I own a 2003 Maxima SE.

There is a lot of road work going on in my area. While driving through that construction zone, suddenly "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" light popped up. Its solid and not flashing. In the manual it says the malfunction indicator has to do with emmissions. Or, possibly loose gas cap.

Manual said after a few trips the the indicator should go away, but it hasn't. Before I take it to the dealer, I just would like to familiarize myself with other possible issues why this light came on.

I do have a ODB-II reader. Although I have never used it or know how it works, would that help pinpointing the issue before I take it to the dealer?

 

1) just plug in your reader and pull the codes
2) logon here and search for the code(s)
3) begin troubleshooting

 

if your not familiar with the reader go to you tube type in the name of it and get to know if before u use it

 

i had the same code for my gas cap
check if it is rusted at all where the gas cap goes, if it is, just sand it down a bit and clean it, ensure that after you pump gas you go at least 3 clicks

mine has not come back on in 3 weeks

good luck

 

OK, I just hooked up the reader to the data terminal underneath the dashboard. I followed the instructions and the the reader said I have 3 codes:

1) P1217
2) P1217 pd
3) P0456 pd

Notice 'pd'. According to the manual it means 'pending' - It doesn't explain what that means.

Monitor also displayed other stuff like MIL status and I/M monitors. I don't know what any of them mean, but I can do the scan again and post I/M monitors if that helps.

The reader also came with a software CD for OBD DTC look up database..

P1217 - Engine Overtemp
P0456 - Auxiliary Emission Control

 

I just called one of the dealers just to get an idea, and they tell me just to figure out where exactly the problem is, it will take them about 2 hours for these two error codes.. translation about $180 just to figure out what's causing these errors codes.

 

Search is your friend

P1217 - Engine Overtemp
P0456 - EVAP Emission Control System Very Small Leak (Negative Pressure Check)
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...vap-codes.html

Check your evap canister, and control valve for leaks. Your particular code indicates that it's a small leak, so it could be hard to find. GL

 

OK, first thing I noticed so far is the coolant reservoir was completely empty. I opened the radiator cap and found it bone dry there too. I just tried to fill up the radiator tank and used about 2 gallons and even then it still appeared to be not full. I also noticed that some liquid started to drip from one of the pipes near under carriage and it looked completely rusted (thanks to all the freakin salt they put on the roads in Buffalo), so the first issue with engine overheating (P1217) most likely has to do with coolant pipes leaking..

As far as the second code (P0456 pd), it appears its still pending. I looked up Actron (OBD reader manufacturer) and apparantly pending means that the code is still maturing.. meaning its still being monitored and could possibly be a non-issue ..

 

For second code try resetting your ecu? See if that helps. Sometimes our cars just need a kick in the *** to clean them up. Reset ecu and see if it comes back since it's pending.
Good luck.

 

Resetting the ECM? Why poster already said the coolant level was low.

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/ Look for your year Maxima and enjoy.

Best bet is to drain the radiator and install new hoses from any nearby parts store. Should be under $200 possibly under $100 if the hoses don't cost a small fortune.

For the EVAP you'll have to print the section with that DTC and make an attempt to inspect the hoses, you might get lucky and see the damaged hose, replace and be good. Let us know.

Edit: About pending codes, some of these DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) has a two trip detection routine. Meaning if the criteria is met to throw the DTC the first trip, the ECM stores the value as pending. When the 2nd trip occurs the ECM will light the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) in the instrument panel.

 

temp gauge never went mad on you before?

 

You really ought to pay more attention to your car. I'll bet the coolant leak from underneath is a rusted out oil cooler line, (under the drive belt pully). The PO 456 is probably a rusty fuel fill neck not allowing a proper seal with the cap.

 

Creepy. I exact same thing happened to me! Construction, everything! What I'm thinking it could be (and my "service engine soon" light is still on) is that while driving over the construction area the gas cap got loose and even tightening it until it clicks while getting gas doesn't fix the problem so something could be wrong there. OR, while going over the construction it knocked off one of the hoses for the emmissions unit. Other than that I'm stumped. I may be relying on the dealer as well.

 

evap could be gas cap...as was stated but typically throws 'large evap leak', not small. check it first then begin troubleshooting that code.

as far as rusty leaking coolant lines-i also had to replace my oil cooler return line-rusted out like a mother. i have temporarily replaced it with heater hose and have the actual replacement line ready to go in when i get some time.

Good Luck!

 

Question, can you buy just the steel line for the oil cooler, or do you have to get soaked for the entire piece? I called my dealer, and they wanted $250 Cdn for the entire line. I'm thinking I'd rather just replace the rusty part, assuming it will not be astronomically priced. There are no leaks yet, but it doesn't look good.

 

your temp gauge not read hot?

 

Guess the poster didn't need the heater.

 

I had an eye surgery and had to stay away from my computer for a while.

Anyway, I ended up taking it to a AAA repair shop and had them take care of it. Apparantly one of the cooling pipes was rusted and was the cause for the leak. They replaced the pipe and now everything seems to be back to normal.

I was afraid that overheat could have damaged the thermostat, but so far it seems to be working fine.

I appreciate all the input you all provided!

 

Look at your gages periodically. They tell you when something is abnormal.

 

For my max "Service engine soon" light came on after it was sitting idle for almost 7-8days at San Antinio Parking Lot?? I will take it over to AutoZone on the way home and have it run through ODB scanner...

will post what I find shortly.

 

You mean it was idling for that time? How did that happen?.....
Did it have a full gas tank? Did you find it still running?...

 

wow hope you get it to work

 

My 04 just threw a p1217, only code listed on OBD, temp read 230, at idle with air on, outside 92 degrees, fluids good, temp gauge keeps going up & down, up & down, while driving or in park, any suggestions?

 

Thats a 6th Gen (2004-2008) so wrong thread...Go to the 6th gen thread easy as that seeee?

 

2003 SE 6 SP MT - Service Engine Soon light came on after going over bump in road - then went off after approximately 2 hours - has this happened to any one else? Could this be gas cap issue?

 

Did you guys catch what he said, " i opened the radiator cap and found it bone dry in there to." Oh my god man, how often do we not maintain our vehicle. Listen, I'm not bustin your chops or your ability. Buffalo is a nasty winter and enough road salt is dropped to completely kill your vehicle and or it's electrical systems. You really should pay more attention to your car.

 

Did you not notice that the post was over a year old before responding to it?

 

No. I did not. And knowing is half the battle. Im sorry, I wasn't wearing my helmet

 

I do bring it to work with me lol. My boss says I shouldn't be allowed to drive either. He is still trying to figure out why the state gave me a cert. To play with I.v's 12 leads and extracation equipment.Lmao

 

You're excused for that because I don't know why the forum has a ridiculous rule about having 15 posts before you can create your own post. I recently saw some idiot post 15 times blasting long time members just to reach the 15 mark so that he can post his POS Maxima for sale for twice the KBB value.