I have 52,700 miles on my MAX and yesterday on my way home from work, the "service engine soon" light came on.... does anyone know if it comes on after 50,000 or 60,000 miles? i tried doing a search, but came up with nothing... is this light something other than a routine "check-UP"?? Is it something that I should have taken care of immediately... i checked all the fluid levels and they seem to be okay... regardless, i drive 100 miles a day, so i'm kind of concerned.... any insight on this would be appreciated!

Thanks,
-Randy

 

You need to have your Emissions System checked. I just spent $390 to have my Emissions System Valve, Canister and some other parts. This was just last week. Good luck.

 

I forgot to add that I drove my car for 2 weeks until I was able to take it to the dealership. I was told if you let it go for a long time, the car will use more fuel.

 

The Service Engine Soon light (a/k/a Check Engine Light or Malfunction Indicator Light) means something is wrong. That "something" may be any number of things, some major and some minor. It might be nothing more than a loose fuel filler cap. The Engine Control Module (the computer) detected a problem and turned on the Check Engine Light. At the same time it stored one or more Diagnostic Trouble Codes.

Get someone to do a DTC readout for you. This is not a big deal, does not require specialized "dealer only" test equipment, and should take less than an hour. When you know the stored DTCs, you will have a fair idea of what repairs are needed.

If you like to do your own "wrenching" you can do the DTC readout for yourself No special tools are required. You will find instructions to do a DTC readout and reset
the Check Engine light at:
http://vbxmaxima.8m.com/ecu.html

The DTC "translations" are found at:
http://vbxmaxima.8m.com/ecudecoder.html

 

Thank you to all.
It's nice to get such excellent help!


-Randy
(now i just hope my MAX is okay!)

 

Somebody in this forum has all of the answers. Next this guy will be telling me that I didn't go to the dealership last week for the same problem. The person is Daniel Martin.
Diesel9119, do not get into tinkering with your computers and things of that nature,especially if you do not know what your doing. In the owners manual, it tells you specifically why this light comes on. The Service Engine Soon Light comes on when there is an emissions failure and for no other reason. I asked the Nissan tachnician that worked on my car and he told me the same.
If you tinker with these computers you will void your waranty and what happens if you short out something.
Daniel Martin seems to know a lot about Maximas but tells people the wrong information. He also posted websites for you to view. These sites are trying to save you money and aren't promising you anything diesel9119. Take you car to the dealership and have them check your emissions system.

 

About 99% of the board listens to and appreciate D. Martin's timely responses and accurate information.I guess now you have to start all of your responses with, 'do this at your own risk'. XPDW, of course doing anything to your car INCLUDING fueling it yourself or checking the tire pressure can be dangerous. To those people that don't feel comfortable doing simple procedures like a MIL readout, I say take a bus. For the rest of us normal people, we can follow directions and follow safety procedures, so checking the ECU is not a complicated procedure. It's always a good idea to know what the problem is BEFORE you go into a dealership, so that they don't rip you off. And BTW, it's not only the emissions system that is watched by the computer, other components like the cylinders firing/misfiring is also shown on the readout.

 

I believe my check engine light was tripped when I was in need of an O2 sensor. So it could be that. There are 3 sensors, you just gota find which one is bad and at $100 a piece, best to just replace the damaged sensor.
But listen to Daniel, and do a self diagnosis. People in the dealership are not wizards and just regular folks like you and I. Doesn;t take a genius to carefully turn a screw on the computer box to get codified lights to blink. But hey if you want to pay some guy $100 to turn the screw and watch the flashing lights for you, go 4 it!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by xpdw
[B]

In the owners manual, it tells you specifically why this light comes on. The Service Engine Soon Light comes on when there is an emissions failure and for no other reason.

Please let me know the page of the owners manual that this is stated on. Also, please let me know where this Nissan technician works... I want to be sure I never go there to have me car serviced.

 

Do you seriously think that the ECU's only purpose is to monitor emmision levels? For a person who is supposedly so experienced with cars, you don't sound like it.

 

It can be any of hundreds(?oris it thousands, don't feel like picking up the book right now). Not all of which are emmision specific. Misfiring, as stated above is also monitered and the number of flashes, similar to morse code, will indicate the problem. If it is misfiring it will indicate which spark plug or ignition coil is not fully functioning. This happened to my '99 around 40-43k miles.

