My wife's 99 Maxima SE Limited (auto tranny) threw a code yesterday after an oil change (?).

I looked up the instructions for pulling codes, but when I popped off the plastic cover near the gas pedal, I found an ECU that looks similar but has stickers that talk about adjusting the idle!?!

There doesn't even appear to be a screw in there like the pictures with the instructions.

The ECU has had problems before and was replaced. Could they have put a 2000+ ECU into this car? I'm thinking they did something wrong.

Anyway... I still don't know how to get the codes.

Thanks for any help.

Greg

 

i think there is a code list on maximadriver.com

 

http://vbxmaxima.8m.com/ecu.html

A search would have turned up this site. Please try to use it.

 

My friend's 99 Max is like that also... it seems that maybe some late model 99 Maximas might have gotten ECUs that were later placed in 5th gens.

 

Ravq: FYI, I did use the search facility and found (and read) the link you pointed to. If you'll re-read my post, you'll see that my ECU is not the same as the one on that site or it has a different sticker and is broken.

I just took a picture, but FTP isn't working for me right now.

The sticker does mention "Self Diagnosis", but it prominently displays
"IDLESPEED ADJUST" over the hole where the screw is supposed to be.

But the killer is that there is no screw behind the hole. I can stick a screwdriver inches into the ECU case through the hole.

Hence my inability to read codes. Ease up on the not so newbie.

Greg

 

Yep ... sounds exactly like what happened to my friend ... ECU is different.

 

I merely stated a fact and I misread your post. I did not mean to be condescending in my response. Secondly, I'm more than willing to help anyone on this board regardless of rank status. As for you ECU I am of no assistance as I am unfamiliar with it but good luck anyway.

 

No problem.

I wonder if the dealer will have any info on what they did. It took them a few times to replace the first ECU. The first replacement simply relit the MIL light. The second replacement is the one currently installed. The first time they sent it home like that, the key wouldn't start it the next morning. It had to be towed in for some reprogramming.

Seems like an anti-ringer car (although not a lemon).

 

Found other people with the same ECU in this thread:

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....eed+adjustment

Apparently the screw is a much smaller phillips head screw set further inside the ECU case instead of the flat-head screw flush to the case that I expected.

The poster did not report any idle problems after using the small phillips head screw in the same way as the flat head screw.

I will try it tonight.

Greg

 

Code 21. Ignition Circuit Fault.

I cleared it and it hasn't come back yet.

Thank you maxima.org!

Greg

 

Way to go.