SES LED bulb issue

[JP42]

Hello,

I've searched as long as i could for advice on fixing my 2001 Pathfinder to be able to pass emissions in the state of Nevada, but couldn't turn up anything useful. It turns out that the led light used for the "service engine soon" display on the instrument cluster has been snipped off. Can anyone suggest an easy fix for this? I must have this light fixed to run the required smog test to be able to register my vehicle, otherwise i'd happily leave it alone.

thanks in advance!!

[04pathse]

solder in new LED?

[JP42]

solder in new LED?

that's what i was hoping would work. would you know the type led and where to obtain?

[JP42]

Another concern i have is why it was snipped in the first place. Maybe solder in new LED and rerun the smog check to get codes. One step at a time I suppose

[JP42]

ok, so I took the washer fluid LED and soldered onto the SES location, which now illuminates properly. Took to get codes read at autozone, and whola .... a long list of fun stuff to tackle. I wouldn't even know where to begin, and notice some codes are duplicates or run together.

Any suggestions on where to start? I must get this vehicle to pass smog inspection in Nevada...

[04pathse]

Look in the FSM in the EC section, it will help you a lot with troubleshooting the error codes. The FSM lists all the error codes and the description and troubleshooting steps.

https://nicoclub.com/FSM/Pathfinder/2001/ec.pdf


I would suggest you purchase an inexpensive OBD2 reader from walmart so you can read and clear the codes yourself. Another option is to buy a WIFI or Bluetooth OBD2 adapter that works with your smartphone. You can get one on ebay or amazon for around $10 shipped.You will need to download an app too, there are several free apps you can download that work great.

Looks like its mostly sensor issues, check the wiring and sensors for damage. You could try removing the sensors and cleaning them and resetting the code and see if the code returns, if it does return most likely you will need to replace the sensors.

How does the vehicle run? does it run rough?

[macgiver]

Most led's electrically similar , and since you got past fixing the much more critical SES from the washer fluid location - probably a yellow led would work there ( whatever color was in there actually I mean). If you lost track of polarity - is a question ,multimeter ohms setting or "diode chk the ckt board comparing other LED loactions ,or just "tack solder any one way" if works do it in. If not reverse tack it to verify operation ( or show a bad LED) THEN finalize deep into proper mount position for your Washer Fluid.And so you'll be putting back the dash , complete & working all lamps , you know.

[Mike W.]

With that much stuff I wonder if something isn't unplugged. Like 04pathse I think you will need to get your own codereader so you can look at it quickly rather than go down to the store all the time. Some of them even have freeze frame which shows what was going on when it coded, but that may be a ways in the future.

As far as someone cutting it off, jeez. I thought everyone knew black tape was the fix when you didn't want to look at it.

[MisterH]

Boy, discovering that the previous owner had disabled that light in order to unload a vehicle with problems is really bad. One lesson out of this is don't buy a used car from a private party without bringing your own code reader to verify it's OBD status. I echo what Mike W said- if you have any plans for doing your own repairs you really must get a simple code reader. The $30 you'll spend will save you a lot of hassles.

[macgiver]

Right , key in "ON" position (before starting) is also "Bulb Check " BETTER BE SHOWING" then , to begin with.
One of the basic & most important checkpoints , as you move towards an actual OBDII scantool.

[JP42]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I did go purchase an OBD scanner and cleared the codes and ran again, getting these results:

P1165 swirl control valve control vacuum check switch.
P1145 intake valve timing control position sensor, R bank 2
P1140 intake valve timing control position sensor, L bank 1

As far as how it drives? Well, I just drove it from Alabama to Nevada.. 2,200 miles with zero issues.

[JP42]

The OBDII scanner I purchased is an Autel AutoLink AL329 for $44 bucks at walmart. Pretty cool features including I/M readiness. Cleared the codes yesterday, re-scanned, and the above 3 codes were displayed before driving again. Drove this morning and about to re-scan again, as the SES light reappeared. Then i will research the FSM as instructed by you guys and see what i come up with.

[JP42]

How does the vehicle run? does it run rough?

I drove this pathfinder from Alabama to Nevada, 2,200 miles, averaging 80mph over the course of 3 days and I ZERO issues whatsoever. Drove like it was brand new. Now, after trying to pass smog tests here in Nevada and running codes, it appears to be a POS... LOL. No way....

thank you for the suggestions. as mentioned above i'l be following your advice

[Mike W.]

3 codes on an 18 year old truck doesn't make it a POS, just severely deferred maintenance. If you could put a scan on me I'd probably have a few more codes than I did 18 years ago. And I don't think I'm a POS. Well, not as far as you know anyway...

[JP42]

3 codes on an 18 year old truck doesn't make it a POS, just severely deferred maintenance. If you could put a scan on me I'd probably have a few more codes than I did 18 years ago. And I don't think I'm a POS. Well, not as far as you know anyway...

I couldn’t agree more, Mike. I was being sarcastic towards the smog testing ***holes and others who profit off these emissions requirements. Like I said, this Pathfinder ran flawlessly 2,200 miles across the country and drives like a champ. And by the way, I’d be terrified of a scan on myself considering some things I’ve done but far from a POS. Well, not as far as you know anyway