ECU on 2000 maxima

Hey guys,

I have been plagued by many of the engine light problems that so many on this forum have complained about in the past. I have a 2000 GXE, and have already had to replace both O2 sensors as well as the ignition coil for cylinder #2. Anyway, my light is back on again and I am tired of paying Nissan to fix things so I am determined to fix this myself.

To help with my new found DYI attitude, I started searching for information regarding how to read the ECU codes in my car. There have been several great posts on this forum including one with the link to this site: http://vbxmaxima.8m.com/ecu.html. While that site is very helpful, I quickly found out that the ECU in my car does not appear to be the same as the one pictured in their instructions. Mine does not have any type of caution sticker, and the holes appear to be different shapes than the one pictured. My ECU has to round holes with a clear piece of tape(?) covering them. Is the Test Mode Selector for my ECU under the tape in one of these holes? Or is it somewhere else on my ECU?

Any information that you have to offer is greatly appreciated!

there should be a metal screw(flathead i think) behind one of those clear pieces of tape. that's the tester knob dealie to make the Check engine light blink. you should be able to see it through the tape.

I just peeled backed the tape, but I did not see any screw inside either hole. Actually, I shined a flashlight in both holes and saw nothing but empty space within at least 1 inch of both holes.

I read somewhere else that the ECU on the 2K maxima does not have the reset screw. Is this true?

I gave up on trying to read the ECU myself and stopped by AutoZone for their free diagnostics test. They were able to confirm my suspisions that it is a misfire caused by a bad ignition coil. However, they were not able to determine which coil is causing the error.

AutoZone sells the coils for $50/each. At this price it will be almost the same amount of cash for me to change out all of the ignition coils myself as it would for the Nissan dealer to change out the one specific one that is causing the problem (their computer will identify the specific one, if you are willing to pay the $90 diagnostic fee).

What do you guys think about the brand of coils? Should I go with Nissan OEM or whatever brand AutoZone is selling?

Again, any advise that you have to offer is greatly appreciated.

Nobody on this board has any advise regarding where I should by my ignition coils? AutoZone, Nissan, etc. :banghead:

It would also be extremely helpful if someone knows how to identify which coil is bad (without paying the Nissan Dealer $90). The good folks at AutoZone were only able to tell me that one was bad, but there were unable to specify which one.

Thanks in advance . . .

if i were u i would check www.maxima.org there great and know everything as far as checking ure ecu maybe ure not looking at the right thing?? go to www.maxima.org check there how to's on doing the ecu thing and search if u cant find it searching.. post the question under ure gen and theyll be happy to help...