Ignition coil went out and all were replaced.
Oxygen sensor had to be replaced two weeks later.
Now the knock sensor needs to be replaced (I don't know what that is, but that's what the computer code shows)
I fell in love with this car when I saw it. I went to Nissan because I had previously owned one and had been very pleased with it. When I needed to replace my Ford, I immediately went to Nissan. Was very pleased with the car until about 6 months ago when I began having problems.
The check engine light began to come on so I had it checked out at an independent mechanic. The code was about the ignition coil misfire problem and a knock sensor code. This code continued to appear after clearing it and the car wouldn't pass state inspection so I had it fixed to the tune of $800!
After this was fixed the check engine light again appeared and this time it was the knock sensor code and the O2 sensor. I had the oxygen sensor repaired then at a cost of $300 (I am now up to $1100)!
I had been driving the car about 1 month after these repairs and began hearing a high pitched "ping" sound, but no check engine code, very strange!!! I called the mechanic and he indicated it was the knock sensor. When I asked why the check engine light didn't come on he said that Nissan managed to get this problem passed without having the check engine light appear (it is an emission problem, so I'm told).
I am now looking at another $300 (now it will be nearly $1500 in auto repairs in about 1 1/2 months!). Neither my husband, son or I are able to repair vehicles and must depend on auto technicians we trust for this service.
I really liked the car when I bought it because it looked sporty and had all the features I wanted plus a whole lot more, so I bought it. I am now regretting this purchase and don't believe I'll purchase Nissan again because of these problem and having to stand the cost of repairs myself.
Similar take on this "Check Engine" light thing. I bought my 1999 Nissan Maxima SE in Sept 2002. This "Check Engine" light was on when I bought it and 28,000 miles later--it is still on. I had the car "diagnosed" last year for $75 to find one O2 sensor needing replaced. No way I am paying $300 to replace one then later have to pay for replacing the other two when actually this sensor is not detrimental to getting you from Point A to Point B which is all I give a damn about (like most everyone else). Answer is Simple. The Internet is Cool. I learned all about these fricken O2 sensors, exactly where they are located, how to remove and Plug and to make that damn silly light go away for good. The main thing is that when I am ready to sell---I know that damn light will not be on and will not hinder the sale! Be Smart---Do It yourself because nobody else will settle this stupid thing for you.
I have a 1999 Nissan Maxima GXE. Check Engine Light came at 50,000 miles. I had it diagnosed by the dealer and was told it was the knock sensor and had to replaced for about $950.00. I decided not to and the car is still going strong at 119,000 miles. These stupid sensors suck.
$950 to replace a knock sensor!?!?! That's outrageous! It's a $120 part and 10-30 minutes of labor tops. What repair shop gave you this quote!?
I have a 99 Maxima and the "check engine" has been on since I bought it 3 months ago. It has driven fine, no problems, but was not getting the gas mileage that I thought I should be getting; therefore, I changed all the plugs (which were the originals) and installed a $40. lifetime air filter. The tune up really gave it more power. Two months later with the "check engine" still on the car would not start after sitting all night. The motor would crank strong, but would not turn over; replaced the fuel filter and checked the fuel pump and it was working. Finally took the car to a repair shop and a "knock sensor" code came up with two other codes, that is all the information I have recieved from the repair shop.. they are really busy and haven't gotten a chance to begin working on it. Although they did say that the knock sensor would not cause the vehicle to not start.
Anyone have similar problems? I am curious how much it is gonna cost me to when I finally get to pick it up completely repaired.
I just purchased a 1998 maxima and 3 days later my engine light when on. took it to auto zone great guys... told me the problem was a knock sensor and oxygen sensor.
Anyone know how much these parts cost. Also, how important is it to use a Nissan Part when repairing this problem.
Thanks.
