I have a CEL and went to a Mechanic and got told my VIAS Solenoid had to be replaced. For a quick fix to pass inspection, my friend suggested going to the salvage yard and buying a used one. The salvage yard only has a 4 cylinder VIAS Solenoid. My Maxima is 6 Cylinder. Is that a no no?

 

There was never a 4-cylinder Maxima. Did the yard look up an Altima by accident? Also, double check all the vacuum lines going to and from the VIAS solenoid. It might be a simple fix if one of the vacuum lines have a hole in them.

 

What code was pulled? The error code for the VIAS solenoid is P1800, but it does not switch on the CEL (SES light). Did your SES light come on?

 

Yes that is the code I got. I just replaced the solenoid and the ses light dissappeared but after 10 minutes it came back on.

 

The VIAS solenoid does not light up the Check Engine light as someone already stated, so it shouldn't affect passing any inspection. It is not an emissions related item (if it's some sort of emissions test).

If you got one at the junkyard and the light came back on, it's also defective and you should return it. I went through four!!! before I found one that worked. You can also grab one from an Altima (and I would imagine a Quest as well) as long as it's a six cylinder. A new one here in Canada is about $220, but I'd imagine much cheaper in the USA.

 

These are the codes that I got off the CEL scan.
P1800
P0744

 

you can have my old one (no code when pulled) for whatever shipping costs.
let me know, its going in the trash sooner than later since i got rid of my max.

note: mine came off an 02, i cannot confirm they're identical on a 6th gen (but it probably is).

 

The P0744 more probably lit up the light. If so, and if your Max is 5speed, it just might be the beginning of valve body problem. What's your mileage?

 

Nissan Drvr98 please and thank you! I have tried all of the salvage yards around my area and nobody has one. Private message me so we can exchange info.
Regarding the bad valve body, I think you might be right. My Maxima has 160k on the dash!!! It has begun to stall out when switching into 3rd.

 

Hi actually have the same error codes. I think the P0744 was what thrown my SES light on. How did you guys fix this? I just noticed it does not shift gears till it hit the 3000+ rpm. Got an 04 SL as well. Will that transgo shift kit help?

 

There is a place called "Nissan Unlimited" in Houston Texas that will sell one of they have pulled it off, otherwise it's the dealership and $215.00