Hello everyone
My daughter just bought this car and it dyes when you let off the accelerator. The code said its the knock sensor any ideas or how do you replace it
Thanks
1998 Infinity I 30 V6 knock sensor
Re: 1998 Infinity I 30 V6 knock sensor
Welcome to NICO. I have a 99 I30 for my daughter and a 99 Maxima 5-speed for my youngest son. My oldest son had a 95 Maxima 5-speed until a texting driver smashed into the rear and totaled it when it had about 160,000 miles. The 4th generations (a.k.a DSC4s) are great cars for the money.
How many miles does it have?
There is a single knock sensor under the intake plenum. It can be changed without removing the plenum. You will need a 1/4 inch drive socket with an extension (I use a 10") with a "wobble U joint" to make the turn under the plenum to remove the KS bolt.
Usually a bad KS throws a specific code. For my 3 DSC4s, all purchased when they were throwing check engine codes, I haven't seen one cause the car to stop running when letting off the acceleration or sitting at a stoplight in drive.
I like to buy used 4th gen DSC4s (I30/Maxima) with about 150,000 miles -- for a song. People who sell their DSC4s usually do not understand the proper maintenance required to keep their car performing like new so they sell them because after changing spark plugs (e.g the common tune up), the car's just don't run like new any longer. Now days it takes more than spark plugs to restore new car like performance. Bringing back new car like performance is easy. If you can DIY you'll save a bundle. Listed below are the steps I take to rejuvenate a neglected DSC4.
1) Start using premium fuel. I use 93 octane where possible. The cars were designed to run on premium -- NOT REGULAR fuel.
2) Change the fuel filter and air filter (if needed).
3) Get the codes reset after you have burned about 1/2 of the premium fuel tank. I've seen the KS code disappear in the following condition:
a) Determine if the O2 sensors have been changed (if you can get that information from a previous owner). Depending on the mileage, the car may have the original O2 sensors. Usually by 100,000 miles the original O2 sensors should be replaced. Many start losing their sensitivity after 70,000 miles. Usually one of the O2 sensors will be throwing a code in addition to the KS.
b) Order NTK/NGK knock sensors (usually get mine from the place offering the best deal on the NTK/NGK brand) and replace. Non CA (Federal) models have 3 knock sensors. Two upstream and one downstream. For my son's Maxima, when I replaced the O2 sensors and started using premium fuel the KS code disappeared. Though I plan to replace the KS before winter as preventative maintenance.
4) Clean the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. MAF cleaners usually have good directions for use one the back of the can. Do not touch the MAF sensor wire with anything -- period. Only allow the cleaner liquid to touch the sensor wire. A failing MAF can cause a DSC4 to die at idle or stoplights. Prices on new MAFs vary. If you have a good self pull it type salvage yard in your area, you may be able to find a good used MAF for about $30. I keep a spare used MAF on hand that I purchased from a salvage yard for about $30 for the eventual need. A good salvage yard will allow you to return a bad MAF for another one within a warranty period. I usually replace a good working MAF with one that I purchase from a salvage yard and keep the known good one as the spare. Usually a used MAF will indicate trouble as soon as it is installed or withing a few days. Changing the MAF on a DSC4 is about as easy as changing the air filter.
5) If all of the above do not remedy the KS code and fix the stalling problem, then I replace the KS. Nissan OEM knock sensors are the best no doubt. On my Q45 I won't think of using any KS except a Nissan OEM replacement. The reason is will take me a weekend to pull the plenum and replace the KS on the Q45. I can't spare the time it would take to replace a KS on that car. However, I can replace a DSC4 KS in about an hour. The ease of replacement on the DSC4 allows me to take a chance of a non-OEM part. I have had good luck with DSC4 knock sensors from Standard Motor Products (SMP) that are also known as BWD brand.
So far this approach has provided my kids with DSC4s that run like new for not a lot of money. Actually my daughter's I30 now has 265,000 miles and it is runs great.
I like to offset the higher cost of premium fuel by increasing a DSC4s gas mileage with new O2 sensors. Really, it's that easy.
DIY TOOL TIPS: For Nissan products (DSC4s) you can perform most DIY repairs with the following metric tool sizes: 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm. I keep a set (8,10,12,14) of conventional sockets and swivel head gear wrenches on hand for Nissan repairs. Since I purchased the swivel head gear wrenches, I haven't used a conventional box/open end since.
