After I failed the test, I took it to the nearest shop for a diagnostic, it said the problem was with the Mass Airflow Intake Filter. They wanted $700 parts + labor. On my way out the mechanic said that he had reset the codes so I may want to wait 2 days and re-take the Emmission Test, maybe, the computer won't the problem again.

Any thoughts from anyone?

 

ok...i'm in GA ...i drive a 2000 I30 and I had the same problem. I took my car in to Nissan where they checked the codes and told me that i had a bad O2 sensor....turns out i had 2 bad O2 sensors (lol). But, anyway....i was able to get it fixed for just at $200 at a small shop off Peachtree Industrial in Chamblee. I will try and locate the contact info. if you want it. Resetting the computer WILL NOT help. All that will do is make the test return a "unable to complete" result and you will have to take the car back after driving for (i think) 50 miles to be retested at which point you will only fail again (assuming that you do have an emmmissions system problem). So, my advice would be to take it to a dealership for a diagnostic.....shouldn't cost more than $25 or so...that will tell you EXACTLY what the problem is...then there are othe reputable shops around who can do the work. GOOD LUCK!

 

Thanks for the reply Boogie. Could you please give me the contact info on the chamblee shop? Thanks.

 

I had my Mass Airflow Sensor go out $500.00 bucks ... ouch my butt hurt afer that. But I am told the part is Very easy to replace on your own and does not cost 1/2 of that.

 

can do....however, it will be tomorrow (or later tonight) ...i think i have the number at home - i will check after work.

 

o2 sensors are not the same as Mass Air flow sensors (MAF). An o2 sensor is less than $100 new and a MAF is several hundred dollars new. There is no need to have someone install it for you, it is very simple. I would try finding a used one and save a bunch of money. Try a junkyard of maybe the 5th gen classifieds section here on the org. I would not let the dealer install it, at the very least use an online Nissan parts store and put it in yourself. It is right in the engine bay...easy to get to. We have places like South Point Nissand or Courtesy Nissan which will be alot cheaper than you local dealer.

 

that sounds like good advice.....

 

It is possible for the code to be cleared and not return

 

I don't think so. I think the code will always return after the computer "cycles" itself (i.e. driving the 50 or so miles). But I could be wrong

 

That is if the problem still persists. Many problems, such as flaky coil packs, can trip a CEL and then cause no further problems. It has happend to me a few times. Got a misfire code for a few weeks straight, car ran like crap and right before I replaced the coil packs the car went back to normal and the CEL never gave me another misfire code. Same thing with an EGR code. It is uaually a sign that there is a problem and most likely the problem may reapear down the road but CEL and faulty electrical componants certainly can come and go.

If the problems is indeed a MAF sensor then the car will hardly run at all. Might want to get a second opinion.

 

I'm not sure what you're talking about. The Mass Airflow Sensor costs less than $100. I paid $94 ( I had to pay tax since I live in TX) for it from DAVEB at South Point Nissan just a couple weeks ago. Where do you get "several hundred dollars" from?

kdhanani, I replied to your PM about this.

 

I said that a normal dealer will charge a few hundred. Look here, it's almost $400

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...5&model=Maxima

I also said that there are places like South Point Nissan and Courtesy Nissan that will not rape your wallet.

So now you know what I am talking about?

 

Yes I do. Thanks for the clarification.

 

Thank you everyone for your input. The SEL did come back, I went to Autozone for a free read, they said it was a 071 code, which may mean a bad 02 sensor. I have a appointment for a second opinion in the morning with a reputable shop close to my work. I also suspect that if it was indeed the mass airflow sensor, i would notice performance issues, but the engine runs as smooth as ever and gas milage is fine. Hopefully I can get this problem resolved without getting ripped.

 

if it would,ve been the MAF you would not be able to go over 2500 rpmsand like said before i got mine 2 weeks ago from dave b for 103 overnight shipped , he's great and CHEAP. You can change it in 30 min.. I got my sensors bad too and im getting them from oxygensensors.com they have ones that are like $50 each you just gotta splice some wires instead of plugged sensors that cost bout 95 a pop., Plus u and me got 4 sensors, so thats bout 200 instead of close to 400 , just for the sensors. U do the math.

 

OK. The second opinion is a bad 02 sensor. The one pre-catalytic convertor on the right side. I ordered the part from oxygensensor.com and saved a bundle vs. the dealer price. I got the one with the connector. Orlando, thanks for the tips. So as far is trying to install myself, is it as simple as unscrewing the the sensor and unplugginf the clip? Any advice from someone you might have done one?

Thanks.