I have 62K on my 00 Max and the first time ever an SES code came up was "Ignition Problem/Misfire".

I had it erased as I have many many folks who have had it -- thx to the bad ignition coils.

Then came a double code "Ignition Problem/Misfire" and the P0420 code (catalytic convertor before effieceny (bank1).

Now, could a "totally" bad coil result into spitting out the P0420 code. How does one check which coil is out -- its time replacing them if they are not functioning.

 

coils have nothing to do with that code. look at this HERE for a way to get a copy of the TSB. this should be covered 8yr/80k as mandated by the government. typically an ecu reflash cures it but some had to have their main cat replaced.

 

I looked at the TSB and it there are couple of catches too --

1) the P0420 code registered
2) and no misfire and vehile running OK

so the TSB is applicable only if there is no misfire -- and with these lousy coils (and both Nissan and the dealers not acknowledging there is an issue with the coils), how does one expect them to apply the procedures detailed in the TSB.

I spoke to a stealership and they told me they would charge me $118 to pull the code and check what is wrong. Well the TSB does detail what is wrong, I don't understand why they need to understand the problem, all that they have to do is reflash the ECU and not find a soln for an already documented problem.

I don't understand why these dealerships have such a lousy customer satisfaction record -- my next vehicle will not be Nissan, I am tired dealing with these ba*tards, I might as well go for a Hyundai (10 year/100,000 mile warranty).

 

I have the P0420 code. I just clear it with my OBDii scan tool everytime it comes up. it will come back after ~600 - 900 miles. I didnt take it to the dealer because I have exhuast modification.

anyways....after they pulle the code. they have to perform diagnostic to determine the cause of the code. If the cause is the what TSB described, then they will not charger you. if the cause is not related to the TSB (i.e. the version of the ECU firmware is not on the TSB.) then you will end up paying for the repair.

I am pretty upset with Nissan's approach too - "pay us $100 before we will do your work". I also own an Audi and their service is a lot better - at least they treat me like a customer.

 

I think it's possible for the misfire to cause that.

Have you changed your plugs, yet?

If not, I'd throw in fresh plugs, then buy a spare coil and play the swap one at a time and look for the SES to come back game. If that doesn't work, time for a dealer.

 

Yeah!! I did change my plugs with NGK about 10K miles ago.

I would have liked if the P1320 (misfire code) did in some form of fashion detail the faulty coil that misfired. I could just replace it and move on.

Anyway all these problems started when I switched from Chevron to 76 (Concoco Phillips) -- I have returned back to Chevron since it is the oil with the least amount of pinging and misfires of all the gasolines I have tried on my Maxima.

Also all these problems started when I went from 89 to 87 -- thx to the ridiculous price of gas in CA.

 

Use 91 Chevron only.

 

Well I erased the codes by disconnecting the battery.

Now, there came back the SES light, then started blinking and now stopped.

What does this blinking of SES light indicate -- multiple SES codes have been recorded / some really wrong.

 

Yes, something is really wrong.

You are probably having multiple/repeated misfires, which when bad enough will cause the ECU to throw the blinking SES to warn you of possible catalytic convertor failure from overheating the cat.

 

1st trip(vs. 2nd trip) SES blinking says:

Misfire (Possible three way catalyst
damage) — DTC: P0300-P0306 is being detected

 

Absolutely -- there were 2 codes for P1320 and one for P0306 (cylinder 6). I have cleared it for now and the earliest appointment with my dealer is next week.

I guess I need to drive it like Iam driving a Corolla and not RPM high...

BTW, I intend to see if the plug and the coil are fine. I would want to know the order of the cylinders

456
123

Right!!!
Any thoughts..

 

I just removed both the coil and the plug in 6th cylinder based on the below order

456
123

and found the plug was burnt (just 10K on it). Luckily I had the old plugs and replaced it with one that looked somewhat in working condition.

Now if the plug again blows off, then it is the coil and this is my guess -- the coil is gone (it is unthinkable for a plug to have the porcelien burnt with just 10K miles).

Anyway, I am praying that the coil/plug in 6th cylinder is the problem than the expensive 02 sensor/cat/recat combination (the plug change is hard, so tough to reach!!!).

Thx IceY2K1 for your help!!!.

 

Can you take a picture of the plug?

You are now running 91-octane instead of 87-octane, correct?

 

Also, try swapping that #6 coil pack to another rear bank cylinder...if the problem moves to that new cylinder, you know you just need to replace that one.

 

I live in Kaliphonia (in Arnold's words) and I have always only put 89 on my car and this time around I tried cutting cornors and jumped to 87 and that too non-Chevron. All this has messed up my car big time. I shall post the picture once I figure out how to use my wife's digital camera.

Over the weekend I indend to move the 6th coil and plug to 1st and then take it from there.

 

I haven't had the opportunity to get the pictures on the web but yesterday I removed all plugs (after another misfire) are there was brown discoloration on all the plugs. I replaced all the plugs with the old set that came originally when I bought the car.

I don't know why all of them have this discoloration but the one on the 6th was the worst and I bought a coil and plug and replaced it for now.

It misfired again this morning -- Iam going to wait for a week or so and then check if the replaced plugs show similar wear. If yes, then its time for replacing the remaining five plugs and coils (and most importantly bite the bitter pill and go to 91 gas). I cannot understand why Nissan would want to push us back when the cost of the coils are close to $500 dollars -- my next car would not be a Nissan. And with these exorbidant oil prices I may go back to a V4 hybrid.