Post by
98_Q45 »
https://forums.nicoclub.com/98-q45-u278123.html
Tue Jun 08, 2021 11:16 pm
Not to get off topic but; sometimes throwing parts at things isn’t always the worst. Sometimes it can very much seem like something is the issue: but by buying parts you can eliminate the possibility without necessarily chasing the rabbit hole of diagnosing something lol. And sometimes, you can inadvertently fix one or several issues, by replacing a part for another issue.
In my case: it’s hard to find mechanics to diagnose my vehicles. For one: I live in a small town and most the mechanics work on Ford’s and Chevys. If an issue arises, I have to book 2 or even 3 weeks in advance. And then pay a fee. And it might not even be the right diagnostic.
Dealt with this recently on my Maxima. Went to 3 different shops including Nissan, diagnosing an issue where the engine would stall at random when at a stop. My go to shop cleared some charcoal from the canister in the evap lines. Didn’t fix. Another shop did some testing and changed spark plugs. Didn’t help. Dealer suggested coils. Didn’t help. I even changed idle air control valve and fuel pump. Didn’t help.
Finally after googling/YouTubing myself into oblivion, went and tried my luck at a $50 MAF sensor assembly on ebay. BINGO. Problem solved.
But what I don’t like: is when “store clerks” throw out suggestions about an issue without ever even opening the hood. For example: I recently kept having my battery drain overnight on the Q. Replaced the battery twice before I figured out it was my aftermarket radio (no diagnostic, just had to google similar issues). However, before that I was getting told “alternator”. I came close to replacing the alternator for good measure, but me being cheap and lazy... I’m thinking: if it was the alternator, all the old Nissans have the battery and brake light come on, and it would die while driving. Not parked overnight, and then be able to still drive for 600 miles after a jump.