Engine code help

[jamesonepp]

OK so here's the deal:

First off, I live in a fairly remote Northern community, and don't really have a parts shop or Nissan dealership anywhere close to me. Otherwise I might be inclined just to give them a call and ask.

Had my car in to be inspected the other day, at a Dodge dealership, and they gave me the P1135 engine code. They also looked at me funny and said " We jus' gots a scanner, can't tell ya what's that there code. Ask them there Nissan guys."

I read in this forum that it could be a few things, sensor problem, solenoid or something. What I want to try is to reset the codes and see if the SES light comes on again. How do I go about doing this? Is this something I can do at home, and is there some special tool or diagnostic that I need to buy?

Thanks,Jameson

[NISTECH]

You shoulda had the dodge boys clear it. How ever you can access the computer and use the diagnostic pot to reset it. There is a write up on how to do this in the maxima forums. The ECM is located in very near the same place as the max. follow the procedure carfully and you can reset it that way. I assume you read my sticky on intake sensor codes by your post. Remember if its the sensor the light wont come on the first time you start it after clearing the code. It will be the second time since it uses 2 trip logic before triggering the light. But like it says if the light comes on at start up its the sensor.

[jamesonepp]

Yeah those guys should have cleared it all right. And they way overcharged me for the friggin' inspection too. Damn licensing requirements...

Anyways, after checking out the Maxima forum and reading through the post on checking CES light computer access, I tried looking for that on my Pathfinder. Gas pedal, check. Look nearby, check. Now, I happen to have a small plastic screw, check. Looks like it could be a cover, alright so far. Undid the screw... nothing. Undid other screws in the nearby vicinity and peeled back the carpeting... still nothing. Just metal and plastic plating. Looked around under the dash for something that might look similar to what is pictured on the HowTo in the Maxima forum, nothing that resembles that.

At this point I have to assume that I am looking in the wrong place for this ECM or whatever it is. I understand what it is I'm looking for (I think) and what to do once I've found it, and what the light/lack of a light might mean after that.

So, the question is: Where else should I look for this thing? I'm going to have another look in other areas of the vehicle tomorrow, but who knows.

Hopin for the sensor, as it's probably a heckuva lot cheaper than the solonoid.!

** EDIT **

So i poked around under the dash today, without pulling anything apart, there are a couple of small square metal & plastic boxes that might be what I'm looking for. However, after much prodding and feeling around, there doesn't seem to be any kind of adjustment screws on these. Ideas?
Modified by jamesonepp at 5:16 PM 8/29/2005

[NISTECH]

The screw should be located in a small hole in the side of the case. The ECM is about 8 to 10 inches long and 6 to 8 inches wide ,about 2 inches thick. With a huge amount of wires plugged into it.

[jamesonepp]

Figured as much as to size and shape. There are a number of similar cases under my dash, none of which has anything close to an adjuster screw. I did follow the white plug (i think oBD-II) wiring back to a plastic-encased box, but no luck. Is it possible that there is no way for me to do this without a scanner? Maybe I should just pop my camera under there and snap a pic seeing as I apparently have no clue whatsoever

[NISTECH]

It is possible they had already eliminated the diagnostic screw by then. I know they were phasing the screw out. I thought it was 02 they had started it though.

[jamesonepp]

I believe that mine is a 2001.5 - that might have been when they changed it, because I read elsewhere that someone with a 2001 did have one. Who knows?

Anyhow, here's what I did:

I pulled the sensor out of the engine, and cleaned all the crap off it. It looked like it had become gummed up with some oil/residue. This was right at the end of a 6000 km run and just before an oil change. Reinserted the sensor, checked all the connections, and unplugged the battery overnight. That reset the computer just fine. Next morning, no SES light. Later that day, no SES light. Now it's been around 10 days an still no light. We'll see what happens. No other performance issues.

[jamesonepp]

Now it's been around 10 days an still no light. We'll see what happens. No other performance issues.

So, here we are nearly a year later. Once again, towing a trailer and coming up to an oil change, and halfway up the trip the SES light comes back on. Roll into the nearest dealership (with the trailer - nervous with all the new cars) and had them check and clear the codes. Same code: P1135

So, now my question is: is this a sensor problem that I should be getting replaced, or should I continue to clean it out and clear the code? (might also clean out the sensor on the LH bank just to be sure) At this point it's not running any different that I can see, and the conditions under which the light came on were the same.

[NISTECH]

The gumming up you mentioned earlier indicates a potential lack of service at correct intervals. If that sludge were to pass through the VTC solonoid it could easily restrict the small passages. You could be looking at either problem as it occured while you were driving. Your best bet is to have the test done with consult as I mentioned in the sticky. This will narrow the problem done to the correct part.

[jamesonepp]

Only problem is, now that I'm back up North where I live, there's only the crappy Dodge boys. Nearest Nissan dealer... 6 hrs South! (and I don't own a consult)

Popped the sensor out again, and tidied it up a bit, same as last time. I'll change the oil again just to be sure (i'm at 4000km since last) but let's assume that it will happen again in the future... this would indicate a solenoid problem?That being the case, where's the solenoid in relation to the sensor?

And the next question is, is there a Canadian online parts retailer or am I going to have to get the Nissan guys to mail one to me...

[NISTECH]

Thats why I recommended the consult diag. If the light pops on while driving it could be either the sensor or the solonoid. Although more likly the solonoid. It is mounted on top of the valve cover right behind the front timing cover.

I dont know of any online dealers in canada. You could call the closest dealer to you and inquire if they ship parts. If so you can buy direct over the phone from them and save on any customs charges.