So I bought a 2002 nissan maxima se, put in a new clutch about 4 months ago and my car was running ok.... Then I replaced my serpentine belt and there was some loud squeaking when I'd first start driving or when I'd turn on the A/C. I had a code p01456 come up about a evap leak I never found. The only other code I got was a camshaft #2 or 6 was misfiring, but that code went off after an oil change it was in desperate need of.Also, my horn and anti theft relays were ripped out about 2 months ago.

After that, engine performance dropped a bit. Someone then washed my car, engine included..... Then about a week later, I was driving then I stopped the car, took it out of gear, then went to put it back in gear and realized it had died. Tried to start it, and it cranks all day long, tons of power, but won't start. I took it to a mechanic and they said their obd can't connect.

Based on the info I've given....could it be anything besides the ECM?? Please help! I'm really trying to learn and take care of this car I like it alot.

 

Considering you changed the clutch somewhat recently, did you remember to slightly sand the bell housing between tranny and engine? May have a poor grounding issue. Run two new grounds (one from each side of bell housing) to battery. Any gauge will work.

Or it's related to the engine wash. Pull your plugs and coilpacks and inspect.

It ain't the ECM...

 

I'm a 29 year old female just learning about cars, let alone my Nissan lol but the grounds were looking pretty nasty. The security light is staying on when my key is turned to tbe on position as well. What makes you kinda sure it's not the ECM?

 

I have heard too many bad engine wash stories. You really have to cover up the right areas under the hood (fuseboxes, MAF Sensor, etc.) if you are going to do it. I love the way a clean motor looks but I have never done a full motor wash in 16 years of owning my 2002. I wipe the engine area down every now and then with a rag and use a vacuum to clear out the leaves and other road debris.

 

I'd suggest you check out the ECM relay.

 

ECMs rarely ever go bad on these cars. I've been around Maximas and the ORG since 2002.

Since your security light is on, this is a dead giveaway that your car may be immobilized. Search "NATS" here on the ORG.Might be time to have it towed to the dealer, or find an experienced locksmith, that can reprogram your keys to the ECU. If you have a second key, try that first.

Also, start with the easy stuff. Check your fuses, you might get lucky and find the culprit.

 

In this instance, I think the NATS is only the symptom and not the principal issue. The ECM appears to be denied of power supplied through the relay. This, I think, explains why the obd 2 cannot be assessed, and neither can a key be programmed in the circumstances. The idea to try the spare key is logical, but I'm doubtful that would resolve the issue. Power is supplied to the relay by a 15A fuse in the fusible link in the engine bay. That could also be checked.

 

Well, this is a classical NATS problem.
If the security light is ON when cranking, NATS is not recognizing your key and it prevents the injectors from firing.
It's that simple.
The question is, why?
I suggest you inspect (and wiggle, etc.) your ignition switch, Also, make sure there are no other keys on the keyring. Do you have another key? - try it.

 

I guess we are going to be left hanging. Sure would be great for an update and the ultimate resolution OP.

 

+1

 

last time i read about this on the org there are some fuses and relays that can be checked, i think even 1 had some resolution after unplugging and re plugging the security thingy relay looking dealy-do under the steering column

 

Fuse 10 (Electronics) runs NATS and the OBD port.

 

Sorry I've been in the midst of moving and this being my first hands on car I've owned, I'm still learning. In the next day or two I'm gonna check/clean the grounds (gonna try to find them all), check the fuses inside and out, check and test the relays, tests the relays and try to use a multi meter to check continuity to the ECM. Thanks so much for all the input!! I'll keep you posted

 

Do you mean the OBD-II reader port or something else?

 

I have the valet key and black key....I was remembering back to that night, and I remember my window was down so I unlocked my car from the outside and started it and went. Then I took the car outta gear and put it in park, then when I tried to put it back into gear I realized it was dead and hasn't started since....

 

A friend of mine finally fixed it after 6 months. It was stuck in security mode. Read the manual and put the key in tbe ignition 3 or so times, at the exact times.

 

I'm so happy to have my peppy maxima back....now to get it running nice after sitting for 6 months

 

Thanks for following up. Glad to hear the Maxima is back up and running.

 

I'm the original owner of this 2003 SE and I've washing the engine since it was new....You just can't be crazy with the water! All my plugs/connectors are treated with DC4 as was my 86.5 D21 I had and washed the engine for well over 20 years with non-weather pack style connectors!