Check engine light - 95 maxima SE

[crazyboy3012]

Hello,

A couple of months ago I had one of the O2 sensor replaced through a local mechanic. 2 days ago the CEL turned on again and i got the code read - P0150 - i.e. O2 sensor Bank 2 sensor 1.

I found the receipt from my last repair and it clearly says that the mechanic replaced bank 2 sensor 1 last time. I had personally purchased the O2 sensor through e-bay and had the mechanic fix it.

I am a little confused. Is my bank 2 sensor 1 breaking down again and again or did the mechanic replace a different O2 sensor and the receipt shows a typo?

I know it is difficult for anyone to answer this but i guess i am curious to know if O2 sensor fails this often. How can I find out if it was the mechanics fault or genuine?

Details of the car -1995 maxima SE with 184 K miles.

Thanks a ton!!!

[SteveTheTech]

Hey there,

First off you need to realize that your car has almost 200,000 miles on it. Things wear out and break as all parts on a car have a serviceable life and wear out.

With that being said, there are a few things I see wrong with this situation.

1.An oxygen sensor can be irreparably damaged is dropped from more than 24".

2. What kind of HO2 sensor did you get? OEM?

3. Did you look under the hood to see where the new sensor was installed?

[crazyboy3012]

Hey there,

First off you need to realize that your car has almost 200,000 miles on it. Things wear out and break as all parts on a car have a serviceable life and wear out.

With that being said, there are a few things I see wrong with this situation.

1.An oxygen sensor can be irreparably damaged is dropped from more than 24".

2. What kind of HO2 sensor did you get? OEM?

3. Did you look under the hood to see where the new sensor was installed?

Thanks Steve,

Yes, I got an exact OEM match through e-bay and had the mechanic fix it. I do understand that parts fail in a car but right now I am wondering if i need to replace the same O2 sensor that i replaced 2 months ago

This evening i took the car out for a short drive and the engine started stalling. Whenever i would hit the break the ignition would turn off and then i had to start the car again. Wonder if this is connected to O2 sensor or if it is a totally new problem coming up.

I just got the fuel injection cleaned about 2 weeks ago. Paid $150. I am a little clueless at the moment.

Thanks

[SteveTheTech]

It sound like you do have two different issues.

You may have a Mass Airflow Sensor issue, it sounds more like you have an Idle Control issue. If you do not have access to a scanner you may want to have it professionally evaluated by someone who specializes in Nissans. In this case you may want to spend a little money to get a legitimate estimate of what is wrong.

Given the high mileage it may be a good to get an idea of what you will need to get replaced soon.

[SteveTheTech]

Was the P0150 the only code stored?

[crazyboy3012]

Was the P0150 the only code stored?

yep...the only code that i got using the OBD 1 from a local auto shop.

I contacted the local nissan dealer and he said that there would be a 99$ diagnostic fee and then parts + labor to fix the problem. I was told that I am looking at 600$ to replace O2 sensors.

Now who would want to spend $600 to a car that has close to 200 k miles?

Thanks for the feedback though. I'll try and get some help through friends to see if i can fix the problem.

[SteveTheTech]

It may be worth the $99 dollar charge to get an estimate though. Usually if you just pay them check out time they will diagnose what's wrong. You can decide then what you would like to do.

Good Luck, Keep us posted.

[blueis300]

I know o2 sensors are about $150 each. Do the work youorself and save some money.

[SteveTheTech]

That may not be the root cause of the issue in this case though. Since it has failed more than once, maybe something is causing it, ie. a broken wire, poor ground, or water intrusion, it may also be a failed sensor. There are too many things to give a thorough analysis over the internet.

[crazyboy3012]

Was the P0150 the only code stored?

Well the last time i got the code it was just P0150. I did not clear the code and stopped using the car. Today i checked the code again and i got only one code P0505 i.e. IACV malfunction. You were right in your previous posts that this might be an idle problem. I am sure it is coz whenever i hit the break the engine shuts down and i have to restart the car.

I have decided to replace the IACV and looking for used parts. New ones are $150.

I am wondering howcome I did not get the P0150 that i got before? The car gives me 22 mpg (city) as it always does. I am not sure if i should consider replacing 02 sensor or not.

What do you guys think? Thanks in advance.

I'm thinking abt sellling this car once i fix the IACV.

-V

[SteveTheTech]

Here is where it gets tricky. Without the proper diagnostic equipment or ability to view your engine numbers I am just wagering a guess here. Since the car shuts off when returning to idle, I think it would be safe to say that your MAF is either reading the wrong amount of incoming air or you may have a loose intake air tube.

My second piece of advise is if you are going to replace the IAC yourself if (once the valve is removed) you see antifreeze inside the IAC housing, replace the ECM.

[crazyboy3012]

I got the IACV replaced yesterday. My local mechanic got a used one for $125 and charged me $80 for labor. The car runs fine.