Okay, need some input here...

Two weeks ago I got the first CEL in the car:

P 1320 - Not Defined
P 0302 - Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected


Researched and found out that it was the coil. Called Dave B and bought the #2 coil, 6 copper plugs, air filter and fuel filter. Thread: http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=493775


Changed the coil, plugs and air filter and I cleared the codes. All was (is) fine, and I was actually hoping to get a better mileage and post it here....


Till few minutes ago... got another CEL and I was like: WTF!!!


Just pulled the code few minutes ago:

P 0430 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank2)


Some you guys been around longer, so may have seen something like this....

Is it related to the coil? something else? too much coincidence?

What are my options here?


Thanks in advance!


BB

 

not related. The second is the O2 sensor. They die pretty often on these cars.

 

Other than the coil and plugs and filters, did you do anything else? How long had you run the engine/driven the car when you got the SES light again (with code 0430) detected? Actually I was surprised that the FSM DOES associate code 0430 with "spark" issues. The other things are air intake leaks, exhaust leaks, a genuine cat. going south or injectors. If it's running fine and you don't get another misfire code or the 0320 code right away again, I would just take it for a drive, getting the engine fully warmed up, clear the 0430 code and then go driving and see if you get the SES light on again.

 

It was literally 1 coil, 6 plugs, and air filter. I didnt have the time for the fuel filter.


I rode the engine 70 miles after the tune up! I just filled up the tank and reset the tripmeter and I was actually impressed I had reached 50 miles in half 1/4 tank. I was sure everything was (is) running fine and strong... and about 70 miles from the tune-up, I got the CEL.


Just thought it was TOO MUCH coincidence to have a code right after the other... So I cleared the code already hoping it wont come back...



Now one thing I must inform because I am not sure if it could be related: the car was running on DIFFERENT sparkplugs NGK than the ones I bought from Dave. I mean, I know I bought the coppers, but the ones I was running were the ones listed on the Haynes manual for the car. I have all the numbers at home, forgot to bring it. I was going to ask about that but because the car was running strong (for the 70 miles) I figure all was fine: Haynes manual has listing for plugs different from what you guys recommended. Like according to Haynes manual, I am using the plugs for 96-99 Maximas and not the ones for the 5th Generation.


I'll get the numbers and post them here....

Thanks again

 

Carry on. Plug type shouldn't have caused the problem. Just be aware that the non platinum or non iridium plugs are not going to last long. These ignition systems generate a hell of a spark and standard plugs will erode relatively quickly, and with some cars like the Gen.5.5s (and other cars) changing the plugs is a PITA. This is not your grandfathers old Buick!