1)Ignition Signal Circuit
2) Knock Sensor
3) Cylinder 1 Misfire (Yikes!) -this one has since stopped being reported

 

Does the engine start readily and run well? If so, reset the Service Engine Soon light and drive normally. Wait for the SES light to return, and then do another Diagnostic Trouble Code readout. Post your results here.

 

the engine does start since i just had a starter put in three days ago and a new timing chain. the engine idles at like 700 and shakes really bad in R or D and goes on until i'm at 1700 RPM or so. but other wise it runs fine. it is slower then it was about two months ago though. i checked the light and the same codes came up (02,01)(03,04)(06,08). i tried to reset and it didn't turn off. i had managed to turn it off and reset it last time but now it wont do anything.

 

Your Maxima is a sick puppy.


Diagnostic Trouble Code 0201 indicates that the ignition signal in the primary circuit is not entered during engine cranking or running. Possible causes include ...
- Harness or connectors (The ignition primary circuit is open or shorted.)
- Power transistor unit built into ignition coil
- Condenser
- Crankshaft Position Sensor (REF)or associated circuit

The Crankshaft Position Sensor (REF) is located immediately below the crankshaft pulley. It was removed for the timing chain replacement job and there is a chance that it, or its wiring, was damaged in the process. Verify that its electrical connector is securely fastened.


Diagnostic Trouble Code 0304 points to a problem with the Knock Sensor. Possible causes include ...
- Harness or connectors (The Knock Sensor circuit is open or shorted.)
- Knock Sensor

This DTC is the least serious of the three and I suggest you disregard it for the time being. Fixing the other problems may fix this one too.


Diagnostic Trouble Code 0608 indicates a misfire on cylinder #1. Possible causes include ...
- Improper spark plug
- Insufficient compression
- Incorrect fuel pressure
- Exhaust Gas Recirculation volume control valve
- Open or shorted fuel injector circuit
- Faulty fuel injector
- Air leaks in the intake manifold
- Open or shorted secondary ignition circuit
- Lack of fuel
- Magnetized signal plate (flywheel or A/T drive plate)
- Front oxygen sensors

DTC 0608 is probably the most important code of the three, and the one which deserves immediate attention.

The rear bank of cylinders is (passenger side to driver side) #1, #3, #5. If you care to do some diagnosis on your own consider the following steps.

1) Exchange the #1 and #3 spark plugs.
2) Exchange the #1 and #5 spark coils.
3) Reset the Engine Control Module.
4) Drive the car normally and wait for the Service Engine Soon light to go on.
5) Do another DTC readout.

If the misfire DTC points to #5, you may have a bad coil assembly.
If the DTC points to #3, you may have a bad spark plug.

 

damn you know a whole lot about maximas this is what i have gathered from doing some reading on the board. my engine is having a problem with detonating. either it is not getting the proper F/A mixture and a bunch of other things you said. so i'm going to switch the plugs around like you said to do. my REF could probably have been bumped in the timing chain swap so that may be setting off that light. my friend who i just described some of the problems to said that one of my coils may be bad and needs to be replaced. we're checking the plugs tomorrow and i'll have him look at the REF for me. any other words of wisdom oh great Maxima God?

 

A bad ignition coil assembly could explain all the symptoms. Replacing that part is easy. Let's hope that's all it is.

 

You replaced the timing chain on your VQ? I had an older Integra that I replaced the timing belt on. It started throwing similar codes to what you report. IT turned out that I had the timing belt one 'cog' out and it was not running right at all. When I took off it would 'miss' around 1200rpm and then catch and run fine up to 7k. When I got it all straightened out it had far more power than before for obvious reasons.

I don't doubt a thing Mr. Martin told you, just sharing a similar experience and what I did to fix my case.

BTW...what made you replace that chain?

SHUMAX

 

well, my car was giving me a lot of trouble so i brought it home to my dad for his opinion. he suggest i bring it up to his mechanic's shop. so i did. afterwards, i found out i had a new starter which i knew i needed and appearantly a new timing chain. but the same symptons appear (car vibrates at low RPM along with a low RPM at idle). so i'm questioning what my father had all done to it. the main lesson i gathered from this experience? bring it to your own mechanic.