We recently replaced my '98 Rodeo with a 2005 Quest SL for my wife, so my driver is now her old '99 SE Limited with about 59k miles. We have taken good care of this car, regular maintenance, a little ahead of schedule typically. We've already flushed the transmission and refilled with Mobil1, replaced the spark plugs with correct NGK's, replaced the fuel filter, along with the usual synthetic/semi synthetic oil changes and air filter changes etc.

I once had a #1 misfire code, cleaned the coil pack up and replaced, code never returned. A couple other times we've seen the check engine light come on for a day and then go off. My wife has always driven mostly short highway/city trips, getting understandably poor fuel economy of around 22mpg. The last time the CEL came on my brother in law checked it and said "one of the O2 sensors is bad", didn't tell me which one, and the CEL stayed off with no noticable problems driving.

So, finally getting to the point: about the time we bought the Quest the CEL on the Max came on again, this time I have three codes: 0302, 0304, 0606. Yesterday when I accelerated at highway speeds the CEL flashed and I could feel the car alternating between full and no power. These codes I believe are the EGR System HI/LO, Cylinder 3 Misfire, and Knock Sensor. As I understand it the Knock sensor would be the last thing to check since it likely came on as a result of a different problem causing some engine knock. Once I got the codes I reset the system and the CEL has stayed off for the 30 miles since; I pushed it a bit hitting about 90mph on the way home from work with no problems, no CEL. Seems I have a phantom problem again, I suspect a coil pack but could use some input on how to proceed in diagnosing the problem properly.

Thanks in advance, sorry for the longwinded post. By the way since this became my daily driver I have newfound love for it, looking forward to many more years with this car! Any advice on curing this baby's ills would be appreciated!

 

1. You have a 99. Coils are prone to failure. However, you are also right at 60k, and its time for new spark plugs. Replace the plugs with either NGK platinums or NGK V-power coppers.

2. If the misfire continues, replace all the coil packs. You do not want a dealer to do this - you can do it yourself for 1/3 the cost and it is a piece of cake. If you can do the plugs, you can do the coils.

3. The 0304 is the knock sensor code. Leave this alone for now.

3. The 0302 is an EGR malfunction. It could be one of many things, but likely to be EGR clogged passages. Clean out the EGR port on the rear of the plenum and the EGR guide tube that runs from the EGR valve to the plenum.

The flashing CEL indiciates a severe misfire. My bet is you need new coils to fix that problem. You still need new plugs as the original NGK plats are scheduled to be changed at 60k (if not already done).

Cheers.

 

Thank you, I will have to start shopping for coils; I did the plugs at about 45k (NGK)...Can you recommend an online supplier for the coils?

 

Call Dan Tech at www.midwaypartsteam.com. He'll get you great prices and excellent services.. in fact, he has a thread in the group deals forum - post there and tell him I sent ya (he's been awesome so far everytime I've dealt with him).

You probably know this, but coils are not cheap.

Once you have the coils replaced, reset the ECU. Check for codes again (even if the light is not set) in a few days and see if the 0304 reposts. If it doesn't, you are set. If you get just the 0304, it's time for a new knock sensor.

 

Wow, you're not kidding, I found one price of $85, your guy $57!

I hate to order $360 worth of coils when one *may* be bad. Are they that prone to failure that I can count on replacing them all sooner or later or can I test the #3 coil pack and know for sure it is bad, and if so how?

If I end up replacing one or all am I getting the same doomed to fail part or a "new and improved" version? Also, any preference on the brand? I saw one Mits and one Hanshi or something, about the same price for either....

Thanks for your help Njmodi, are the Bears going to give the Pack a run this year?

 

Replace all 6. They will all fail sooner than later... Get the Mitusbishi's - preferred for longevity. You can check to see if only #3 is bad by unplugging the coil while the engine is running - if the coil is bad, there will be no change in the way the engine is running (move coil around, see if the problem follows, etc.).

Think of it this way - dealers typically charge ~$600 for coil replacement. You can do all 6 for much much less.

I think you can do better than $57 per coil. Try calling DaveB - his number can be found if you poke around the 5th Gen stickies (parts sticky perhaps). He *might* be able to get you better prices. I think I read something recently about all 6 coils for < $300.. but maybe I'm mistaken.

No comment on the Bears... just not worth my time

 

10/4 Thanks for the advice, staying positive on the Pack but it doesn't look good.

Again, thanks for the input.

 

Replacing coil packs should get rid of your Egr issues..Check this thread:

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....0&page=1&pp=30

 

can you comment on this on why they last longer.

 

there magically!!!!

 

killcrap - I don't have first hand experience. It's what I've read around here over and over again. Perhaps one of these days I'll try pick up a non-working Hanshin and Mitsubishi and see the differences.

 

You didn't need to change the OEM plugs at 45K in all likelihood. Assuming you replaced the original plugs with the NGK laser platinums, you should be good for at least 60K if you don't constantly lug the car.

Perhaps off topic, but have you ever flushed the radiator, pressure tested the cooling system and replaced the antifreeze? that should have been done once by now and you are coming up to your 2nd time. Get the radiator coolant pH tested at a radiator shop.

When did you last replace the air filter? The schedule calls for every 30K, but I've never gotten that much out of one.

 

I last checked the air filter about 5k ago and it was golden. I have a replacement on the shelf, I will check it tonight.

Coolant was swapped at 30k, due again you are right. Something else to do! Oh well, I really am liking the car, prior to now I only drove it sparingly and never felt real comfortable in it, it is definately growing on me.

I am on a bit of a budget so I will likely replace the coils as needed, starting with the #3 mentioned in the codes. I have another 50miles on the car with no codes since resetting, and it runs like a top.

When a coil is weakened isn't it a constant problem or can it come and go?

 

The coils can fail intermittently under load and when they get hot.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can pick up slightly used, but working, coils from the 4th Gen classifieds forum. You will get all six for < 150.

 

Thanks for the info. I am going to get two new Mits units for now and put one on the shelf.

Thanks to all who helped out on this..