Nissan Repair: 2000 Nissan MaximaSE, nippon denso, nissan maxima

Question
Hello Von:

Just purchased a 2000 Nissan Maxima SE. My TCS and SLIP lights came on one morning on the way to work. From what i have read could very well be the notortious ignition coils. My question is can my mechanic i have had for 6 years fix this problem. He is ASE certified. Also can they tell if any of the coils been changed recently? Should I change all at one time since these seems to come back to haunt you if u dont. The car has 81.000 miles. Car runs goood right now. With the ignition coil or coils misfiring cause other problems. Sure apprecitate your feedback. Hate to hear this about Nissan, people have been talking this is common problem. Just thought Nissan was a higher quality car. Thanks alot Von.  

Answer
Tammie,

Yes, your mechanic should have no problem replacing the coils.  Change the plugs while they are at it with double platinum Autolite plugs or Nippon-Denso.  Do not use Bosch as I have had problems with them in the past.

I think the TCS and SLIP lights are related to the anti-lock brake system and not the coils.  Have the brake fluid changed and have them use Ford High Performance DOT3 fluid as it has almost twice the boiling point of the factory fluid.  Have them do a conventional bleeding job and make sure they do not use a power bleeder as most shops never clean their system and it will only reintroduce contamination to your system.  Then, have them reset the computer and you should be fine.  Now, if you have pads that are worn beyond limits this can be a cause too.  But, I am assuming that the pads are good and the car is six years old and brake fluid should be changed every two years and no one does it...  So, have the brake fluid changed for sure.  You see, contamination in the brake system freaks the ABS computer out since system pressures cannot be maintained.  One last thing on brakes, if the sensors at the wheels are damaged or the wiring to them is cut it will cause the lights to come on too.  So, if you have ran over anything lately it could cause it too.  I have done several where road debris has torn out a wire and that set the light.