gene_vq03

How is it going maxima members? For the past couple of days I have been getting SES light on and off every other week. I recently had to buy a new red optima battery because my old battery was going bad. At times my car would have hard starts in the morning, my radio and clock would always reset and this went on for 1 mth. I took it to Autozone and found out that my battery was bad like completely drained out so it was replaced with a new one. The reason Im giving this information is because I was wondering if driving with a bad battery would affect the performance of the vehicle up to making some electonics parts malfunction inproperly causing the SES light to come on . I went to Autozone again to have my Computer diagnose for the first time and OBD scanner found 3 different troubleshooting codes.

Code-PO306
Definition
Cylinder misfire detected-Cylinder number 6
Explanation
The powertrain control module monitors the
crankshaft speed and has detected a misfire
condition
Probable Cause
1.-Ignition system fault sparkplug(s), iginition wires,coil
2.-vacuum leak
3.-Injector fault
4.-High or low fuel pressure

Code-PO316
Definition
Crank sensor condition
Explanation
The Crankshaft Position sensor signal is monitored for errors
Probable cause
1.-Crank sensor defective
2.-Check connector and wiring to sensor
3.-Check trigger wheel for damage

Code-PO402
Definition
EGR system fault (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
Explanation
The ECM has detected too much flow on the EGR system
Probable cause
1.-EGR valve stuck open
2.-Failed EGR pressure sensor
3.-Failed EGR valve
4.-Failed EGR pressure sensor where applicable

I was doing some research and could not find anything that would close me in on these probable cause on each code. Is there anybody that would be able to guide me closer to what the problem could be for each code. I was thinking of taking my car to the dealer so that they could tell me what exactly is the problem. Once they determined the cause then I guess I will be replacing the parts on my own. Its weird I have never had any problems with my car til now. The car has 45,000 miles on it and I hardly use it. I just finished paying it off 2 mths ago and the problems began. Any info. would be highly appreciated.

VQP0WER

Ummm......have you had your alternator checked out? If a brand new Red Top was drained already, that means it's not getting charged.

Lack of voltage = your error codes.

gene_vq03

What I meant was that I had a yellow optima battery for 4 yrs and gave out on me so I replaced it with a new red optima battery. About the alternator I dont think anything is wrong with it the new battery is holding its charge.

Scottwax

iTrader: (8)

You still might want to get the charging system checked to be on the safe side. Alternators have to work overtime when the battery is bad and it is very hard on them.

It could be the codes have nothing to do with the battery at all.

pmohr

iTrader: (26)

P0402 is an interesting code, seeing as how the 5.5s don't have an external EGR setup.

P. Samson

The P0402 and P0316 codes (or the generic equivalents) are NOT valid VQ35 fault codes. Check your battery connections for being clean and tight. Has the battery (charge indicator) light ever been on or flickering with the engine running? Check the battery voltage with the engine off (should be about 12.5 volts with a fully charged, good battery) and with the engine idling (should be over 13 volts). Yes, low battery voltage/poor battery connections can cause system issues. In relation to the P0306, have you ever actually felt an obvious miss? It is quite possible that you do have the coil beginning to crap out.

gene_vq03

No light flickering what so ever. I will check the battery voltage meter as far as the engine I have not felt any difference on idling, or shaking or anything. You guys think I should reset the computer by diconnecting the negative cable for 24 hrs. If the light does come up again then I should take it to the dealer for a scanning. I really appreciate your help guys.