Recommend a ODB 2 Scan Tool for 97 Q45.

[Da Dark Jedi]

Hello all, Here's my situation. My 97 Q45 Service Engine Soon light has just came on, the car has 63500 miles now. I think that I've traced the problem to not making sure the gas cap was tight, since I checked. I loosen it and retighten it and ran car on Hi-way for 20 minutes and the light is still on. So I was wondering can you guys recommend a ODB2 Scan tool for a reasonable price and link to it? I'll hit the AutoZone or Advance later today and have them pull the codes also and reset if can. I'll take my shop manual also.

[Victor]

I stopped at my local autozone and they said they no longer will read codes for you or lend you a reader. I have the same question but for my daughters 2000 Q45T. There is a check engine light on, but the car seems to be running fine. I notice stickys for how to read codes for earlier model J30s, but didn't see anything for Q45s. So I would also like to know if there is a cheap way to read the codes, and is there a list of what they mean? I did a search but must have been using the wrong words as I couldn't find much on the subject.I noticed one thread about connecting some kind of adapter up to a laptop and buying software, but seemed that half the posters couldn't get it to work, so don't want to waste my money on something that may or may not work.
Modified by Victor at 8:21 AM 7/8/2009

[elwesso]

I stopped at my local autozone and they said they no longer will read codes for you or lend you a reader. I have the same question but for my daughters 2000 Q45T. There is a check engine light on, but the car seems to be running fine. I notice stickys for how to read codes for earlier model J30s, but didn't see anything for Q45s. So I would also like to know if there is a cheap way to read the codes, and is there a list of what they mean? I did a search but must have been using the wrong words as I couldn't find much on the subject.I noticed one thread about connecting some kind of adapter up to a laptop and buying software, but seemed that half the posters couldn't get it to work, so don't want to waste my money on something that may or may not work.

Modified by Victor at 8:21 AM 7/8/2009

Its done basically the same way on the newer Q as the old J30s. There is still the little screw on the front that you turn and check the blinks... CHeck the FSM

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM

As far as buying a scanner for an OBDII car it doesnt matter so much, just look at the features and capabilities, and match them up to what you want ot be able to do.

[miata007]

I went to my favorite stored (Walmart) got mine for about $100 few weeks ago. Best money I've spent on tool so far to diagnose my CEL. FYI. Not every walmart carries them. You need a one that can erase codes as well.

Make sure you confim the issue with FSM test procedure first below replacing anything.

007

[Da Dark Jedi]

Okay... I checked my FSM and this is what it said. "Generic Scan Tool (OBDII scan tool) complying with SAE J1978 has 7 different functions. ISO9141 is used as the protocol".

I have found several Scan Tools that list ISO9141 as protocol used, but none list the SAE J1978. They list other J**** numbers instead. Should this be a factor when choosing one or does it matter? Remember I have a 1997 Q45.

[Victor]

I took a quick look at the FSM for a 2000 Q45 and didn't see anything about turning a screw and looking at blinking lights. Also, the codes ended in H, what is H. It is not used in binary, octal, or hexadecimal numbers.So do you need a scan tool to read the codes or can they be read without a scan tool?

[maxnix]

Sears just had the second level Actron on sale.

http://www.actron.com/product_category.php?id=249

[qship96]

I have the cheapie Actron Pocket Scan, does the job!

[Victor]

A mechanic who was working on my van just used that Actron tool to read the code for me on my daughter's 2000 Q45T. Came up with a P158, which according to his little booklet that comes with the scan tool means a bank 2 O2 sensor problem. But I can't find that code listed on the list NICO has.Another thread says that code is often incorrect on infinitis and there is really no problem with the O2 sensors.

[Da Dark Jedi]

A mechanic who was working on my van just used that Actron tool to read the code for me on my daughter's 2000 Q45T. Came up with a P158, which according to his little booklet that comes with the scan tool means a bank 2 O2 sensor problem. But I can't find that code listed on the list NICO has.Another thread says that code is often incorrect on infinitis and there is really no problem with the O2 sensors.

I check my 97 Q45 FSM and there is no code for P158... I went to AotoZone yesterday and the guy pulled my codes with a $50.00 Actron scanner. It pulled 2 codes: PO136= Rear O2 Sensor - Bank 1; PO325= Knock Sensor Bank 1;

I talked to my Infiniti service department and they wanted $1100 to replace the Knock sensor. The guy said they have to tear down the engine just to get to the sensor, so I will buy the Sensor for Bank 2 and have both changed out at the same time since the engine is apart.

[Victor]

The NICO list doesn't show code P0158, but the FSM for a 2000 Q45 does show it, and its supposed to be the rear bank 2 O2 sensor. Where are the bank 2 sensors, driver or passenger side of engine or where? How hard are they to get to? Joe wants I think around $140 for an oxygen sensor, but a mechanic said he could get OEM Nissan sensors for $80 each, and install them for $40, does that sound right? BTW, the FSM said the rear sensors are not used for engine control under normal circumstances, does that mean one can put off ever replacing them? An OBD forum thread said Infiniti P 0158 PIDs are often false faults, and something else can be causing the problem other than the O2 sensor. The FSM says check the wiring first, then the sensor, then intake air leaks, then fuel injectors and fuel pump. The intake air leak part seems stupid, as the rear O2 sensors are connected to the exhaust, not the intake.