I asked him how a air filter (because thats all they are) could set off the light? They said that the ECU had to be completely reprogrammed and if the light comes on again, then they are going to have to put two more O2 sensors .. Holy cow that will be half a dozen.

The guy really did not understand my throttle problem. Maybe with your help here I can explain to him what the problem is.

 

An air filter can't mess up anything. Maybe the MAF if the filter is extrememly over-oiled, but even then, that is a stretch. Seriously though, the guy has no clue. Did he read the code that triggered the light?

 

He didn't tell me exactly what the problem was. He said they reprogrammed the ECU and it should be fine now. I thought it was funny that he told me that the filter could make a big difference in my fuel economy and the tech said I should really remove it!

 

And to think those MF's make around $47 hr. (You can tell I love the Nissan techs).

 

He didn't "reprogram" anything. All he did was clear the code, fed you some BS story and sent you on your way. I mean, exactly where was he planning on plugging in 2 more O2 sensors anyway?

I've been driving around with a panel filter for 2 years. The MIL came on once 40K miles ago. The only thing I did was reset the ECU and haven't had a single problem since.

 

my suggestion is to invest in a scan tool... it will help you in such situations where you may be at the mercy of Nissan service.

 

I was reading in the 99 forum about the MIL/ECU switch on the driver side next to the gas pedal. Basically, by taking of the panel and turning the switch to Diagnostic mode, you can count the number of times the MIL blinks (which gives you a code).

Is this on the 2001 and 2002? On my 91 Explorer, you can ground the ECU and it will do the same thing...saves lots of money in costly diagnostics.

 

The 5th gens ECU's don't have that. I looked. You need either a "Consult II" or a generic scan tool to reset the MIL, or you can disconnect the battery for a few hours.

 

I got that light when i put in my JWT Popcharger... i just disconnected the battery. After that is was all good.
Roger

 

that sucks...

I just went out and checked myself...you can remove the panel and see the ECU, but no diagnostic mode switch. Why...why would Nissan do this? This was the only way I have seen, between Ford and Nissan, to do a self diagnostic on OBD-II without the use of a costly scan tool

 

Why worry?

Your car is under warranty.

Nissan will fix the problem.

no charge.

 

I have a cone K&N on my other car and the first time I cleaned it I really over-oiled it. It was so bad that I thought I was leaking tranny fluid. When I traced the red oil up, there was a puddle under my air filter. That was years and 60,000 miles ago and I have Never had a problem with my MAF. With almost 100,000 miles on the car and with the K&N since 16,000, it was a great investment. These filters will not harm your car.

 

Various manufactures due have Service bulletins related to K&N type filters. My brother-in-law is a Ford/Chrsyler mechanic, had a Lincoln Navigator in with issues, the compter system that they used showed a K&N service bulliten for the problems he was getting, it was removed, and it started working fine. So its an easy fix, put the stock assembly back in and see if you still have the problem. The MAFs on some brand/type of cars have a hard time recalibrating for the increased airflow.