I just had several items repaired on my 96 Maxima after failing inspection.

Knock Sensor & MAP Sensor and I verified with my scanner that no codes came back, all clear right? WRONG!

Failed for 3rd time, this time because the Check Engine Light DOES NOT LIGHT when you 1st start the car, meaning the LED or BULB must've died !!

Some history on this car: I purchsed this car from a friend who was the original owner. I've had it for 4.5 yrs, never had any problems until this past summer, MAF, VSS and the above stuff. Always ran great, but ALWAYS had the CEL ON!!

Must've been due to the knock sensor (0325), but never thought to change it because car always ran perfect. Buld being on for that many years I guess would cause it to eventually die.

I only changed the KS because of the laws in NJ - any codes present - you fail!!

Does anyone know how to replace this bulb/led ? I have no clue where to start and I have only a couple of weeks to do this and get reinspected or my registration may be suspended!! Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks!

 

If the ECU is dead, the car would be undrivable. It looks like burn out of the CEL bulb.

Try to find the interior LED thread. You'd find how to disassemble the gauge cluster. Then find the CEL bulb and replace it.

Good luck!!!

 

knock sensor (0325) will not throw a CEL. to my knowledge it is the ONLY code that will not trigger a CEL.

 

gauge cluster is simple to remove, take the cover off of the steering wheel extension (you can actually remove the cluster without doing this if you want to try, i've done it though you have to yank and pry pretty hard on the gauge cluster). then pry the plastic away that goes around the gauge cluster by using a flat blade screw driver in multiple places. that will reveal the screws that hold the gauge cluster in place, undo the screws and unhook the harnesses and you're done. replace the bulb, put it back in.

 

Sure about that?? I could have sworn it did on my car, but wait the o2 sensor code was also in there????

 

Here in NJ you'll fail inspection due to knock sensor since they check codes and if any codes are present, even though your CEL isn't on, you'll fail. Sucks though that if you don't have any codes and yet your CEL light doesn't work, you still fail.

I'm due for inspection next month and I've had the CEL on since before my last inspection. Fortunately, when I reset it, it takes a day or two for it to come back and I'm hoping it'll be the same this time and will get me through inspection and then not have to worry about it for another 2 years.

 

Has anyone changed this bulb before without having to take the dash apart? I'm kind of reluctant to doing this and was wondering if you can get to the bulb from underneath?

Appreciate all the feedback from everyone.

 

The KS code is one of many "ghost" codes that will not trip the CEL...

 

there's no way to get to it from underneath. what i described is not hard. it's like 30 minutes worth of work if you are super slow, 10 minutes worth if you are quick.

 

Did this yesterday, you're right, wasn't hard at all, went through inspection right after I got everything back together, finally PASSED!! Thanks alot guys, I appreciate it and hope everyone has a Happy Holiday season.

 

It sounds like those tests are a real pain. I'm glad that we don't have those in FL. Good luck, and it is probably just the bulb for the CEL.