I'll start by quoting the entry from March 16, 2004: "The internet is cool." True, and one such reason is that you can find anything on the internet. Anyone can do a Google search for a car and find out all about it -before- they buy it. If any of you had researched the '99 Maximas before or after buying one, you would know that they contain one of the top ten most relable engines ever built. One small flaw are the knock and O2 sensors that you are all complaining about. Also for the person posting on March 16: Plugging the O2 sensors is STUPID. As if that's not bad enough, leaving them that way for the sake of keeping the check engine light off and lying to someone interested in buying your car is highly immoral. You people need to start looking at things from a more intelligent perspective. Compare the relatively small and one-time repair cost of replacing these parts to all the money that would be spent replacing dozens of other parts in other cars. To the woman who originally posted: You did the right thing by having the sensors replaced. Your -mechanic- is responsible for the knock sensor problem that occurred -after- he "fixed" it (as well as overcharged you). That is not Nissan's fault, and is not a valid reason for not trusting their vehicles in the future. Everyone, please, just smarten up.
I was very interested in the comments about the engine problems of the SE Maxima, I have one and experienced similar problems, this turned out to be one of the Engine Temp.sensors
$220 all fixed,and no they do not show the engine requires attention light, But if left for any length of time the extra fuel being used will contaminate the O2 sensor then the light comes on >Also causes over fueling and stalling due to choking
This is some great info. Thanks to everyone for posting it. I have 54K miles and my engine light came on. Now I'm fairly certain this is due to faulty sensors... That helps, but what do I do about it? Not sure I'd want to end up spending so much on it.
My take is that this just proves that the sensors, and the engine light are basically worthless, at least in a Maxima, as they fail to accomplish their purpose - to indicate a problem with the engine. That being said, I'd rather trust my instincts when it comes to judging the state of the engine. If its driving weird or making noise.. time to do something about it. I would say based on what I've read, that the risk is small...
In my state, if a sensor is not working or is disconnected, the car will not pass inspection. A car cannot pass with the check engine light on. The car is connected to the code reader to check the sensors and also must pass an active smog test with the engine running.
I'm wondering - has anyone replaced the O2 sensor on the exhaust pipe before the catalytic converter? If so, where did you purchase a replacement? How did you loosen it? It is very tight?
And, do you have any other tips on changing the sensor?
I have a 2000 maxima and it has been nothing, but problems, now the car won't go over 3500 rpm, it falls flat on its face, I took it to one place and they gave up on it?,,,runs fine under 2000 rpm, I checked the Cat's on it they were clear, even changed the cam sensor, it was bad to, anyone out there having or had the same problem?,,great looking car, but very disappointed in the Nissan's reliability.
I have '96 Maxima, and have same problem with you guys: Knock sensor thing. "check engine light" always comes on. I replaced it at $340 ($189 part + $150 labor). After replacing knock sensor, check engine light came on again. This time it was coolant temp. sensor. It costs me $80 ($50 for part, $30 for labor). After doing everything I can do, the check engine light still comes on. It won't off. Finally I make up my mind that I will not spend any money and any time to fix the damn stupid sensor thing ever!
Just did the knock sensor on my 98 Max GLE. The part was $170 from Nissan, actually cheaper than other places. I did the repair myself and it's a bit tricky to do as access is difficult. Fortunately, I have a good set of tools, swivels, extensions, and patience - took about an hour. Nissan actually calls for the removal of the rear manifold which involves a lot of work and will add to the labor cost. Also, you should clean up the ground wires on the manifold or the problem can recur. Be sure the code (s) are cleared out of the ECU or you may get a false reading. If there is more than one code, follow procedures to eliminate certain codes in order or you may not resolve the actual problem. For example, if you replace the MAF sensor, you may trigger a knock sensor failure. In reality, the knock sensor code is sympathetic to the MAF code. Replace the MAF, clear the codes, and then recheck. Might not hurt to burn some higher octane or use a octane booster temporarily to burn out any excess carbon buildup in the engine causing an detonation problems.
OK, I own a 99 Maxima SE, 5 speed manual transmission. I too have replaced one coil (the number 5 as well). I would not characterize the car as "unreliable". Over 170,000 miles of ownership, the coil and starter have been the only non-routine repairs. Average mileage has been 27 mpg (mostly highway miles).
I purchased my 1999 Maxima brand new and have only had one issues since day one, the oxygen sensors. Not only have I had to have them replaced, I've had to have it done three times now. It seems as though every 18 month's this is happening. Thankfully I purchased an extended warranty with the vehicle and am still under the 60,000 mile threshold, but it seems odd that this is continually happening. Is there maybe something that my dealership is overlooking? I've had no other issues with the car and think its one of the best vehicle I've ever owned, but this is getting rather annoying.