 

to all, I'm sorry for starting what appears to be such a controversy. Yes, I trust Daniel Martin's advise, as in other instances, I've had issues with my car that have been answered by others questions he has diagnosed, so in that respect, thank you Daniel. On another note, i do some work on my car, but when it comes to the computer, I tend to stay away even though i may consider myself competent to self-diagnose some problems. I guess sometimes i'd just rather be safe than sorry. BTW, I did look in the owners manual after reading xpdw's reply, and yes it says that on page 1-9, but i find it highly unlogical that that light simply refers only emission problems to the driver (us as max owners), therefore, like many others have said.. it could be "anything".... sorry for the life story, and i apologize for the controversy once again. I just want my baby to be "normal" again...

-Randy

 

No need to apologize. You only asked a question. It was xpdw's reply that people were responding to.
I hope you are able to get your car fixed soon. When you do, please let us know what the problem was.

Thanks

 

i will, i will...
tomorrow i hope...

 

I hope nobody here will let xpdw intimidate them out of working on their own car. If you can't turn a screwdriver half of a turn and count how many times a light flashes, you probably shouldn't drive anyway. In this case, a couple of minutes work will save you at least $75 (diagnostic fee at a dealership), and maybe more if it is a problem that you can fix yourself. Plus the money you save when you don't get ripped off by the dealer telling you you need more stuff than you do. Factory technicians are not gods, and they are profit-motivated. I will always work on my own car, and I will always be grateful that there are people like Daniel who are willing to help me.

BTW, I'd bet $5 it's the rear 02 sensor. The light in my car first came on when my dad had the car. Twice he took it to the dealer, and all they said was that there wasn't anything wrong and reset the light, $75 please. Needless to say it came back. By then I had the car, and I had started reading the old board (in the Andi days) where they told me how to diagnose it myself. Rear O2. $85 and 20 minutes later it was fixed, and I haven't seen the light since.

 

You poor people.

 

Dude, come on. All I am telling the guy to do is not to mixed up in messing with the electionics. I'm not saying he can't do it. Hell, he bought the car, he can do what he wants just like you guys can do what you want. Everybody do what they want. Sometimes when you try to save money, it will cost you more in the long run.

 

If all the service engine soon light comes on for absolutely no other reason than emmisions problems, then I will eat my words. I will check this out on my own was well. If that is the case, it is unlike any other car I have ever owned.

More importantly, don't come on here with an attitude. It will get you nowhere.

 

I used to work with Volvo's and Mercedes and if you left the cars running while opening your gas cap, the light would come on in these cars due to the pressure in the gas tank the works along with emissions.

 

The oxygen sensor is a part of your emissions system.

 

Did I ever say that it wasn't? And did you even read the instructions about getting a DTC readout? It does not require "messing around" with the electronics. The only thing you do is turn one screw (switch?). I would bet anything that this will not void your warranty, any more than changing your own oil will. Furthermore, if you had gone to the page that "decodes" the DTC output, you would have seen that there are functions besides emission controls that use the "service engine soon" light.

I only posted here because you attacked a very helpful and knowledgeable board member who was trying to help a guy out. Not that I think Daniel needs my help - he is articulate enough to defend himself should he feel the need to. I just think it would be a shame if one guy who is afraid to work on his car made enough unfounded statements to keep someone else from doing so.

Personally, I will put my faith in someone who will cite sources and can back what he says before someone that can't find the "edit/delete message" link.

 

XPDW, this is the part where you tuck your tail between your legs and walk away. A gross majority on this board are very comfortable working with their cars and just need a little direction on how to do something, hence them asking a question and waiting for a reply. BTW, have you ever changed or replaced anything on your car?

 

Like I said to another person in the forum, who says you can get only to the bottom of all problems with one answer? None of us on this forum can say to each other we are wrong about how we solved a problem. If someone gets in here and says, "My Max came with 300HP stock", we can say he's wrong. I just don't agree with someone telling anyone in a nutshell, "Your wrong and it can happen any other way". My information came from the manual and when I went to the dealership for service, whom I trust to do all of my work, even bodywork, I will trust there knowledge due to the fact that they work on these cars all day. I trust people I know. Hell, I was read to get the full tuneup. They saved me some money. It's fine if Daniel feels knowledgable about things he knows about. Oh yeah, I did look at the websites.
I believe diesel said he does some of his work himself as well as I. I am competant of doing these things but if ever something goes wrong while I am testing my computer I am to blame. I want ALL work on my Max covered and gauranteed. If they get it wrong, I'll take it back.

 

I can't believe you just said that! Daniel B. Martin has give advice to a lot of Max owners on these forums and we are all appreciative. I know you may be skeptical as to how one person knows so much, but hey, he just does. And besides, he does seem to quote a lot from the Service manuals and other sources whenever he posts, so its not like he is talking out of his ***.

