2001 Maxima - P0420 Code

[lexluthor]

My check engine light just came on for a P0420 code - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold. I don't feel the car acting any differently. Everything seems fine.

Here in NY, I understand that the emissions system is covered under a 7 year, 70,000 mile warranty.

Would this repair be covered or is it possible that even though the code says something about the Catalyst System, it still wouldn't be covered?

How can I ensure that the dealer doesn't rip me off and say it's something that's not covered when it's something that is? What exactly is covered and what isn't under the EPA emissions warranty?

Thanks!

[Nahkapohjola]

Originally Posted by lexluthor

...How can I ensure that the dealer doesn't rip me off ...

Take batt cable off for 30min =clear codes. Quite often the error code never returns.

Go to stealer$hip and tell em to do only what is under warranty. If theres smtg else that is not, they will tell what it is. Then find another place to do that.

CrookEd shop's will always swap MAF, 800$, thank you, dont accept that. Make sure they know youre the boss: boss does NOT need to know details. If they want to charge smtg, get quotation from another place, tell em youre in hurry.

Whatever is done, demand the used parts "so u can show them to u mech friend, like me" and keep em on their toes. Then they are too afraid to charge of phantom parts; you throw them later to junk uself.

[lexluthor]

Originally Posted by Nahkapohjola

Take batt cable off for 30min =clear codes. Quite often the error code never returns.

Go to stealer$hip and tell em to do only what is under warranty. If theres smtg else that is not, they will tell what it is. Then find another place to do that.

CrookEd shop's will always swap MAF, 800$, thank you, dont accept that. Make sure they know youre the boss: boss does NOT need to know details. If they want to charge smtg, get quotation from another place, tell em youre in hurry.

Whatever is done, demand the used parts "so u can show them to u mech friend, like me" and keep em on their toes. Then they are too afraid to charge of phantom parts; you throw them later to junk uself.

Good advice. The code already has returned, so I think I do need something. Last time I did bring it in and the dealer told me that there'd be at least a charge to look at the car. If it wasn't a warranty item and I didn't do the repair, I'd still have to pay that charge. I walked out.

There are other dealerships within range, so I guess I'll try a different one this time.

If it's an O2 sensor, would that be covered under the EPA emissions warranty?

[Nahkapohjola]

Originally Posted by lexluthor

...If it's an O2 sensor, would that be covered under the EPA emissions warranty?

Easisest way?: The sensor is 50-80$. Buy one, swap, If no hlp, put it back. Swap another. If I am right, there are three sensors, all with different connectors: smbdy just said that connector may be cut to fit all positions.

The sensor resistance can be easily tested: download FSM, see links at http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/1

Try too google that "EPA emissions warranty 2001 Maxima"

[lexluthor]

Originally Posted by Nahkapohjola

Easisest way?: The sensor is 50-80$. Buy one, swap, If no hlp, put it back. Swap another. If I am right, there are three sensors, all with different connectors: smbdy just said that connector may be cut to fit all positions.

The sensor resistance can be easily tested: download FSM, see links at http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/1

Try too google that "EPA emissions warranty 2001 Maxima"

I don't think I'd ever figure out (or really want to) change an O2 sensor by myself unless I had a full set of instructions to do so. I wouldn't even know where to start or look in the car. Does that exist anywhere?

I guess an O2 sensor wouldn't be covered under the 80K emissions warranty then?

[Nahkapohjola]

I guess an O2 sensor wouldn't be covered under the 80K emissions warranty then?
- Ask nissan. Suppose so...

Does that exist anywhere?
- FSM Field Service Manual. Read the previous where.

.

[lexluthor]

Ok. I didn't know what you meant by FSM.

The phatg20 site appears to have had it. I still doubt it's a repair I'd attempt on my own.

Thanks.

[rather_b_boatin]

Had the EXACT same thing happen on bank 1 of my 01 SE. It was covered under california emmisions that the car came with (thank god). Find out if your car has "california emissions" if it does its covered, if not you gotta pay. The pre-cat is going bad and will eventually fail and cause power loss/head gasket failure.... I opted to agree to pay for diagnostics but since it was warranty work I ended up not having to pay. I don't know where to get info on the warranty if your $tealer gives you a hassle. Fortunatly mine did not.