SES wont go off

[stevetheelectrician]

First post. New here. Amature mechanic, electrician by trade. Replaced both intake timing sensors per codes from dealer and an independent. Also replaced evaporative cannister and valve at left rear wheel well area. Damn those are some cheesy bolts! What are they made out of, pot metal? Assuming that there are not any other issues is there a way to make the SES light go off without having special equipment? It's been over a week and about 150 miles.

[SixGuns]

Ok, you replaced the stuff, but did you reset the codes with an OBD-II reader or at least remove the negative terminal off the battery to reset the ECU?

[stevetheelectrician]

I don't have an OBD-II. Any reccomendations on where to get one? Isn't there some other code reader or tool also? Do I need both?I will try disconnecting the negative terminal.

[Chris92SE]

You can get a cheap OBD II code reader off of ebay for around $30-$40. It's actually worth the money (my opinion) to tell what is wrong with your car, plus the ability to delete codes. It has saved me $$ on my own car.

All of the codes are in a book that came with it, along with on this site in the stickies.

I bought one last year and I have used it on at least 7-8 cars of of friends and relatives. I should start charging them $1 each time and it will pay for itself.

Also, a lot of stores like AutoZone and Shucks will read them for free. I don't know if they will delete, though. I have never actually gone to a store and asked.

[stevetheelectrician]

Went to Sears and bought the cheapest OBD-II reader that I could find. $59.00. Read the instructions! Plugged it in and now I have PO171. Looked up code in my book that came with the reader and checked diagnostic flow chart that I found here. One possible cause is leaky exhaust. Does this mean not enough back pressure? I have leaks from the front intermediate pipe all the way to the back. Front and rear mufflers ( resonator) bad. Do I need to repair exhaust system before proceeding with diagnosis? Exhaust not noisy but there are two to three inch holes in both mufflers.

Lots of talk here about cleaning MAF sensor with brake clean. Is that O.K. to do? no obvious air leaks, Air filter O.K. not great, air filter box clean.

Is after market air filter O.K.? I am going to start there tomorrow.

[Chuck Tribolet]

That code is right bank lean.

The very first thing the FSM has you check is exhaust leaks. I'd start by fixingthem

[joestrummer77]

There's a TSB for front exhaust tube leaks....welds from factory crack after a few years, resulting in a progressivley larger amount of exhaust tone resonating from under the front seats.

I don't remember the TSB #, but the part code for the fix-it kit is 20711-5W90A. I'd ensure that this TSB is not the cause of your exhaust issues before anything else.

I have a 2002 Q, and once I fixed per TSB fix the difference was unreal.

Good luck!

[drew97qx4]

what is a tsb?

[K03sport]

what is a tsb?

Technical Service Bulletin.

All cars get them. There is a site called alldata that you can join that will give you all of them for your vehicle. Unfortuneately, it will cost $$, but you get dealer info without paying the dealer and you don't have to wait to receive a letter like some recalls.

Wouldn't a bad O2 also cause a lean condition to pop up?

[joestrummer77]

"lean condition....code.."...absolutely. I've been fortunate that this has not yet occurred with my engine, but based on the # of posts reagrding this issue I'd say it's top 3 for issues with Q's. But compared to domestics.......hahahahaha not even close.

Yeah I just pointed out the exhaust tube deal as a side issue. What's funny is that I went back and re-read StevetheElec post, and realized he mentioned holes in exhaust! My little TSB post is kinda moot after that...but worth investigating for others I'm sure.

Found my link to a site for TSBs:

http://x.infinitihelp.com/foru...d=172

Technically it's free - you can downlaod 1 complete TSB pdf file per day without subscribing. Read thru it and see what you notice. Tremendous asset I believe.

Later.

[stevetheelectrician]

Thanks everybody for all the info.

I am going to replace the air filter and check for any air leaks this weekend. Check for codes for general purposes only.

I have purchsaed complete exhaust from intermediate pipe back. This needs to be replaced any how. I managed to get Walker parts for all. $294.00 for two mufflers, two pipes and all hardware. Nissan exhaust pricing very high.

As soon as I can get some time I will replace exhaust and post results.