I've shown some of his posts to my Nissan tech and he agrees with most of his diagnosis. The times he doesn't agree is when he believes it isnt worth diagnosing the problem and to just replace the unit

Anyways, since you are a new guy on the forum, we don't want to run you off, but just be more careful next time and try not to FLAME anyone...especially if you are a new comer.

 

Too late, check out the Fuel Injector cleaners post.

 

The last time my check engine light came on, I pulled the code myself, and saw that it was for the transmission shift soleniod line pressure. What exactly does that have to do with emissions?


Nothing...go home.

 

IGNORE LIST. And BTW, he helped be change my sig.

 

As of now, a whole bunch of people are trying to enter into and converstion and they don't know what they are talking about. I didn't say Daniel was wrong about his experiences, he is wrong to tell me that I didn't go through mine. And I don't really have to prove anything to anyone but I do a whole bunch about a lot of things. I have done a lot in my lifetime, so don't go there.

 

What does it have to do with emissions? Read before you try to diss. Read all the posts from the beginning. As it was told by the person who posted this thread from the git go, he proved that I was correct and it's in your manuals. I am not going to second guess Nissan to some uncertified websites.

 

I just wanted to say that I did check my ECU on my MAX tonight and it was the EVAP con't system and EVAP canister vent control valve. Thanks to all who helped me help diagnose my max. she thanks all too!

appreciated as always,
-Randy

 

To all of you suckas who told me I was wrong, here is my proof. I told Diesel I had this problem fixed last week and this was the problem. Every part Diesel just named, I had replaced. The price, $390.84 tax included. I know what I am talkin about.

 

This is another false leap of logic. Just because your light came on and it was an emissions problem and his light came on and it was an emissions problem...this does NOT mean the light only comes on for emissions problems.

Go under the hood of your car and disconnect the throttle position sensor or the intake air temp sensor (these are easy to get to and completely NOT related to emissions) the light will come on.

 

Fine, do what you can to make the light come on. Hell, I can take a 9v battery and connect it to the light to make it come. But, my proof to what I said to Diesel. Yes, I said the light comes on for emissions only because this is what I read in the manual. I was in the same situation as Diesel last week. Diesel also proved me to be correct by giving the page number in the manual in this thread. Diesel read it too. The End.

 

xpdw;
please do not use me as an example, yes you were right in this instance, and yes you were correct in stating that the "engine light" refers to emissions, but there also seems to be many others who have had the light come on and have it reflect another part of their car, that's proof enough for me that the light is not strictly for "emissions".... bottom line.... also, on another note, i also have found many instances as i have stated in the past when Daniel Martin was right, as far as I am concerned, he is a true asset to this collection of maxima owners. i consider myself to be damn fortunate to be able to ask such questions to him, yourself, and to all others whom may have prior experiences and input with anything that i may ask. PLEASE do not ridicule him. He as well as YOU BOTH have your opinions, and i guess that is what makes this board such an intercollected and an enjoyable place to visit.
respectfully,
-randy

 

apology to all....
i always told myself that i would try not to
flame... guess i ate my words.... can i just
get my car back to normal???

sorry...
-Randy

 

You are totally correct in what you are saying but this whole time Daniel and others were telling me I am wrong about what I read in the manual and what I dealt with. That's wrong. Everyone should to let people have their opinions heard on this forum and for the people whom have been on this forum for a long time should have more respect that. I also told Daniel I was sorry if I insulted him but he kept going.

What does all of this mean? It means that we have to be carefull of what we read also.

 

You know what the funny thing is? This guy trusts Nissan mechanics!! LOL. That's the funniest damn thing I ever heard.

Well, I spend $600+ dollars to have the all mighty Nissan mechanics fix my VTC assemblies. What happend? Not only did they fail again in 10,000 miles, they didn't honor their own service warranty. In a nutshell, I had to fix them personally and they haven't failed for over 40,000 miles. Now what does that say about Nissan mechanics? Not a whole lot.

It's painfully clear that in your case a little knowledge is dangerous. No wait, make that VERY little knowledge.

 

Is BigDee for real? He spent $390 on stuff he could have himself for about $10 at home. Nissan dealers, liek any dealer, will charge you out the *** for the easiest fixes. Checking the codes is cake and takes about 1 minute. It's nearly fool proof to do.

The problem with people today is they think cars are so hightech they're afraid to pop the hood. My experience is the Maxima is one of the easiest and most user friendly cars I've worked on. Wrenching on your car makes you appreciate and understand what you've got.


Dave