2003 Maxima SE question

[jknight118]

hey all, I am new to this site but have a quick question. I just purchased an 03 Max SE with 26k miles on it. Tonite while i was driving i noticed the service engine soon light was very dimly lit in the dash. I turned the car off and turned the key back to the on position just to check the dash lights and they were all bright like they should be. I started the car again and the service engine light again was very dimly lit again, so i shut the car off and came in to type this question. Anybody else ever experience this or am i the lucky one that purchased a problem car with very low mileage? Any help appreciated.

[D_roc]

check weather its time to do any kind of an oil change or any kinda maintenance liek airfilter replacement ext.. . and was the other lights dimly lit too or is it just that one coz if so sounds liek the alternator is F ed up just in case if you have a multimeter check the power of the battery with the engine off and then with the engine on if the power is freater when the engine is on than off thats not the case.

[jknight118]

thanks D i will check. Do you really think it could be the alternator. If so do you think the alternator is part of the powertrain because the car is still under warranty.

[jknight118]

the service engine light is not bright like normal at all. if i turn the car off and turn the key to on it is bright but if i start the car it is lit but it is extremely hard to see unless it is dark.

[D_roc]

well i don't thin so and hope not but do that tests just to make sure coz in my 01 max all the lights on the dash was lit very dimly you only can see it at night and twodays later didnt start at all coz the battry was not charged,

[jknight118]

ok so you said put a meter on the battery with the car off. Then turn the car on and measure the voltage across the battery with the car running

[D_roc]

yup with engine off should be around 11.4v to 12.xxv, engine on should be between 14v to 16v

[jknight118]

so anything lower than those posted numbers may indicate an alternator. Is that an expensive job? I am trying to figure out if that is covered under the powertrain warranty.

[D_roc]

dont worry about the power when the engine is off but iwhen engine is on and is lower than any of those number lised you have to worry a bit, I got my alternator redone for $180 dont know getting it redone is much cheaper than buying a new on and is basically the same thing, me and my dad installed it so no labor if it is the alternator call a local mechanic and ask them i'm guessing around $350 to $500 job with labor

[audtatious]

The problem you are having with the dim SES is pretty common and is the result of a bad diode on the clusters PCB. I do not have a "fix" for it but most people have had the gauge cluster replaced as the solution. Unfortunately, since you are over the B-B warranty, this could be quite expensive.

I'd simply try and ignore it. If your SES light does come on you will know as it will be bright.

[D_roc]

The problem you are having with the dim SES is pretty common and is the result of a bad diode on the clusters PCB. I do not have a "fix" for it but most people have had the gauge cluster replaced as the solution. Unfortunately, since you are over the B-B warranty, this could be quite expensive.

I'd simply try and ignore it. If your SES light does come on you will know as it will be bright.

my bad for scareing u thought it might be the alternator coz it happen to me only all the lights in the cluster was dimly on started with the check engine light then all the lights

[audtatious]

my bad for scareing u thought it might be the alternator coz it happen to me only all the lights in the cluster was dimly on started with the check engine light then all the lights

If all lights are going dim then the problem is battery and/or alternator related.

[jknight118]

Hey aud, do you have a ball park price on having the cluster replaced. I purchased an extended warranty and i tink they may cover it. If not I may have it replaced and pay for it. My only problem is that the car is an 03 and has 26k miles on it. Luck of the draw i guess. Maybe i should have purchased the Maxima with 48k miles. Anyway thanks for all the input

[audtatious]

Honestly, I have no idea what a cluster would cost. If its from Nissan, pretty expensive. As far as the extended warranty, it probably only covers mechanical issues. You can take it in and give it a try. Talk with the Service Advisor first in order to find out coverage and cost before you let them touch the car.

26k or 48k won't matter if its going to happen. What color is your car? I'll trade you a 2k2 with 116k miles that does not have a dim light

[jknight118]

the car is silver and you have a deal. LOL

[audtatious]

I get to keep my upgrades tho, right?

Then again, with the mileage, I think I could leave most of that stuff as well