I tried searching but didn't seem to find an exact answer.
Is there a common fault in the 99 Maxima's that cause premature o2 sensor failure?
My Max currently has 91k miles on it. Over the past summer I changed both front o2 sensors, and the rear one was changed a couple years ago. I'm now getting ANOTHER o2 sensor code - bank 1 sensor 2 (rear sensor).
I'm guessing that I might be running rich, which is causing the o2's to foul out quickly?
I've had other cars where the o2 sensors have lasted well over 100k miles each.
What gives? Is this a common problem? Any specific areas to diagnose?
Thanks

 

Is your 99 a California Spec car? If so it has four O2's, two on each bank, one front and one rear. Which rear was changed, bank one or bank two?

What were the actual codes?
An O2 code doesn't necessarily mean the O2 is faulty so lets get the codes first so we can see what's going on.

The answer to your first question is no.
FYI - The rear O2's only monitor the catalyst efficiency, they do not set codes for rich or lean conditions. That's controlled by the front O2's.

 

No, not a CA car.
The code per AutoZone today is: P0141 - bank 1 sensor 2

I also found that perhaps the fuse for that sensor blew. I'll check that tonight.
On a side note, I have a remote starter on the car, and have been using it a lot the past month or so, due to very cold temps. I won't if this excess idling has contributed to this CEL.

Thanks again

 

P0141 is a the o2's heater circuit, not the signal. Do check the fuse first, if that's ok, then the heater on that o2 is shot. This has nothing to do with the way the engine is running.

Excess idling will not cause any issues with o2's.

 

What does the heater refer to? ive never heard that term used on o2's before.

 

O2's have heaters in them to bring them up to operating temperature quicker.

 

So the only way to correct that problem is buy a new sensor, right?
Sorry for my Maxima ignorance, have only owned the car personally for under a year.
Is there a specific process for changing the fuel filter on these cars?

 

A new sensor is likely. You can troubleshoot first and make sure you don't have a wiring issue.
Fuel filter swap is easy. Pull the fuse for the pump and open the fuel tank cap. Start the engine and let it run until it stalls. That relieves some pressure from the system. A clamp on each hose holds it on. If your engine bay is warm they will come off easier. I also remove the intake from the TB to the air filter to make more room to work.

 

I appreciate your help.
That's the same process I've used on other cars for the fuel filter, so that's good.
Is it recommended to use always use an OEM fuel filter on Maxima's? I know some cars it doesn't matter what brand you use, and other cars are very sensitive so OEM is the way to go.
I didn't get a chance last night to look at the CEL issue, due to more snow in the area. Bugger

 

I used what ever Advance Auto had in stock.

 

Which fuse would this happen to be?
I looked really quick this weekend and only saw 2 fuse boxes in the engine bay, and none under the kick panel. Did I not look good enough?
I've reset the code, but after just a few miles of driving it comes back on.