SLIP, TCS OFF, and SES lights on suddenly
#1
SLIP, TCS OFF, and SES lights on suddenly
Hello all,
Searched the posts for something similar, came up empty.
Anyone have any ideas why the SLIP, TCS OFF, and the Service Engine Soon lights would suddenly come on after start-up?
This is what happened...
Ran the car this morning, fine. Started up later - - and was greeted with the lights.
Turned off car for a few mins, SLIP and TCS OFF are now gone, but SES light remains.
Also, car has 50,500 miles on it, no apparent problems leading up to this.
Mine is a Cali-spec 99 SE-L - NO VISIBLE screw inside ECU box so as to check for the MIL code on my own. At the mercy of the dealer.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Searched the posts for something similar, came up empty.
Anyone have any ideas why the SLIP, TCS OFF, and the Service Engine Soon lights would suddenly come on after start-up?
This is what happened...
Ran the car this morning, fine. Started up later - - and was greeted with the lights.
Turned off car for a few mins, SLIP and TCS OFF are now gone, but SES light remains.
Also, car has 50,500 miles on it, no apparent problems leading up to this.
Mine is a Cali-spec 99 SE-L - NO VISIBLE screw inside ECU box so as to check for the MIL code on my own. At the mercy of the dealer.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
#2
there is a screw on the ecu. you have a plastic covering you need to get through if its the first time anybody is attempting to pull codes from the ecu. just push the screwdriver through the plastic cover and the screw is in there for sure
#3
No ECU access screw on mine...
Originally Posted by deeloc
there is a screw on the ecu. you have a plastic covering you need to get through if its the first time anybody is attempting to pull codes from the ecu. just push the screwdriver through the plastic cover and the screw is in there for sure
I've checked mine - little access port hole like basic ECU - but nothing to screw or turn that is visible thru the hole.
#4
Member who somehow became The President of The SE-L Club
iTrader: (19)
Join Date: Jun 2001
Posts: 16,033
The screw in the 99 Cali Spec ECU's are very hard to see. It's recessed a bit further into the box. Use a small screwdriver and gently poke around in there and you'll feel it. Then follow the procedure to get the codes out.
#5
There is NO screw in the Y2K ECU, see our own site...
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=374481
My 99 Cali-spec has the Y2K ECU box, as do many other late 99s. I'm SOL for reading the Service Engine Soon code without a scan tool or the local Nissan dealer. No handy AutoZones where I live, Advance and NAPA have nothing.
So again, any ideas as to what may have caused the sudden appearance of the SLIP, TCS OFF, Service Engine Light when nothing else has apparently gone wrong?
Thanks!
My 99 Cali-spec has the Y2K ECU box, as do many other late 99s. I'm SOL for reading the Service Engine Soon code without a scan tool or the local Nissan dealer. No handy AutoZones where I live, Advance and NAPA have nothing.
So again, any ideas as to what may have caused the sudden appearance of the SLIP, TCS OFF, Service Engine Light when nothing else has apparently gone wrong?
Thanks!
#6
Originally Posted by nfafan
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=374481
My 99 Cali-spec has the Y2K ECU box, as do many other late 99s. I'm SOL for reading the Service Engine Soon code without a scan tool or the local Nissan dealer. No handy AutoZones where I live, Advance and NAPA have nothing.
So again, any ideas as to what may have caused the sudden appearance of the SLIP, TCS OFF, Service Engine Light when nothing else has apparently gone wrong?
Thanks!
My 99 Cali-spec has the Y2K ECU box, as do many other late 99s. I'm SOL for reading the Service Engine Soon code without a scan tool or the local Nissan dealer. No handy AutoZones where I live, Advance and NAPA have nothing.
So again, any ideas as to what may have caused the sudden appearance of the SLIP, TCS OFF, Service Engine Light when nothing else has apparently gone wrong?
Thanks!
#9
You may be right on the coil packs, based on the
Originally Posted by C3nthusiast
My car did the same thing a couple of times. It was a bad coil pack.
Been reading a ton of posts, and my 99 is likely due its' turn in the barrel with the flaky coil packs.
I just can't understand how failing/failed coil packs would cause the TCS OFF and SLIP lights to come on in the first place - these are tranny and brake related, not ign system. Freakin' Nissan.
#11
Help me to understand...
Originally Posted by C3nthusiast
The TCS is engine related. The fuel mix is richened when there is a SLIP. The brakes "are not" being applied to gain traction.
One would think TCS is a function of wheel SLIP/spin detection, causing TCS to apply or not apply ABS in an attempt to gain traction. And if throttle is needed or not, apply throttle kinda like cruise control.
Whereas coil packs are basic ignition. I mean, why fire the TCS OFF and SLIP lights to tell you somethings wrong with yer plugs or wires?
#13
Next time it is wet outside. Come to a stop, turn the wheel all the way right like you are turning. Then punch it WOT. Does that feel like ABS to you or the engine bogging down? It's the engine bogging down not the ABS working.
Do you get a rumble at idle sometimes? If so it's your coil packs not the MAF.
