My '03 Maxima GLE had the check engine light come on at about 104,200 miles. I took it to AutoZone yesterday to find out what error codes it was giving out and the reader they used gave them an error (twice). They told me I probably have a blown fuse and that's why they're getting error. So I'm going to check all my fuses this weekend when I get free time.

My boss, who owns a Nissan truck, told me that the SES light is programmed to come on every 7,500 miles... is this true? If so, I've never heard of anything like that but he told me there's a trick to just turn it off. He said it's for car dealers to get you to come in and pay to have your car checked out but I figured I'd ask you guys since I'm new to the Nissan family. Oh yeah, I should note that on my first tank I went through on my car I only got 275 miles and I believe that's on a 18.5 gallon tank? Seems like really bad MPG's... (that's the gas coming out of his eyes). Any help is much appreciated, thank you!

 

On the newer models, yes basically for maintenance, oil change ect..

 

Not on the 5th gen or 5.5 gen Maxima though.

For the OP, get the code and report back.

 

I accidentially pulled my ECU fuse while looking for another blown fuse one day and got about 18mpg for a tank while it was re-learning everything. After that tank i went back getting my usual 25. It seems weird to me that your car would run at all if the ECU had no power to it at all but i have seen stranger things (I think there might be 2 fuses for the ECU if i remember correctly, maybe you only blew one) Anyway check those and if all looks good see if you can have another auto parts store pull your codes or at least another person. let us know what you find out

 

yeah, it works on 5th but not 5.5th

 

A 2003 Maxima GLE is a 5.5th? what's that mean???

 

Strange general nomenclature of this forum. Some say it is to the added displacement, I personally think it is due to the small differences. Like as in maybe the 07 - 08 Max is a 6.5 gen, although it does not have the extra displacement, but the addition of the CVT only.

 

To many changes to call them small upgrades, but not enough to start a new generation. New engine, wheels, steering wheel, trim levels, transmissions, headlights and I'm sure some other more subtle changes that I don't know of/can't remember. But the frame and probably the chassis as a whole didn't change.

 

Word. Well, to stay on topic... I guess the first thing I need to do is check my ECU fuses and maybe my gas mileage will improve. 16 MPG is horrible! Hopefully my check engine light will turn off too!!!

 

Why not check the codes first & foremost We need tog et away from the 'hope it goes away' attitude. Find out WHY, then figure out HOW.

 

As soon as I check out the fuses and get that error code I will let you guys know what happens, thanks for posting!

 

I use to get horrible gas mileage as well until i changed my O2 Sensor. Acceleration and gas mileage dramatically improved and the rpm gauge doesn't fly all over the place.

 

WOW what your boss says... Unbelievable under the wrong impression...try putting key in and hitting your door switch like 8 times in 5 seconds it may clear it.. Worked for me.