5.5 Gen: Code 455 - Odd fix, tested and confirmed.
 

I have just recently bought a 2003 SE, no SES upon purchase. First fill up, put 87 grade fuel in her and within 50 miles, got the code 455. Looked it up and it's associated with the evap canistor, control valve, or some say the gas cap. I had "topped off the tank" and only later learned I shouldn't do that and figured I'd messed up the evap canister or valve. Well, I was told this code wouldn't hurt performance or fuel economy, so I figured being a new car to me, I'd check out the fuel efficiency between fuel grades and let the code be for now. Here's where it gets interesting.

I put 93 octane in the car and two things happened, I actually got less fuel economy by about 1-2 miles per gallon (on this issue, I really just assume I need a tune up and it was driving patterns that tank). Second, and most significant, the SES light went off within 55 miles on the new tank. Next tank I put 89 grade. No light. So then I tried 87 again, light came on within 60 miles of fill up and AutoZone AGAIN confirmed 455. So, now I figure this code is responding to the octane I put into it, but this code is not a "knock" code...so I'm really confused.

I next fill up with 93 octane again. Sure enough, the SES light goes off again, this time within 40 miles on the new tank.

Any thoughts why octane would throw a 455 code? I'll continue to fill up with 93 octane and see if it comes back on within the next few tanks. If it does, I'm left to assume it is the gas cap. Still, any thoughts?

FWIW, when I had P0455, I always used 93 octane. However, I also had P1448. If you're not getting P1448, and only P0455, maybe your gas cap is the true culprit.

In my case, both codes would seem to come and go, illuminating the MIL at what seemed to be non-static intervals. Usual suspect was hit first; replaced with an OEM gas cap. Didn't work. Swapping the canister & valve fixed it for good - neither code has come back in almost 8k miles/5 months.

just fill up with 91+ dont be a cheap ***.

:sprint: even tells ya on the fuel door.."premium fuel only"

The whole 87/89/91/93 octane debate is not what Chris is trying to get at;

And based on preliminary trials, he is saying that it seemed that 89 & 93 octane seemed to not trigger an SES, but 87 did; in other words, the code appeared octane-dependent. But I was saying that when I had those codes, I always used 93, but to be fair, I did have another code (P1448) which could mean different root causes.

I'd still be curious if he finds anything out.

Yeah, it's not it at all. Not a cheap *** (LOL!) and take good care of my vehicles... 95% of all repairs are Nissan original equipment (have a great relationship with my local Nissan Parts Desk!).

I'll check back each week for the next 4-6 weeks after fill up and document whether the light returns.

the valve opens and closes dependent on pressure. But if the valve sticks open you get the code. So perhaps it is just coincidence that every other fill up is throwing the code. Try 91 twice in a row and see if that happens.

As for fuel economy, lot's of companies use ethanol to increase octane level and get better emissions. Look for a gas company that does not use 10% ethanol, ethanol burns faster but cleaner.

Update:
1. Put about $10 (little over 3 gallons) several days ago; Premium (91-93 octane). Drove 45-50 miles, no code. I figured if it definately is something funky with the valve, then a partial fill might throw the code. Nada.

2. Recently filled up with Premium. Have driven out of town....no codes.

Will fill up again in next day or two, will see if any codes then. This will make #3.

I have this code as well, but I also have P1448. Mine has been coming and going for about a month now. Seems like the valve must be going out.

Update:
3. Recently filled up again, not far enough into tank to know yet...no codes yet. Also been making darn sure the gas cap is clicked multiple times. Still not sure how octane is related to the 455.

If you are only getting 0455 I would bet it has nothing to do with the octane and is the fuel cap. Hopefully nothing else in the EVAP system.

Make sure it is put on tight every time.

Living in Jersey (one of the only states that doesn't have self serve) I have had knuckleheads that haven't tightened the cap.

Take a hard fast turn with a full load of fuel on "BAMM" SES code 0455.

Tighten the cap and several startups later it went off.

It's happened 2 other times and once I noticed that the cap was actually lose.

Now I always check.

Plus these caps don't last forever and I know the last owner replaced mine back in 2005 or 2006.

Good Luck.

Great Info fflint (and all!). I'll keep that in mind.

If you take good care of your vehicles, you would know not to use 87 in the 3.5. Seriously, premium is like $.30/gal difference. If that is too much for you, please sell the 5.5gen and drive your turd gen :o

Why you gotta be so mean? :bawling:




:laugh:



Eh, which turd you talking about, I got two. :D

Either way, issue not about which octane I'm pumping, whether I'm a "cheap a$$," or how many Maxima's I got, or if I take care of my cars. It's about the stupid code....I HATE codes...that light coming on is like Chinese Water Torcher to me! Everytime I see it, it's like getting hit in the forhead with a drop of water.....UUUURRRGGGHHH! :laugh:

So run 93 then!

/thread

Another fill up. No SES.

Canister and valve? I have the same codes as you, I guess i dont really understand what parts I should order.

ok Gas Natzi i put in 87 only I dont have a sticker on my fuel door saying premium only and I have never had knocking or nothing. plus when your in school and put on 20k+ a year $.30 adds up dude.

I hear you should replace both because the valve tends to break when trying to replace just that peice.

But, updating....no code and I've still run Premium. I am filling up with '87 next tank just to lay this to rest. Still won't explain why, but I'd like to just ensure that my car is responding to the grade fuel. Like all else, I was looking at the canister and valve. Not anymore at this point. Honestly, it good have been the gas cap the whole time and I've just done a better job at tightening it.....though it's still odd it only did it on '87 fill-up. I'll post later this week.

just run 93 or sell the max

Right-side: 14920+B (solenoid control valve), 14950 (evap charcoal canister). Sorry I don't know the OEM P/Ns, but I ordered from DAVEB, ~$250.

http://www.courtesyparts.com/images/a33b/a33b_223-4.gif

WOW screw that ill live with it.

Filled up a couple more times. Most recently I filled up with 87 octane. No code. Of course I've been much more aggressive in regard to pushing in and turning the gas cap. No codes or the 455 code. I'm again left to assume this is all related to the gas cap. I'll stop posting on this....I think I've beaten this to death! If the code re-occurs, I'll repost and will purchase a gas cap. For now, forcefull push and about 10 clicks does it.

papo: Don't be absurd. I can only keep a car if I run 93-94 octane? The type of gas you put into an automobile has nothing to do with the level of care you take of the vehicle or a person's right to own/operate a vehicle. Shame on you and Viper both for even posting such nonsense.

Deciding to live with it because of the $250 or so in parts or because the diagram is intimidating?


You probably already know this but for others, the canister and valve were EXTREMELY easy to replace, only took me 30 mins or so and its not even in the engine bay. Its behind the rear drivers side wheel and i think its the main culprit as to why there are so few of us 5th gen owners with sweet dual exhausts

^ Yeah they're easy to replace. The worst part of the install is just knocking things around & having dust fall in your eyes.

But I'd put my bet on him saying "screw it" due to the price. That's what I said too.......initially!

Ditto, I rode around for a few months smelling gas in my car. Like ive confirmed in the other posts about EVAP cans tho, I even had a mechanic do a smoke diagnostic on the system causing me to replace the vent solenoid + can. Didnt do squat... Turns out I needed a $15 gas cap... Its worth replacing initially no matter what combo of codes are thrown