Do you get a rumble at idle sometimes? If so it's your coil packs not the MAF.
#14
Member who somehow became The President of The SE-L Club
iTrader: (19)
Join Date: Jun 2001
Posts: 16,033
Originally Posted by nfafan
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=374481
My 99 Cali-spec has the Y2K ECU box, as do many other late 99s.
My 99 Cali-spec has the Y2K ECU box, as do many other late 99s.
Originally Posted by nfafan
I'm SOL for reading the Service Engine Soon code without a scan tool or the local Nissan dealer.
#17
Originally Posted by njmaxseltd
That thread only pertains to 5th gens. You have a 4th gen with a Cali-Spec ECU, same as mine. Trust me, there is a screw in there.
Your SOL for not listening to what we are telling you. All 4th gens have the ability to access the ECU and display error codes, even your "late model" Cali-Spec, which happens to be the same car I own. Now find the screw, it's recessed back in the box, you'll have to feel it out, then pull the codes and you'll know what went wrong with your car.
Your SOL for not listening to what we are telling you. All 4th gens have the ability to access the ECU and display error codes, even your "late model" Cali-Spec, which happens to be the same car I own. Now find the screw, it's recessed back in the box, you'll have to feel it out, then pull the codes and you'll know what went wrong with your car.
http://vbxmaxima.8m.com/ecu.html
Just an "empty hole" with no visible screw head.
With no visible scew head, how can you "trust" what size scewdriver to shove in there, how far to shove in, and what you might possibly be turning it against? If I had a pre-Y2K ECU with visible scew, I'd be tweaking away, but at mucho-bux per ECU box, I'm inclined to not attempt to just poke around in there.
Regardless, I appreciate everyones input to this thread. Sounds like one or more of the coil packs have bit the dust.
Thanks for the ideas all!
#18
#21
Update - local Nissan stealer says it is P1320 code
Dropped the car at the local Ni$$an dealer. $82.00 later they found a P1320 code stored, and nothing else.
Checked ABS system, wiring harness, cleared code, road tested, no reocuurance, no more TCS OFF, SLIP, Svc Engine lights.
Drove a few miles around town, no more lights. But.. did seem to detect a bit of stumble very breifly while reversing out of a parking spot.
Any bets on how many hours it will be before the SES light comes back on?
At least it would have been nice to throw a secondary code indicating which cylinder coil pack was going...
Safe to assume the consensus is to change them all (and all plugs) and be done with it for a few more miles?
TIA,
Steve
Checked ABS system, wiring harness, cleared code, road tested, no reocuurance, no more TCS OFF, SLIP, Svc Engine lights.
Drove a few miles around town, no more lights. But.. did seem to detect a bit of stumble very breifly while reversing out of a parking spot.
Any bets on how many hours it will be before the SES light comes back on?
At least it would have been nice to throw a secondary code indicating which cylinder coil pack was going...
Safe to assume the consensus is to change them all (and all plugs) and be done with it for a few more miles?
TIA,
Steve
#22
Originally Posted by nfafan
Dropped the car at the local Ni$$an dealer. $82.00 later they found a P1320 code stored, and nothing else.
Checked ABS system, wiring harness, cleared code, road tested, no reocuurance, no more TCS OFF, SLIP, Svc Engine lights.
Drove a few miles around town, no more lights. But.. did seem to detect a bit of stumble very breifly while reversing out of a parking spot.
Any bets on how many hours it will be before the SES light comes back on?
At least it would have been nice to throw a secondary code indicating which cylinder coil pack was going...
Safe to assume the consensus is to change them all (and all plugs) and be done with it for a few more miles?
TIA,
Steve
Checked ABS system, wiring harness, cleared code, road tested, no reocuurance, no more TCS OFF, SLIP, Svc Engine lights.
Drove a few miles around town, no more lights. But.. did seem to detect a bit of stumble very breifly while reversing out of a parking spot.
Any bets on how many hours it will be before the SES light comes back on?
At least it would have been nice to throw a secondary code indicating which cylinder coil pack was going...
Safe to assume the consensus is to change them all (and all plugs) and be done with it for a few more miles?
TIA,
Steve
#23
Originally Posted by njmodi
Coil packs. You could have listened to us the first time and put that $82 towards the coils. You can get coils at a discount from www.midwaypartsteam.com - ask for Dan Tech. He'll get you good prices and great service. I believe the Mitsubishi's are the preferred coils in terms of longevity. Cheers.
Regardless, Nissan's own info says to replace ALL 6 packs - when maybe only one is failing. A freakin expensive proposition even at discounted parts prices.
I'm surprised that the dealer didn't just tell me that and sell me on the service.
Anyway, yes, now I need to get all 6 replaced unless it goes nuts again and another visit will show just which cylinder coil pack is the true culprit.
#24
Originally Posted by nfafan
True, but... The hoped for/expected result of a dealer Consult visit was hoped to have been something more informative than just a P1320 alone, like maybe; the secondary code (P0300-P0306) pinpointing which of the 6 cyls were the problem.
