To dealership or not to dealership...

[pottsy811]

My service engine soon light came on the other day in my 2002 Maxima, and after having the codes scanned, they came back as P0011 - IVT Control (Bank 1) and P0021 - IVT Control (Bank 2). The car runs fine, but I don't want to take any chances, so I am planing to have someone check it out. My question is: should I take it to the local Nissan dealership?

I haven't had many car issues, so I don't have a trusted mechanic/shop to take the car. I want it fixed, but don't want to get screwed. I live in Toledo, OH, in case someone has a recomendation. Thanks for the advice!

P.S. If you have had any experience with these codes or know of something I should try before taking it to a shop, please let me know. Thanks.

[Nahkapohjola]

Originally Posted by pottsy811

My service engine soon light came on the other day in my 2002 Maxima, and after having the codes scanned, they came back as P0011 - IVT Control (Bank 1) and P0021 - IVT Control (Bank 2). The car runs fine, but I don't want to take any chances, so I am planing to have someone check it out. My question is: should I take it to the local Nissan dealership?

I haven't had many car issues, so I don't have a trusted mechanic/shop to take the car. I want it fixed, but don't want to get screwed. I live in Toledo, OH, in case someone has a recomendation. Thanks for the advice!

P.S. If you have had any experience with these codes or know of something I should try before taking it to a shop, please let me know. Thanks.

Clear the ECU by taking batt cble off for 30min. Drive.

If the code comes persistently on, go to stealership. Ask quotation ONLY for diagnosis. Do not let them troubleshoot on their own, swap MAF etc, [terrible$e!] but get out. Then ask for second opinion from some other place. After that, decide what to do... Just keep in control: CEO dont need to know the details to keep costs in control.

[sbddude]

Look at the diagnosis FAQ for your ECU codes at maxima.org: http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=104931

[pottsy811]

Originally Posted by sbddude

Look at the diagnosis FAQ for your ECU codes at maxima.org: http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=104931

I looked through everything I could find there before posting, but the best explanation I could find was that the cam is out of position and the timing is advanced. I couldn't find anything else - here, there, or anywhere (news groups, google, etc.).

I did try removing the battery cable for a while, and the SES light was off for a few seconds then returned. Sounds like I may be stuck taking my lumps at the dealer.

[Nahkapohjola]

Originally Posted by pottsy811

I looked through everything I could find there before posting, but the best explanation I could find was that the cam is out of position and the timing is advanced. I couldn't find anything else - here, there, or anywhere (news groups, google, etc.).

I did try removing the battery cable for a while, and the SES light was off for a few seconds then returned. Sounds like I may be stuck taking my lumps at the dealer.

...or u decide to DIY. Once in a lifetime ECU gives something meaninful, like points to a broken device.

Here it could be (could it ?, u check): 1. Cam pos sensor. 2. Adjustment. 3. Oxidized contacts.

1. & 2.Replacing that DIY, adjusting is quite easy. Price is less than hood opening at stealer$hip... U only need the part, adj lamp and data. For Data on u vehicle, click on: http://carfiche.com/manuals/
Or crap chilton online: www.autozone.com

3. For contacts clean, Click on my web page http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/748507/14


Can u do it? Anybody with life experience to read codes is better than the instant experts starting first job today... called techs.
.

[infinman]

Im a technician working at a dealership{not stealership}Show a little respect for my chosen profession.There are many good technicians in the trade.There are some idiot technicians, just like there are some idiots in this forum.All are not bad.Give us a break.

[bad68chev]

Is the vehicle still under warranty? If so i would definitely take it to the dealership. Do you change the oil regularly? Is the oil level full? If there is alot of debris in your oil or the level is low, this can cause this problem. Being that you are having the problem with bank one and 2, I would bet the engine is low on oil.

[bad68chev]

By the way, On a Nissan vehicle, you have to leave the battery disconnected for at least 24 hrs to reset an ses light, some of the newer ones may still not erase even after that long. I know autozone will scan and erase your code for you.

[Nahkapohjola]

Originally Posted by bad68chev

By the way, On a Nissan vehicle, you have to leave the battery disconnected for at least 24 hrs to reset an ses light, some of the newer ones may still not erase even after that long. I know autozone will scan and erase your code for you.

Why pay for nothin? Batt cable off 30min is enough.