Nissan Repair: Bose System and Service Engine Light is On, cabin air filter, nissan maxima

Question
Von,

I have a 2002 Nissan Maxima, I bought brand new and it only has 21,000 miles on it. This past weekend I went out to start my car in the cold and let it warm up for about 20 mins. When I sat in the drivers seat I saw the Service Engine Light on. I was upset, I said this car only has 21,000 miles on it this light shouldn't be coming on. So i checked the owners manual and it said it is probably the gas tank cap. I opened it and tigthened it drove it around, and the light is still on. I checked all the fluids they are topped off and the light is still on. I checked the air filter and it was dirty, I changed it and the light is still on. The only that might need changing is the in-cabin air filter. The manual said that it needs to be changed at 15,000 miles. I am in Germany and it is expensive to get nissan parts over here from the dealer, but what can I do but just suck up if I dont want to get stranded on the autobahn. I was doing research on the net and someone was saying that they had the same problem and when they changed the in-cabin air filter the service engine light went out. On the subject with the Bose System my CD player is having the same sympthoms as stated on the web page. I my warranty just expired in Nov. so I am going to have to put in a new cd player. Do you know of any company where I can get the same one without paying an arm and a leg?

Thanks,
Charles

Answer
Charles,

Disconnect the battery for about five minutes and if the problem was the gas cap not being tight it will turn off the check engine light.  If there is a code stored and the light stays on you will need to get an OBDII scantool.  Go on line to Checker or the like and order one for about $65 bucks and you can check your own codes and reset the light.

I would go to courtesynissan.com and order a replacement headunit or have them repair yours as this is the cheapest route.