Okay so, I am finally in the spot now where I can start modding my Max. Only problem is, I have to clear my list of "Holy Crap!"

List of "Holy Crap!":

1. Got this weird pinging noise comin from the engine compartment when I put the car in reverse or drive and when the car is just about to rock back after stopping at a light.

2. EGR valve problems.

3. Throwing codes: 0400 - EGR Flow Malfunction & 0600 - Serial Communication Link Malfunction (WTF is a serial Com. Link??)

4. 5 sec. lag when taking off.

5. RUST!! EVERYWHERE!!!

Any ideas? There's more like things arent firing right, the timing is off (but of course 4th gens have coil packs not distributors and dealer price to just diagnose is $125.00 ), those few are just the ones I've spent too much time wrapping my brain around. So yeah.. any advice would be fantastic!

 

Clogged egr check that first.

 

any pics of the rust? its not too hard to fix yourself

 

If you got over 200K miles, I would advise you to look for another Maxima, as it could be cheaper that way.

 

junk the ******... there are plenty of clean maxima's out there, cheap too.

 

I've been thinking about junking it but the only problem is with my job I can't afford to be without a vehicle seeing how its what my job relies on. And its not on its last limb or anything like that. She's still kickin' and hard. But yeah I'll get some pics of the rust today after I'm off the clock. But I can tell you its so bad the side panels on the bottom of the car are rusted through and its moved half way up the side of the fenders. But on the fenders its surface rust.

I'd really hate to let her go and if I can save it I will try.

 

surface rust is alright to do yourself, but if the bottom is rusted it may be worth it to get a new shell

 

sometimes it is easier to just change the egr. might save you some money and it would get rid of the code for you. they are not hard to change, i believe its just a slightly bent 12mm wrench to remove and put another on but remember you need to get new gaskets for it dont try to use the old gaskets. a bad egr can lead to bad gas mileage and later on a bad engine if not taken care of.

now for the tranie issue, is there any metal flakes on the dip stick when checked, and is it at proper levels? you might need to drain it and drop the pan on the bottum give it new filters and new fluid, it could fix the delay and the clanking.

rust if surface sand the paint off along with the rust then get a new paint job on the areas sanded, if it is more then surface rust, go to a junk yard and get some good fenders and trunk if needed... they sell them cheap and sometimes there is no rust or damage to said parts

 

Thanks to you all. I figured out most of the problems. The EGR I'll have to wait till pay day this week (Thank God for weekly pay ) because i just threw new tires on her today. But the P0600 code turned out to be a bad Speedo-Head?? And it looks like a very long process.. But anyway, the rust I'm not too worried about because I already have the plan set for that one. but thank you all!!