renderman8

Hello I am new here. I have a question regarding my 2001 infiniti Qx4. I figure it's a Nissan Pathfinder with a face lift. So I hope there no problem posting a thread here about it.

I have a 2001 Qx4 with a 3.5 Liter engine and have only 38k miles on it. Surprisingly the "check engine" light came on the other day. Is there a simpler way of reading the code without a scanner? Or do I have to go the dealer or an auto shop. Could be an Oxygen sensor. Is there any danger or harming the engine if I wait a few months before checking it? I heard of people driving for months and doing nothing with the light on.

I was wondering if any body here had any experience in dealing with the engine codes. Any chance this "check engine" service is covered by the 6 year engine warranty?

I had a very bad experience 2 weeks ago with my 98 Nissan maxima which the "check engine" light came on. It was an Oxygen and a knock sensor. I took it to my mechanic that I have use for years. I was shock and angry when he charge me $680 to scan and replace the 2 sensors! I was stupid to allow the service But what done is done. I certainly would go back to him again.


Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

wondermutt

You could go by Kragen or any major auto parts store, and see if they can use one of their OBD2 ecu readers, it takes about 30 seconds to read the code and can save a lot of headache. I acctually puchased a reader for about 40 bucks on ebay.
wondermutt

deathtorice

yes, auto zone or somewhere will scan the code for free. question: have you recently ran the engine while the gas cap was off? that will set off an evaporative emission code, and your SES light will come on. also, don't hold it against your mechanic. the o2 sensors for a '98 maxima are between $65 and $110 EACH. there are 4 of them, 2 before the cat and 2 after. the knock sensor is $170. plus, most shops charge $80 to diagnose a check engine light. i don't know for sure, but if that knock sensor was a pain in the ass to get at, there was probably a lot of labor involved. front wheel drive cars are a pain to do certain repairs on. alos, those professional code scanners are not cheap, plus the yearly software updates for them.

renderman8

Thanks guys for the info.

I agree, while front wheel cars are a pain in a** to repair. I was told the knock sensor was a headache to replace. I don't have a problem paying for the service and the hard labor.

I was just anrgy he over charge me for the parts. I could of brought the Q2 for $87 and the Knock for $ 120. He charge me $137 for the Q2 and a whoppy $247 for the knock sensor! I felt he overcharge me 200 bucks.

I just don't want problem with the Q4. I will try Autozone, didn't know they offer a free scan. Do they give you a read out or just tell you what the problem is?

Thanks again, let u know how it goes.

deathtorice

they will tell you what the code is, such as P0171 for example. just type the code into google, and find results. all obd 2 fault codes are universal. here is an interesting web site:

http://www.obd-codes.com/faq/obd2-codes-explained.php

Your mechanic probably used Napa parts. they will work with lots shops, and have a good warranty program. plus, the parts are better quality (supposedly) than autozone, etc...I would say 9 out of 10 reputable shops use napa or car quest parts. thats why they have all those delivery trucks parked outside napa. easier on the shop if the parts come to them.

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'94 hardbody ka24e 5spd

lewisnc100

Not all OBDII codes are universal. Code numbers P1000 and higher have a generic OBDII code, but can be manufacturer specific. Something to keep in mind when Autozone tells you the code means one thing and for a Nissan it means something entirely different.

__________________
1997 Pathfinder XE
Air Lift Air Bags, Warn Hubs

deathtorice

only manufacturer specific if the second character is 1. sorry, i should have posted that.

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'94 hardbody ka24e 5spd

renderman8

Hey Guys,
I know it has been a while since I got back to this.

I finally got the Q4 check out. Well it was the gas cap that caused the light to come on. I couldn't believe it. I felt really stupid about this. Especially it says right on the gas cap it self!!!!

One thing I would like to ask. I need to order a new Fuel gas cover with the hinge (or spring) for the Q4. Several kids damage the door trying to open it during Halloween. They were trying to pour sugar into the gas tank. The little bastards

I found a on-line part store, however it has a poor part illustration page to describe the specific part I need.


Any help or links would be great!

deathtorice

Are you talking about the external door you have to open to get the cap off? also, i would invest in a locking gas cap, even if you have the inside release fuel door. One more layer of protection. I hope you shot and killed, or at least severley wounded the kids who were fucking with your vehicle. They don't deserve to live, as they will most likley grow up to be a burden on society.

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'94 hardbody ka24e 5spd

1997XETruck

I've been buying my Infiniti and Nissan parts from Joe at www.everythinginfiniti.com / www.everythingnissan.com for years. Great guy and prices. Call him at 1-888-216-5328 for faster service.

Heath

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1997 Nissan XE Truck - 133,000 Miles
1990 Infiniti Q45 - 91,000 Miles
2005 Infiniti G35 Sedan - 34,000 Miles

deathtorice

Provided those are OEM Nissan parts, not bad prices. However, all the things I searched for can be found much cheaper by doing a google search. (I don't care about having "nissan" stamped on the back of my parts...if they work, I'm happy.

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'94 hardbody ka24e 5spd

1997XETruck

Everything there is OEM Nissan unless it's some sort of upgrade part (e.g. Stillen) - they're a dealership (Infiniti and Nissan of Scottsdale).

Of course, aftermarket parts will typically be even cheaper... just depends on what your goal is when you buy the part.

Heath

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1997 Nissan XE Truck - 133,000 Miles
1990 Infiniti Q45 - 91,000 Miles
2005 Infiniti G35 Sedan - 34,000 Miles

renderman8

Yes I was talking about the external fuel door. I was able to find a decent on-line auto parts store to order the damage parts. Yeah I should get a locking filler cap. Thanks.

LOL. Well no I didn't shoot the kid, but I was able to find out who was responsible as the parents are going to paid for the damage. I know there were others, but he is taking the blame. I do believe about 3 kids were involved. The motion light went off as they must of been struggling to force the door open. They drop the sugar on the ground and ran off.

However one of the kids fell and I was able to catch up and grab him. I do know the kid parents and contacted them the following day after I realize the Fuel door was damage. I couldn't see the damage on Halloween night because it was dark. But at least the kid told the truth to the parents.

I had a little chat with him, explaining how he would feel if somebody did that to him when the time comes he owes a nice car.

Well that the story.

It's a good thing I install those outdoor "Motion Detector" Security lights. Or they would of gotten away. And probably would had a massive repair bill to replace the fuel tank, fuel lines and perhaps the fuel injectors. Just wondering what the damage would of been if they did manage to get sugar into the Fuel tank? Yikes!!!!!



Thanks for the info guys..

1997XETruck

Typically it locks the engine... So all of the items you mentioned above plus a new engine. Yikes is right!!!!

Heath

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1997 Nissan XE Truck - 133,000 Miles
1990 Infiniti Q45 - 91,000 Miles
2005 Infiniti G35 Sedan - 34,000 Miles

deathtorice

Hmm. I would have still shot the fucker. All u gotta do is plant a gun near his bleeding body, and it was self defense. It would have taught his cronies a lesson they wouldn't soon forget. That's just me though. I don't tolerate stupidity. It should be a capital crime.

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'94 hardbody ka24e 5spd