WahooJames

2000 Max SE with 77k miles. SES light has been on more or less since the day I got it 2 years ago.

I took it in for an emissions test earlier this month and it passed the test but failed on the technicality that the SES light was on. Knowing that my ECU has never been flashed, I figured that was the problem (code being thrown was 0420).

Took it to a dealership and the guy informed me that it is a $184 diagnostic fee for a failed emissions test, even though I knew what the code was. This would be applicable toward any work I needed done. I said in likelihood the work would be covered under the 80k warranty, and he indicated the diagnostic fee would still be charged.

I had really no option other than to have them do it. Sure enough they reflashed the ECU which was covered, but whacked me for the $184. This seems unsavory at best.

What is the board's opinion... did I get screwed or is this a standard practice. Seems bogus to force someone to pay a diagnostic fee just to fix a warranty item.

phobix

The dealer is "Double Dipping" They get the money back from Nissan as well as you, effectively making 200% profit.

frack1217

Indeed, the dealer took advantage of you.

The dealer tried pulling this scam with me, but I called Nissan North America, and suddenly I was not charged for anything & was treated in a much more polite manner.

I look like I'm 15, so I'm sure they figured they could take advantage of me. Crooks!

BudVlad

When I registered my 2001 Maxima with California emission spec. I had to take it to a Automotive Research Institute for dynamic test (running on rollers). Total waste of time and money because the European standards are much lower. I was charged approx. $450. That’s what I call ripoff.

frankd121

iTrader: (1)

yeah, call up nissan north america, they'll probably give you a refund.

y2KAOSMax

Why does your emissions test cost so much. I'm in Pa and I only paid $15 for mine. I was running a SES light and got the O2 Simulator put on and passed with flying colors.

WahooJames

nah man the test is only $20, the dealership charged $180 for diagnostics to troubleshoot the failure (which i knew was a simple ECU upgrade)

Gsilk

the lesson to be learned here is to not trust your nissan dealer. i dread going to mine and bring it in only in an emergency.

cebarraza

I agree with the rest that you should call Nissan, first time the SES came on I took it to the dealer and they charge me nothing since the code was P0420 and it's cover under the Emissions warranty, second time the light came on dealer charged me 80 dls for the diagnostic I tried to involve Nissan but I was told that since the code P0135 was related to a O2 sensor, the sensor is cover only during the basic warranty, something that I don't have anymore.

grimm2708

$184 seems to high. I would think it should be around $70-80. I would definatly try contacting Nissan. I am actually in that process to get my diag fee refunded. I was only charged $74 but it was for a part that should have been covered under warranty and I should not have been charged that diag fee.

WahooJames

Well I heard back from Nissan NA. They told me:

- The ECU reprogram is NOT covered under 80k emissions warranty. A bad ECU would be, but not a reprogram. Odd since that contradicts even what the dealer told me, in addition to what most people have experienced here.

- The diagnostics fee is an acceptable practice. I argued that hypothetically, let's say my SES light was caused by a bad ECU. I'd have to pay the $184 to find that out and do the warranty work? The rep had a tough time following this argument but in the end he said basically "yes." I told him what I thought of that practice and that I would keep that in mind the next time I was shopping for a new car.

I tried to express my displeasure with the dealership in question. I certainly did not feel that the Nissan NA rep was on my side, that's for sure.

I guess that ends that.

cebarraza

Don't trust the dealer, they usually don't know what's covered under warranty, I want to think is more a trainning issue among most of their employees. Call Nissan and open up a file number, when I called them they totally agreed code P0420 was covered under the emission warranty.

WahooJames

That is what I did, what I stated above is what I got from the rep at Nissan USA.