attomica

First off:
I have consulted the FAQs and I understand what the code is for. A P0420 deals with the emissions system.

Some facts about my car:
It's a 2000 with 74,000 miles and has Cali-spec emissions.

I'm taking the car in tomorrow to get this addressed, but there is a TSB for this specific problem and I wonder if they're right in shanking me for $150 to reprogram the ECU or should it be done free-of-charge persuant to the 8/80,000 Emissions Warranty. I've seen posts where people have gone to the dealer, waited thirty minutes for the techs to reprogram the ECU, and then just went on there way without having to pay a cent; and I've seen posts where people have had to pay for a diagnostic and then labor costs for corrective action.

So, how does a TSB work? Is it something that can be left at the discretion of the dealership, where they can address it free as a courtesy?

Thanks for your insight.

Jaws

You are out of warranty, plain and simple. The only thing that a dealer would be obligated to fix out of warranty period is a recall. A Technical Service Bulletin is just a document produced by Nissan outlining how to fix known issues. AFAIK the only emissions component that has a 80k mi warranty is the catalytic converter.

attomica

Okay, that's what I figured. Just checking to see if my thoughts on this were straight. Thanks.

sloppymax

iTrader: (8)

the main cat is not the only part covered by that warranty. the repair in the tsb is covered under a federal emissions warranty as mandated by the us government. it is covered 8yr/80k miles. i happened to be at the dealer when another maxima owner had the same code and they covered his at 78k. the reflash courtesy of the consult 2 was done at no cost. they will reflash the ecu which cures the majority of p0140 and if the light comes back then a main cat replacement also covered under the same warranty is in order. if a dealer gives you any slack, call 800-NISSAN1 and ask them why their dealers are not cooperating with federal law.