Since the Maxima is such a code throwing bastard, I have decided to go ahead and get a code reader. Nothing fancy just something that works. Any suggestions on price/brand?

 

I have an Actron Autoscanner OBDII (CP9175). Got it off ebay for like $30/$40. Works like a charm.

 

Anything that reads OBDII and don't pay more than $50.
If you want something CAN compatible, then not more than $100

 

mine never gives me anycode?

 

The cheap Autel Maxscan from Amazon ($40 special) unfortunately does not give correct code on my 2000 Maxima. I tried couple of those scanners. Those do work fine on my other two cars. So I kept it as it is a good deal for $40 with CAN compatibility and I/M status monitoring.

- Vikas

 

I have this:

http://www.autoenginuity.com/public_html/index.html

You can just get the basic scan tool, which works on many makes/models with an OBDII port. As an option, you can also add the Nissan package, which allows you to datalog, advance timing, change idle, etc.

 

Please don't post in here if you have nothing constructive to say.

 

puppet im interested... how much did that run you?? and where can you get the nissan package??

 

Want a cookie?

 

On the link given, it's $400 with the Nissan pkg.

Not exactly what the OP is looking for....

 

 

I've been doing regular maintenance on my 01 and haven't had a check engine light on my car since about 3 years ago when I had to a problem with one of my cats which Nissan fixed for free but my question is it possible that my ECU is still throwing codes with no check engine light on?

 

oh wow!!

 

I guess it's possible if the LED is burnt out on the cluster.

 

I know it's a little more expensive than you're probably wanting to spend, but I've kind of always wanted one of these: http://www.scangauge.com/ Pretty cool tool.

 

I made a bid on something CAN compatible on EBay, so we'll see how that goes. Incidentally I got up today to get my code pulled at Autozone and the CEL is gone. I remember my 4th gen Max doing the same thing. And to the dude who says his Max throws no code, he's a noob...time will tell buddy.

 

I think this is a good idea. If my ride were routinely throwing codes, I'd want my own reader, too.

However, a blown coil caused the only CEL I've ever seen after 17 years of owning Nissans. I guess that makes me a noob.

 

Yeah it can show codes without the check engine light, but there just pending codes. Which if issue persists it will eventually trigger the check engine light.

 

hey puppet are you coming to import vs domestics??

 

I think there is also what they call 'ghost codes'. I know on the 4th gen, the knock sensor code would not trigger a CEL.

 

If we start throwing numbers around, I got you beat with my 23 years...even had a diesel once.

http://www.nissan.com.my/vehicles/urvan/index.html

Anyway I bought a scanner off ebay, and with the arsenal of tools I now have and the inexhaustible amount of knowledge available to me through the forum. I feel like a monster...aaarrghh

 

I bought a code reader at Pep Boys for around $70. Works great, perfect for clearing that pesky stoner code I get every week or 4. So random its appearance has no pattern or mileage range. Sometimes I can go 2000 miles, other times 40. Go figure.

 

I know who I'll be calling on to fix my car.

 

About 6-7 years ago, I bought an AutoXray scanner for like $200. Nowadays scanners are MUCH cheaper, but I must say, it was a worthy investment. Has helped me out countless times.

Is it a rear O2 sensor code? Mine seem to come & go. I know there's a TSB on it but I'm just being lazy.

 

You're right about the Org. I'll give you that one.

 

Bank 1 pre-cat.

 

Costco sells a compact one for $25.

 

Have a OBII reader for a while and have assisted me in clearing codes and debugging issues. Good handy tool well worth the investment.

 

I just saw one at Costco (don't remember the brand but it wasn't one of the popular ones) for $34. Said it also supported CAN. With their liberal return policy you probably can't go wrong.

 

yeah thats the one i meant. Its like $35ish and cheaper than every other OBD II reader out there. it reads and clears codes.

 

I'm thinking about getting this scanner. Anybody have any experience with this scanner?

Really pricey at $216 but this scanner reads O2 sensor codes, ABS codes and streams live data (updates codes while driving/the car is running).

The only reason I'm considering this one (over cheaper models) is due to its O2 sensor scanning and ABS scanning abilities.

Perhaps somebody here has tried these scanners on 5th gen Maximas and could tell me if its O2 sensor/ABS scanning abilities are up to snuff?

 

As listed on their website, no it won't read Nissan ABS codes.

From the advert on Amazon you listed....
"Diagnoses ABS codes on most 1996 and newer GM, Ford & Chrysler vehicles"

FWIW, all readers will stream and read O2 codes.