QuestionQUESTION: Hi Von,
I recently had my 2000 Max's SES light go on after experiencing some shuddering and loss of RPMs intermittently while coming to a stop and very slightly while idling. Since I'm over 100k now, I replaced the spark plugs with stock NGKs and cleaned the MAF sensor with the appropriate CRC product. This helped the symptoms a little, but I'm essentially back where I started again after less than a week. I got the codes read at AutoZone, and they indicated P1320 and P0171.
From my online reading, I'm guessing that I should try replacing the ignition coils first. Do you agree? Could that be causing both codes? Also, I noticed some extremely cheap (~20 dollar) replacement parts online, but I'm wondering if I should just suck it up and buy OEM parts here. What do you think?
Thanks in advance,
Mark
ANSWER: Mark,
Replace all of the coils. rockauto.com or any other on line software source. Remember that the factory ones failed so I would not be worried with aftermarket ones. I have a 2000 Maxima SE and used aftermarket coils. It did fix the problem.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: OK, I just replaced all 6 coils with aftermarket parts yesterday, and the car seemed to run fine on a short (1 mile) test drive. The SES light had been cleared by unplugging the battery while working. This morning when I started the car, the SES light came on and I noticed the same kind of RPM dip as I had before when coming to a stop. There is only one code now: P1320. What do you suggest as a next step?
AnswerMark,
This is the service bulletin that covers the problem you describe. It is from this site and describes the fix.
http://autorepair.about.com/library/faqs/bl039i.htm
Classification: EC01-023
Reference: NTB01-059
Date: September 6, 2001
2000-01 Maxima; MIL "On" With DTC P1320 And/Or Spark Knock (Detonation) Due To Ignition Coil(S)
APPLIED VEHICLE:
2000-01 Maxima (A33)
APPLIED VINS:
Vehicles built before:
JN1CA31A31T112164 (w/side air bags)
JN1CA31A31T316031 (w/side air bags)
JN1CA31D911627134 (w/o side air bags)
JN1CA31D91T830089 (w/o side air bags)
APPLIED DATE:
Vehicles built before: March 16, 2001
APPLIED ENGINE #:
Engines built before: VQ30-463753
SERVICE INFORMATION:
If an applied vehicle exhibits one or both of the below symptoms:
* MIL "ON" with DTC P1320 stored in the ECM Intermittent spark knock (detonation)
The cause may be one or more of the ignition coils. Refer to the Service Procedure below to resolve the incident, if it should occur.
SERVICE PROCEDURE:
Determine if one or both of the symptoms listed above exists and perform the appropriate procedure(s) listed below.
Procedure For MIL "ON" With DTC P1320 Symptom
1. Check Self Diagnosis Results (using CONSULT-II) to confirm DTC P1320 (Ignition Signal Primary) is stored in the ECM. NOTE :Single or multiple cylinder misfire codes (P0300 - P0306) may be stored in the ECM with DTC P1320.
2. Check the ECCS wiring harness for a broken or damaged wire.
1. If the ECCS harness has a broken or damaged wire that is causing the symptom(s) noted above, repair the harness and verify the incident is resolved.
2. If the ECCS harness does not have a broken or damaged wire and is NOT causing the symptom(s) listed above, proceed with step 3 below.
3. Replace ignition coil(s) with the one(s) listed in the Parts Information table, and verify the incident is resolved.
Procedure for Spark Knock (detonation) Symptom
1. Use CONSULT-II to check Self Diagnosis Results for any stored DTCs in the ECM.
1. If there is a DTC(s) stored in the ECM, refer to the applicable Service Manual to repair the vehicle.
2. If no DTC (s) is found, proceed with step 2 below.
2. Verify the type of gasoline used in the vehicle.
1. If unleaded regular (non-premium) gasoline is used, advise the customer to use unleaded premium gasoline to eliminate the spark knock (detonation).
2. If unleaded premium gasoline is used and no other source for the symptom is found, proceed with step 3 below.
