Hey Guys,

I have a 2005 Nissan Maxima with 92000 miles on it. Recently, it started showing the "Service Engine Soon" light and I kind of ignored it. So today, I realized that my inspection is due and try to take care of this light before going in for inspection. I went to autozone and the guy told me it was the catalytic converter code P0420 and he refused to reset it. He stated that this is emissions tampering.

Is there anyway to reset this light so I can get my car inspected. I live in NJ and honestly don't want to pay the $1000-$1200 to get this fixed. I am looking to trade this in for a 2011 Maxima this summer.

I look forward to your response..

Thanks

 

derp

http://maxima.theowensfamily.com/ecu.asp

 

May be smart to get scanner and find out what is amiss?

 

Your cats are going bad. Resetting won't help you pass. You need new cats. You're out of emissions warranty too. Your best bet at this point is to get some Racingline high flow cats.

 

Thank you!!! I will try it, and report back with my results.

 

I don't really want to spend any more money on this car. I am looking to upgrade it this summer. I thought many of these codes were due to faulty ECM sensors and that there was actually nothing wrong with the cats. I am hoping that this is the case and I am able to pass the inspection this month.

Thanks

 

The cats are known to go bad on this car. If you're tripping that code, I doubt there will be any type of fix other than replacing the cats, unfortunately.

Simply resetting the code won't be enough. When you go in for inspection, they will read your ECU, and it will basically tell them that it was reset and that it's not "ready". You have to drive at least 100 miles after a reset. My bet is that the CEL will come back.

Good luck though!

 

So I was able to reset the SES light with this method. I am going to wait a week or so and then take it in for inspection. I will post back whether I pass or not afterwards. So far the light has not reappeared. Thanks for the help.

 

Sure enough. The light is back on, you were right. I guess I have to get it fixed.

Thanks for all the help.