My 2001 Infiniti I30 ses light just came on. I purchased the car used in Feb of this year. It was experiencing some ignition problems when it was first purchased. I had a diagnostic performed and was informed the Computor was bad, and shorting out other systems. I had all new wiring and Computor installed in March. I also had a new Alternator and battery installed a few Months ago. The car also has a new Air Flow Module. I was informed the rear brakes were fine, and front brakes had about 50% left, and would need to be replaced in the future. About two weeks ago i started noticing a high pitched squeeking, when I applied the brakes and approaced a stop. The sound is not there when car is driving without brakes being applied. I also noticed my windshield fluid icon came on too. Would this cause ses light to come on.I wouldn't think that it would. I have had so many things replaced I just don't know what might be causing the ses light to come on. The car passed emmisions test in Feb, and drives really smooth, no other sound but the squeek. Any ideas?
16670 posts
1995 Q45t, 1993 Maxima GXE, 2004 Maxima SE
Layton UT
5-19-2004
« Re: ses light just came on...Is this a major Concern (MamaLion1)
7:39 AM 9/2/2008
The squeeking probably means the brakes need replacing. Most brake pads have a small metal tab on them that's designed to make noise when the pads wear to a certain point.
Washer fluid will not cause the SES light to come on (though I think it causes it's own light to come on).
Best place to start is autozone or a similar parts store. They can check for codes for free and let you know what's causing the SES light.
4.08 VLSD, NICO 8-way ECU, full exhaust with custom headers, Tokico Blues with Eibach springs, Stillen FSTB, 20mm RSB, 255 rear rubber. Of course I forgive you. That is your God's function. Your crime is forgiven. However, your stupidity requires a response." -Leto Atreides II
« Re: ses light just came on...Is this a major Concern (MinisterofDOOM)
8:33 AM 9/2/2008
Hi: Thanks for prompt reply.
Went to auto and got a read : the code is PO420
1 They said this could be Catalytic Converter defective Failure possibly due to #2,3 or 4 2 Engine Misfire or running condition 3 Large vaccum leak 4 Engine Oil leakage into exhast-valve guide seals, piston rings
Had complete diagnostic ran when car was purchased in Feb. The car runs very smooth and sounds so silent, that you can't hardly hear it running. Had oil change and all engine fluids flushed and filled, in Feb as well. It has new computer and all new wiring.
16670 posts
1995 Q45t, 1993 Maxima GXE, 2004 Maxima SE
Layton UT
5-19-2004
« Re: ses light just came on...Is this a major Concern (MamaLion1)
3:59 PM 9/2/2008
The code is for the bank 1 (rear) catalytic converter. It could mean the cat itself is bad, but could also mean that the oxygen sensor for that bank is reading incorrectly (and is therefore bad).
I doubt it's being caused by any of the reasons they gave, especially number 2, which you would definitely notice (car would not be running smoothly as you describe it if it was misfiring).
You probably just have a bad O2 sensor. It won't cause any major issues but will cause the car to fail emissions tests and could possibly cause the car to run less efficiently depending on what wrong signals the car reads from it. Not something that's super urgent if you just need to keep driving the car, but it's also not horribly expensive, so worth doing as soon as you can.
« Re: ses light just came on...Is this a major Concern (MinisterofDOOM)
11:27 AM 9/4/2008
This weird: The Low Fuel indicator icon came on this morning, although I had 1/2 tank of gas. I filled it to full and the low fuel light never went off. I am taking it to the Nissan dealer in the morning to see what is wrong. As previously mentioned , they installed a new computor and all new wiring in March. Also has brand new Alternator and Battery.