Regardless, Nissan's own info says to replace ALL 6 packs - when maybe only one is failing. A freakin expensive proposition even at discounted parts prices.
I'm surprised that the dealer didn't just tell me that and sell me on the service.
Anyway, yes, now I need to get all 6 replaced unless it goes nuts again and another visit will show just which cylinder coil pack is the true culprit.
Regardless, Nissan's own info says to replace ALL 6 packs - when maybe only one is failing. A freakin expensive proposition even at discounted parts prices.
I'm surprised that the dealer didn't just tell me that and sell me on the service.
Anyway, yes, now I need to get all 6 replaced unless it goes nuts again and another visit will show just which cylinder coil pack is the true culprit.
#25
I posted this in another thread. I had the same symptoms, was told i needed to replace my engine harness because of an intermittant open circuit for $2300! I figured it was the coil packs because it's always the coil packs. Hope your luck isn't as bad. Btw, anyone know a less expensive alternative to replacing the engine harness.-
#26
Perhaps a junkyard for a wiring harness?
Originally Posted by syracusemax
I posted this in another thread. I had the same symptoms, was told i needed to replace my engine harness because of an intermittant open circuit for $2300! I figured it was the coil packs because it's always the coil packs. Hope your luck isn't as bad. Btw, anyone know a less expensive alternative to replacing the engine harness.-
Anyway, so your symptoms were similar?
Today the prob re-occurred "live" and in real-time, after hours of driving yesterday without issue after picking up the car from the dealer:
Was driving along at highway speeds, then suddenly, SLIP, TCS OFF, SES lights came on - but no drivability issues.
As speed dropped due to traffic, sure enough; the shuddering of an engine miss. (Was beginning to think a coil could be having heat-related issues.)
This went on for a bit, but smoothed out at speed.
Later, after a stop light, no more shudder. After restart from parking at an office, the SLIP and TCS OFF were now gone, just the SES light was on.
And no more "shuddering" miss.
Hours of stop/go short trips later, no issues except for the constant SES light.
This sound like your problem? Dealer told me that they checked (assume visual and wiggling of wires) the wiring, found nothing wrong.
Will have to look myself, and look into ordering coil packs.
Thanks for the info!
Steve
#27
Update
Prob seems to occur with heat. Was fine, then after several miles the SLIP, TCS OFF came on, along with a stumble. After a bit, the 2 lights went out and stumble went away.
Picked up OBD2 scanner from Wally World; P1320 (that was originally seen) followed by P0302, (Cyl 2 misfire detected).
Pulled Cyl 2 coil and wrapped in hi-temp electric tape, will clear ECU codes and take it for another ride to see if heat induces SLIP, TCS OFF lites and stumble.
If so, will swap coil pack with adjacent cyl, clear codes, see if prob follows coil. If so, replacing coil, but if stays with same cyl - back to drawing board.
Picked up OBD2 scanner from Wally World; P1320 (that was originally seen) followed by P0302, (Cyl 2 misfire detected).
Pulled Cyl 2 coil and wrapped in hi-temp electric tape, will clear ECU codes and take it for another ride to see if heat induces SLIP, TCS OFF lites and stumble.
If so, will swap coil pack with adjacent cyl, clear codes, see if prob follows coil. If so, replacing coil, but if stays with same cyl - back to drawing board.
#28
Originally Posted by nfafan
Prob seems to occur with heat. Was fine, then after several miles the SLIP, TCS OFF came on, along with a stumble. After a bit, the 2 lights went out and stumble went away.
Picked up OBD2 scanner from Wally World; P1320 (that was originally seen) followed by P0302, (Cyl 2 misfire detected).
Pulled Cyl 2 coil and wrapped in hi-temp electric tape, will clear ECU codes and take it for another ride to see if heat induces SLIP, TCS OFF lites and stumble.
If so, will swap coil pack with adjacent cyl, clear codes, see if prob follows coil. If so, replacing coil, but if stays with same cyl - back to drawing board.
Picked up OBD2 scanner from Wally World; P1320 (that was originally seen) followed by P0302, (Cyl 2 misfire detected).
Pulled Cyl 2 coil and wrapped in hi-temp electric tape, will clear ECU codes and take it for another ride to see if heat induces SLIP, TCS OFF lites and stumble.
If so, will swap coil pack with adjacent cyl, clear codes, see if prob follows coil. If so, replacing coil, but if stays with same cyl - back to drawing board.
Not trying to bore everyone, just figured I'd post as much symptoms as possibel for the next person that runs into this..
The tape-wrap trick made no differance, if any, occured even faster.
Scan code showed it returned to same P1320 with a P0302.
Cleared code, swapped Cyl 2 coil with Cyl 4 coil - problem followed the coil to Cyl 4; next drive gave me a P1320 with a P0304.
Called Garrand's Nissan ((518) 561-1210 - no association, just best price I found from calling around) and ordered a new coil for the left side of engine; $56.52 with free shipping.
Thanks all for the input to thios long-ased thread!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
sctludwig
3rd Generation Maxima (1989-1994)
8
09-01-2022 01:32 PM