Visit this site's information page for the DSC4 owner at the link below. Instructions for replacing the KS, O2, and cleaning the IACV are all good to know.
nissan-maxima-how-to-s-read-first-t219453.html
How many miles does it have?
There is a single knock sensor under the intake plenum. It can be changed without removing the plenum. You will need a 1/4 inch drive socket with an extension (I use a 10") with a "wobble U joint" to make the turn under the plenum to remove the KS bolt.
Usually a bad KS throws a specific code. For my 3 DSC4s, all purchased when they were throwing check engine codes, I haven't seen one cause the car to stop running when letting off the acceleration or sitting at a stoplight in drive.
I like to buy used 4th gen DSC4s (I30/Maxima) with about 150,000 miles -- for a song. People who sell their DSC4s usually do not understand the proper maintenance required to keep their car performing like new so they sell them because after changing spark plugs (e.g the common tune up), the car's just don't run like new any longer. Now days it takes more than spark plugs to restore new car like performance. Bringing back new car like performance is easy. If you can DIY you'll save a bundle. Listed below are the steps I take to rejuvenate a neglected DSC4.
1) Start using premium fuel. I use 93 octane where possible. The cars were designed to run on premium -- NOT REGULAR fuel.
2) Change the fuel filter and air filter (if needed).
3) Get the codes reset after you have burned about 1/2 of the premium fuel tank. I've seen the KS code disappear in the following condition:
a) Determine if the O2 sensors have been changed (if you can get that information from a previous owner). Depending on the mileage, the car may have the original O2 sensors. Usually by 100,000 miles the original O2 sensors should be replaced. Many start losing their sensitivity after 70,000 miles. Usually one of the O2 sensors will be throwing a code in addition to the KS.
b) Order NTK/NGK knock sensors (usually get mine from the place offering the best deal on the NTK/NGK brand) and replace. Non CA (Federal) models have 3 knock sensors. Two upstream and one downstream. For my son's Maxima, when I replaced the O2 sensors and started using premium fuel the KS code disappeared. Though I plan to replace the KS before winter as preventative maintenance.
4) Clean the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. MAF cleaners usually have good directions for use one the back of the can. Do not touch the MAF sensor wire with anything -- period. Only allow the cleaner liquid to touch the sensor wire. A failing MAF can cause a DSC4 to die at idle or stoplights. Prices on new MAFs vary. If you have a good self pull it type salvage yard in your area, you may be able to find a good used MAF for about $30. I keep a spare used MAF on hand that I purchased from a salvage yard for about $30 for the eventual need. A good salvage yard will allow you to return a bad MAF for another one within a warranty period. I usually replace a good working MAF with one that I purchase from a salvage yard and keep the known good one as the spare. Usually a used MAF will indicate trouble as soon as it is installed or withing a few days. Changing the MAF on a DSC4 is about as easy as changing the air filter.
5) If all of the above do not remedy the KS code and fix the stalling problem, then I replace the KS. Nissan OEM knock sensors are the best no doubt. On my Q45 I won't think of using any KS except a Nissan OEM replacement. The reason is will take me a weekend to pull the plenum and replace the KS on the Q45. I can't spare the time it would take to replace a KS on that car. However, I can replace a DSC4 KS in about an hour. The ease of replacement on the DSC4 allows me to take a chance of a non-OEM part. I have had good luck with DSC4 knock sensors from Standard Motor Products (SMP) that are also known as BWD brand.
So far this approach has provided my kids with DSC4s that run like new for not a lot of money. Actually my daughter's I30 now has 265,000 miles and it is runs great.
I like to offset the higher cost of premium fuel by increasing a DSC4s gas mileage with new O2 sensors. Really, it's that easy.
DIY TOOL TIPS: For Nissan products (DSC4s) you can perform most DIY repairs with the following metric tool sizes: 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm. I keep a set (8,10,12,14) of conventional sockets and swivel head gear wrenches on hand for Nissan repairs. Since I purchased the swivel head gear wrenches, I haven't used a conventional box/open end since.
Visit this site's information page for the DSC4 owner at the link below. Instructions for replacing the KS, O2, and cleaning the IACV are all good to know.
nissan-maxima-how-to-s-read-first-t219453.html
Re: 1998 Infinity I 30 V6 knock sensor
Thank you so much
What a big help
What a big help
Re: 1998 Infinity I 30 V6 knock sensor
Oh sorry only 128000
Re: 1998 Infinity I 30 V6 knock sensor
128,000 is quickly approaching the need for a 'mid life" refresh..