5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003) Learn more about the 5th Generation Maxima, including the VQ30DE-K and VQ35DE engines.

Random misfire question

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Old Jan 4, 2026 | 03:15 PM
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Noir026spdSE's Avatar
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Random misfire question

My maxima has a random misfire once it hits operating temp my dad has replaced the o2 sensor on the front exhaust bank is there a o2 sensor on the rear/back exhaust bank
Old Jan 4, 2026 | 08:42 PM
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https://www.my4dsc.com/5thgen-nissan...ion-and-codes/
Old Jan 5, 2026 | 03:43 PM
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check for oil in the spark plug tubes and mayeb even a coil or coils going bad.
Old Jan 18, 2026 | 01:51 PM
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Not vacuum or intake manifold leak

There is no oil in the spark plug tubes no leaked of any kind from the I take manifold and no vacuum leaks can anyone help me find out the real problem with this random multiple misfire I have replaced the whole ignition system and it’s still doing this I’m 16 this is my first car and I really need it I really need someone’s help
Old Jan 18, 2026 | 03:24 PM
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Do a compression and leak down test followed by:

Hitachi ignition coils
OEM NGK spark plugs
Hitachi cam and crank sensors
Verify that injectors are good
No air and vacuums leaks
Check all wires and connectors on ignition coils
Hitachi MAF sensor

Last edited by nick; Jan 18, 2026 at 03:35 PM.
Old Jan 18, 2026 | 03:57 PM
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Originally Posted by nick
Do a compression and leak down test followed by:

Hitachi ignition coils
OEM NGK spark plugs
Hitachi cam and crank sensors
Verify that injectors are good
No air and vacuums leaks
Check all wires and connectors on ignition coils
Hitachi MAF sensor
it runs perfectly fine until it idles when I turned the car off and turned it back on and then it started running rough, and then the check engine light started flashing again my dad‘s friends got most of the throttlebody cleaned. Is there any chance that there’s any cloggage or an issue where the valve is not shutting all the way since this is an idol only
Old Jan 19, 2026 | 03:44 AM
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You say the CEL flashes.

That being the case, have you checked for DTCs?
Old Jan 19, 2026 | 11:43 AM
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Originally Posted by Noir026spdSE
it runs perfectly fine until it idles when I turned the car off and turned it back on and then it started running rough, and then the check engine light started flashing again my dad‘s friends got most of the throttlebody cleaned. Is there any chance that there’s any cloggage or an issue where the valve is not shutting all the way since this is an idol only
What are the codes from the CEL.
Old Jan 19, 2026 | 03:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Turbobink
You say the CEL flashes.

That being the case, have you checked for DTCs?
po300 or look at my previous posts
Old Jan 20, 2026 | 08:22 AM
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start with a power balance to see what cylinder is ACTUALLY missing.
Old Jan 20, 2026 | 02:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Noir026spdSE
po300 or look at my previous posts
With all due respect, the characters P-0-3-0-0 are not included in any of your previous posts.

Best of luck with your address of this issue.
Old Jan 20, 2026 | 04:34 PM
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what brand are the ignition coils that you are running?

Last edited by uptownsamcv; Jan 20, 2026 at 04:42 PM.
Old Jan 20, 2026 | 04:55 PM
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If the electronic throttle body plate was moved with the battery connected, you will need to perform a throttle body re-learn procedure. Check the FSM and online for the steps.

It appears that your vehicle is having a major misfire as indicated by the flashing light. Recommend to double check ignition components and only use quality ignition parts such as Hitachi which can be purchased at RockAuto
Old Feb 8, 2026 | 07:33 AM
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Mine just had one too. Just replaced both valve covers because they were leaking, coils, and plugs and runs great now. Agree check for oil in the coils
Old Feb 9, 2026 | 01:09 AM
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Per the FSM, when the CEL is flashing while driving, one or more injectors is malfunctioning.
Old Feb 9, 2026 | 08:08 AM
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Originally Posted by The Wizard
Per the FSM, when the CEL is flashing while driving, one or more injectors is malfunctioning.
incorrect.

flashing CEL is simply considered a catalyst damaging misfire. an injector fault (on the electrical side) would throw a p020x. the ecm has no way to know if theres a mechanical fault in the injector.
Old Feb 9, 2026 | 10:51 AM
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Originally Posted by slvr2KSE5
incorrect.

flashing CEL is simply considered a catalyst damaging misfire. an injector fault (on the electrical side) would throw a p020x. the ecm has no way to know if theres a mechanical fault in the injector.
Don't make me find the page in the FSM and post it.... IIRC, at least for 4th gens where most of knowledge lies, my previous statement is correct. And if I haven't totally remembered this incorrectly, it states that because of the malfunctioning injector issue, continued driving should not commence as it could negatively affect the catalytic converter.
Old Feb 9, 2026 | 04:01 PM
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Originally Posted by slvr2KSE5
incorrect.

flashing CEL is simply considered a catalyst damaging misfire. an injector fault (on the electrical side) would throw a p020x. the ecm has no way to know if theres a mechanical fault in the injector.
Originally Posted by The Wizard
Don't make me find the page in the FSM and post it.... IIRC, at least for 4th gens where most of knowledge lies, my previous statement is correct. And if I haven't totally remembered this incorrectly, it states that because of the malfunctioning injector issue, continued driving should not commence as it could negatively affect the catalytic converter.

Silver is right, flashing misfire doesn't mean it's the injectors. It can be, but doesn't have to be. A very bad coil will cause a flashing cel as well for example.
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