At my wit's end

[ronkarr]

Hey, all. I have a 2002 Maxima, and my SES light came on. I took it to get it fixed, less than 2 weeks later it was on again. The shop I took it to said there was a recall on my car and to take it to a dealership and they should fix it for me.The dealer says no go, it isn't a recall problem. He said the wrong spark plugs were installed, so I take it back to the shop. They said they had never heard that before, but okay they will put the "correct" ones in. No dice the SES light still flashes. Anyone know what problem could be?

It usually happens when I first start the car it starts flashing, and the car runs real sluggish.

Also the dealer said he can input the car's VIN into a database to see if there is a recall on a car. Is that true?

[MinisterofDOOM]

Do you know what codes are reporting that are causing the CEL to illuminate? If the dealer or your mechanic can't tell you, most auto parts stores will tell you for free.

And yeah, the dealer is able to see what recalls are affecting your car by inputting the VIN into their database.

[ronkarr]

Well what the error code I got it: P0300. Is that what you are looking for?

What usually happens when I first start the car is that it is very sluggish, and lacks power. After I hit a stoplight or so it starts to run fine.

[jltibbs]

Random multiple misfire. Couple of things could cause it. Bad or low grade fuel, stopped up injectors, or coil packs. Nissan recommends replacement of all six coil packs if this code comes up.

[ronkarr]

Okay, thanks for the info.

[ronkarr]

Would the bad coils explain the problem being intermittent?

[jltibbs]

That sounds more likely to be a fuel issue.

[ronkarr]

I always put in the highest grade octane when I refuel. Hmmmm

[MinisterofDOOM]

I believe Tibbs meant more along the lines of a fuel delivery issue. You may have bad injectors (one or many) or a problematic fuel pump.

[ronkarr]

Oh, okay. Thanks

[jltibbs]

Sorry for not being clear there sir. Thanks MoD.