!!!NEED HELP!! 00 MAXIMA THROWING KNOCK SENSOR CODES

[k33p0n]

First off Im new here so please bare with me

I have a 00 maxima GLE w/117k

Engine is throwing 2 CEL codes. Knock sensor(CEL 1) and (CEL2) cat not working efficiently (mech told me car has 2 cats I believe he said the 1st one is throwing the code)

I was originally going to change the spark plugs, air filter, and oil but then CEL came up and this is wats up. Mech told me that both knock sensors need to be replaced and that the cat is not working efficiently due to the knock sensor failing and that the spark plugs will foul faster. Im not sure how true this is so I wanted to know from those mechanically inclined with the maximas 00 engine if it is. Also he told me to use OEM parts for the cat and knock sensors and i was wondering if i could just purchase some aftermarket ones from AUTOPARTSWAREHOUSE.COM which seems reliable.

SO basically my concerns and questions are what your opinions are about the knock sensor situation and the idea of replacing them with aftermarket parts and not OEM.

OH YEA the MECH's ESTIMATE for changing my spark plugs and knock sensors (2) JUST LABOR $560 ($85 labor rate, NEW YORK CITY,BRONX)Mechanics price for parts Knock sensor OEM $379 each (MY SOURCE listed above has it for $174 by delphi)Cat upwards of $330+

What you guys think???????

Also sidenote the heatshield for the 2nd cat fell off (I have it in the trunk) should I be worried???

and the drivers side tail lamp is not working when the lights are on but it does light up when the brakes are applied. Any idea what the prob could be???

THANKS IN ADVANCE PEOPLE I APPRECIATE IT.

[jltibbs]

Welcome to NICO.

Wow. Your mechanic looks to be taking you for a little ride there. I know that Most parts houses have the knock sensors for around $140 plus tax. It would take and UNSKILLED person one hour thirty minutes tops to change the knock sensor with the correct tools. I believe it's a 10 or 12mm socket, a knuckle, 10" extension, and ratchet. After the intake tube is out of the way, you are pretty much home free.

Spark plugs, meh. Once again, with the right tools, you can have this done in about 30-45 minutes. 5/8ths spark plug socket, 10mm socket, metric hex key set, 10" extension. Done in no time. If you would like more info, just ask. These are pretty common jobs, and no need to pay someone lots of money.

As far as the cat is concerned, I would make sure it's not just the plugs/knock sensor first. It might also be the O2 sensor. As all of those are not relatively inexpensive, narrow it down first, then spend your money.

[tigersharkdude]

me and JLT had fun changing my KS..How many rubber gloves did I go through?? I got burnt real good, it only took us like an hour and we had to go get the right tools

[k33p0n]

Welcome to NICO.

Wow. Your mechanic looks to be taking you for a little ride there. I know that Most parts houses have the knock sensors for around $140 plus tax. It would take and UNSKILLED person one hour thirty minutes tops to change the knock sensor with the correct tools. I believe it's a 10 or 12mm socket, a knuckle, 10" extension, and ratchet. After the intake tube is out of the way, you are pretty much home free.

Spark plugs, meh. Once again, with the right tools, you can have this done in about 30-45 minutes. 5/8ths spark plug socket, 10mm socket, metric hex key set, 10" extension. Done in no time. If you would like more info, just ask. These are pretty common jobs, and no need to pay someone lots of money.

As far as the cat is concerned, I would make sure it's not just the plugs/knock sensor first. It might also be the O2 sensor. As all of those are not relatively inexpensive, narrow it down first, then spend your money.

Hey man thanks for the info, I feel stupid knowing that i didnt post this in the technical section. I just saw it. But yea I figured he was trying to take me for a ride telling me it would take 3.5-4hrs only to change the spark plugs saying he had to remove the intake manifold in order to get to it (true or not true?) and then esp with the parts price he was giving me. But yea, I've done work on inline fours and feel comfortable with them, im just worried about messing up this v6.

Is there a write up for how to replace the KS and/or Spark plugs? and the cat issue i'll deal with after just incase it is the o2 sensor due to fouling plugs and messed up KS's. But yea thanks for the info. Im gonna go ahead and get those aftermarket KS's.

[Klepton]

1) I'm no expert, but I believe these cars only have ONE Knock Sensor.2) Do a search on Knock Sensor Replacement (or something similar) on these forums and you should find a few sources with a how-to on doing it yourself. I found several when I did some research and replaced mine, but here's one source:

http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/507

3) You can probably find the best price for a OEM Knock Sensor for this car on eBay...I did.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

You dont have to remove the intake manifold to changethe spark plugs

[jltibbs]

You dont have to remove the intake manifold to changethe spark plugs

Or to replace the knock sensor.