okay fellas here we go again, need your help.

Yesterday around 5pm I started car (always let it warm up to second line in gauge) when I put the car in reverse to get out the car started shaking so I stop and waited like two mins, went to local store and when I came out and started car I got the "Check engine light on" & car shaked a little until I started to drive it stopped, so I just came home and searched here, from what I've read it most likely is one of the ignition coils.

This morning the "CEL" was still on & I felt it shake two times, after a few drives to auto part stores I saw that the "CEL" had gone away and the shaking was gone too.

I Just put a bottle of the injector cleaner about two tanks ago & I use premium gas.

I will try to get the code tomorrow so I can get to the root of the problem.

 

First of all, line breaks would help immensely in being able to read that massive paragraph.

You do know that you can check the codes yourself for free, right?

 

X2. But you should also know not all Autozones in CA read OBDII codes for people anymore. I've been to numerous ones where they just look at you funny and say they sell readers but have never heard of actually pulling codes.

Anyway, honestly it'd be coo if you just bought yourself a code reader. Its really helpful in case something else happens later on. And you can also pull codes for relatives or buddys maybe even fix a problem for them and get some money for it. Definately nice to have.

As far as your problem goes, its hard to say unless you tell us the code. So i'd start there.

 

I'm pretty sure your having a missfire from bad coil. unless your car does it all the time it's really tricky to catch. my maxima did it about a year ago replaced 5. Know a few days ago the 6th one gave me the same problems your having a shake and a cel, but will go away on random start ups. easy way to diag it. When your car is shaking, start to pull each coil out one by one. you'll notice the difference your car makes when pulling a good one vs a bad. the car usually will try and die if it's good, and remain exactly the same if it's bad.

 

But typically a bad coil sets a check engine light with Ignition Primary Signal code. He's stating no CEL and also engines don't usually die with 1 bad coil. The IACV will usually increase idle speed to compensate for the dead cylinder. And if the IACV were bad/clogged it would cause the engine to shake since its idling really low however if its shaking due to a missfire it will usually set the CEL with P0300 or P030X depending on the dead hole. But I suppose anythings possible.

 

He does have an intermittent CEL, so he may be able to get a code. There's no IACV on the VQ35.

Also relying on a code for an ignition coil fault isn't the best way, it may or may not set a code.

 

Ah ok. I just reread that story (difficult to read with little breaks) and saw he did have a CEL, my bad. I must of been thinking of another thread. Anyway I would also check the code first of all.

 

ok I apologize for no line breaks and for making it a long story, I was in the middle of some else & didn't qc what I've wrote. I will get the code reader tomorrow and get back to you.

 

No nead to buy a code reader if you just need to check codes this once, but if you plan on doing so a bunch then it'll definitely be helpful.

But you can check the codes without any OBD-II equipment.

 

Hello,

I have a 2000 Nissan Maxima GLE and I have the same symptoms. The check engine light comes on intermittently and I got the code P1320. When it come on, I have noticed that while backing up the car shakes a little and then it is okay. I have noticed that it goes away when I have filled premium gas from Shell/Citgo/Exxon. Other gas stations even with premium gas I get the light come on. What could be the problem and how can I resolve it?

I think I had the CEL come on a few years ago while the car was still under warranty and the dealer had replaced an ignition coil (and they claimed that it was not covered under the warranty).

Is it a coil issue or something else? Please advise.

Thanks.

 

Have you checked the codes when the CEL came on? You'll need a code reader to do so.

Odd that it only happens with certain gas stations, could just be bad gas. Just continue to fill up at the good stations to avoid any further problems.

 

Code was P1320. Comes on intermittently, goes away. May not be related to gas from specific places. I thought so since I saw it go away after I filled gas at stations like Citgo, etc and drove a few times. Would come back when I filled gas at other places.

 

Could very well be a coil, then. Have you tested the coils?

 

Have not tested the coils.

 

That would be a good thing to do.

 

I have this exact same problem, I've tested my coils and here are the results. anyone have a clue?

 

What units are those numbers in?

 

humm it's the the 20k ohm setting on the voltmeter. not sure about the units.

 

I'd say it was code P1320.
You'd be lucky if you get an additional code indicating which bank it is.
For example, P0301 would be bank # 1

 

I had the same issue. It is most likely a bad ignition coil. The OBDII reading should be able to tell you which cylinder is misfiring. Just check the spark plug to make sure it isnt too crudded up and replace that ignition coil with an OEM one from NAPA or something like that.

I wouldn't drive around w/ the car in that shape if I were you.

 

sounds like a coil to me

 

I am having a similar issue. My shaking seems to come and go and is only really noticable when at low rpm's. When i accellerate fast the ses light blinks while it having this issue. Ive also noticed that it is kind of sputtering when it is happeing also. the exhaust is not constant and kind of spurts when in park . The shaking is also worse when in drive vs in park or nuetral. It comes and goes and does seem worse when colder but still happens even if i let the car warm up. Also my temp. gauge shows engine to be cold when this is happening even if i let my car warm up for 15 mins. The car runs fine when this isnt happening and the problem comes and goes. any idea's? THANKS!

 

Have you not checked for codes? Or done any sort of misfire diagnostics?

You say SES, so I'm assuming you have a '99? That's useful information.

Have you ever done any maintenance on this car? Have you checked the coils to make sure they're all plugged in? Checked the connector on the temp sensor for the gauge cluster?

 

Sorry, the car is an 01 20th anniversary eddition. It currently has 99k miles. I have only put 4k miles on it since owning. This is my first "sports" car and am learning as i go. I have it garaged in winter and dont drive it that often in the summer. I have not gotten codes yet. Yes the temp. gauge works fine when this problem is not happeing. I live in a small town and the auto parts store here doesnt check codes for free and the mechanic i called says it costs $65 to check the codes for me . Was just curious as to whether anyone had similar experiance or suggestions. Guess ill just have to buck up and pay to see what the problem is.

 

Oops, forgot this was in the 5th gen section.

Many people have had similar experiences, but if your CEL is on, that's obviously the first place to start. It may very well tell you which exact cylinder is misfiring, or if something else is wrong.

 

cool. Thank you for the help

 

p1320= ignition signal primary circuit fault,hope this helps.

 

I've had mine do the same thing and it seems to smooth out after a little while.

I replaced the plugs recently and have not had it since, not to say that was it just have not had the problem since then.

Info: Not sure if this is true or not, but I recently had an alternator change and even though my car is listed as a 2000 Maxima, since it was built in the latter part of '99 it is considered to be a '99. The alternator for the 2000 would not fit according to the mechanic.

 

ok i got one for you guys. on my friends 96 maxima he is having the same problem. we changed the coils, the noc sensoir, and now we are stumped..any clue?

 

Could be:

Faulty fuel injector
break in injector harness
break in a coil harness
bad ECM

I would measure resistance of each fuel injector with the engine fully warmed up.