but they'll start first thing Monday.

I had the light come on a month and a half ago and took it to a shop near my office. They replaced the O2 sensor. Now the light is on again, and before I "bend over" at the dealers, I figured you guys might know the problem.

I have had all these parts on for over 2 years with no problems.

Thanks.

 

next time bring it to autozone first. they can snag the code for you. the dealership will charge you for the diagnostic fee. you need to give more info for people here to suggest what the problem is. it could be a variety of things.

 

I did take it to AutoZone. They said it was something wrong with the 1st cylinder, possibly the catalyst system. I took the printout to the Nissan dealership because AutoZone was a little puzzled, too.

It sounds like it is a variety of things...the drivability is fine, the light just came on again.

 

Go get your car BEFORE they do anything.

It's probably the P0420 code. Get the code from Autozone, if it's that code, take it back to Nissan and tell them to just do the TSB:

http://maxima.theowensfamily.com/tsb/NTB00-070a.pdf

They'll probably try and charge you, however check your Owners' Manual and see if you're still under the "Emissions' Warranty".

 

Thank You!

 

Thank You!

That was the code I got. Unfortunately they have the car tonight, but I'll head over there tomorrow morning.

 

Well then, let them keep it, but print out the TSB and tell them to do it.

Just try and make sure they cover it under the Emissions Warranty. If not, ask what there HOURLY rate is and they can only charge 0.7hrs, so hourly rate x 0.7 plus taxes.

 

No dice. The TSB does not apply to my ECU (#23710-2Y911). The saturday service dept guy explained it a little better. He said the car is running too lean possibly because of the aftermarket parts. He said the O2 sensors are not working together?

Any other ideas?

Thanks in advance.

 

Anyone?...Anyone?...

 

They are trying to rip you off. Take the car to another dealer with the TSB...

 

They finally called me back today (Monday), and told me I needed 2 new O2 sensors...$160 a piece!!!
Total install would be $510!!!

Unbelievable. I told them to put it back together and send a shuttle to pick me up.

THEY NEEDED 2 DAYS TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE AUTOZONE REPORT TOLD THEM IN THE BEGINNING?!

I USED to trust these guys.

 

Buy BOSCH 02s at Autozone and do it yourself.

 

That's the plan.

 

I just got this code on my 2000 on my way home from work tonight. I checked this thread before I went to Autozone and sure enough, P0420.

I cleared the code in the car. I've had it for about 2 months now and this is the first I've seen it (I have 42k on it). I cleared the code and I'm going to wait to see if it does it again, in the meantime I'm going to check with local Nissan dealerships to see if it would be covered with my car.

Quick question though, in my Haynes manual it showed some method of checking the codes with the flashin SES light in 95+ maximas. I tried to do this and peeled back the sticker on the ECU in the center console. I put it back, but where I pulled it is a lighter color. Will they check for this, and if so, by doing it did I void any and all warranties to do with this TSB?

If I did, I'm just going to go and pick up the Bosch O2 sensors.

 

No, they just plug in underneath the steering column on the lower dash area(looks like a trapazoid).

It gives them the part number and they can flash if the TSB applies to your ECU.

 

You talking about the OBDII connector? I didn't know it was just a reflash (can't read the TSB posted b/c my computer can't read PDF files for some reason, I need to upgrade my pdf reader). I guessed it was replacing the O2 sensors or something.

Thanks!

 

Basically, what happens is over time the cat or 02s "age" enough that the ECU tolerance is too sensitive.

The dealer reflashes the ECU through the OBD-II port to make the ECU accept a wider range. At least that's my theory.

 

Sounds reasonable... I work in the pool and spa industry and we use OBD-type flashable PICS on our pool and spa controllers. We also have a technology similar to the O2 sensor setup that you're talking about, except we use water temperature sensors.

 

COOL~! Sounds fascinating.

 

Is there any way I can find out my ecu number, and if the tsb applies to my vehicle?

 

Take your VIN# to a Nissan dealer.