Nissan Repair: Nissan maxima 1996 GLE wont pass smog, nissan maxima, warranty issue

Question
Hi,

I have a Nissan Maxima 1996 GLE model. It does not have any lights on on the dashboard. All the emissions are ok. But the CPU does not give out proper codes and it fails smog over and over again. I got it tested and they said to change its cpu. It is going to cost me a lot to do that. Is there any way i can fix this anyother way. Can Nissan help?

Answer
Shrenik,

First, go to Autozone or Checker and see if they can read the codes.  It could be as simple as the first year of OBDII not responding to their machine.  Then, I would have a different shop diagnose it.  Do not say what the other shop said.  Just take it in for a diagnosis about the check engine light.  Lastly, I would go to the SMOG referee for a last opinion.  There is a possibility that the ECM is defective.  But, if that were the case you could source one from a wrecking yard and install it yourself.  Nissan is not going to do anything for you as a warranty issue since the car is over ten years old.  One last thing, disconnect the car battery for five minutes and then reconnect it to see if the computer will clear itself.  When you say no lights on the dash does that mean no lights or just the check engine?  If you are looking at a complete cluster failure you could also have an issue with the connector that plugs into the cluster.  Email me back if you need more.