Murphy5156

My 2002 Max with 140,000 miles on it threw these two codes yesterday, which according to the folks at Auto Zone were "Cam Shaft Sensor" issues. I took the car to the dealer this AM and they ran their tests and came back with this diagnosis: "Intake Timing Sensor Codes Due To Low Oil Caused By PCV System In Valve Covers Stopped Up" They want to charge me $1175 to replace the PCV because they say they also have to replace the valve covers as part of the procedure. I told them that wasn't in the budget right now and to just do an oil change and I would be on my way. Other than the fact that the SES light is still on, the car seems to run just like normal. They tell me the stopped-up PCV valve is causing me to burn oil, and that replacing the valve will cure the burning oil problem. Has anyone had any experience with this problem? I've read in the forums about low oil sometimes being the cause of these error codes, and that the SES light just comes and goes on it's own. Just wondering what the ORG thinks about this diagnosis. I'm about to go check the price for the parts and see if I can find the directions for replacing the PCV valve.....maybe it's something my car-enthusiast buddy of mine and I can do ourselves and save some $$. Thanks.

Murphy5156

Another question.....are there different PCV valves on a 2002 Maxima? I've read some of the threads here and they all say it's a 2-minute job and a $10 part to replace the PCV valve, so what is my dealer talking about when he says he has to replace the valve covers too? Thanks!

Reizy

iTrader: (48)

First off, the oil burning is probably the rings. Ask Soonerfan about that one.

But as the dealer says you could be losing oil at the valve covers. Alot of people that change their spark plugs (including myself) end up with oil soaked plugs due to the valve cover leaking around the spark plug tubes. The later year (04?) valve covers have better seals around the spark plug tubes to prevent leaks. Talk to DaveB for prices and correct parts. And I think the rear comes with the PCV valve so you dont need to buy one. Search for the write up on changing 3.5 spark plugs (stickies) and the valve covers arent much more work than that. You might as well change plugs while you are in there.

And $1175 to change the valve covers is ridiculous.

ahm12

Guyz i dont want to create a new thread , i have same problem..
car seems to run fine but loosing oil...

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/de...e&apwidByfz3O7

is that the right pcv vavle the dealer is talking about ??
and with that he is asking to replace valve cover gasket ??..

trooplewis

iTrader: (1)

Those two codes can be triggered by low oil; check yours regularly first thing in the AM and keep it at the top of the cross-hatch marks on the dipstick or a tad above them.

A lot of the 3.5L engines burn some oil, just keep it full. Reset the codes and I bet they do not come back on.