Again with the knocking....
10-16-2006, 01:24 AM
#1
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 115
Again with the knocking....
I know this might be a topic discussed many times but I can't use the search function and it bothers me that it happens so much. My girls 03 Maxima seems to knock at approx. 2000 RPM's. It's pretty loud and has been happening ever since I can remember first meeting her. I've tried different grades of gas. I've tried Fuel System Cleaner. I've tried different brands of gas. All the same. It stays the same even during winter.
I finally had a chance to talk to a tech or 2 at Nissan and apparently this is a very common complaint (I'm not sure if all 3.5 owners complain about it since just about every Nissan car has the 3.5 motor). He even said his own car does it and he told me the engine is knocking. I didn't know this because I had never knew what a knock sounded like (Heard a ping though on previous car!). I got the feeling that the techs I talked to sounded like they genuinely thought that it wasn't a problem and that it wouldn't harm the car. But I can't see why it happens and ihow it won't harm the car in the near future. She only has another 2 years on her engine warranty I think.
I kept asking him about why the knock sensor isn't coming into play and how exactly it doesn't harm the engine. I don't remember exactly what answer he gave me but I still don't feel comfortable. I've looked for TSB's or recalls and can't find anything. Help please?
I finally had a chance to talk to a tech or 2 at Nissan and apparently this is a very common complaint (I'm not sure if all 3.5 owners complain about it since just about every Nissan car has the 3.5 motor). He even said his own car does it and he told me the engine is knocking. I didn't know this because I had never knew what a knock sounded like (Heard a ping though on previous car!). I got the feeling that the techs I talked to sounded like they genuinely thought that it wasn't a problem and that it wouldn't harm the car. But I can't see why it happens and ihow it won't harm the car in the near future. She only has another 2 years on her engine warranty I think.
I kept asking him about why the knock sensor isn't coming into play and how exactly it doesn't harm the engine. I don't remember exactly what answer he gave me but I still don't feel comfortable. I've looked for TSB's or recalls and can't find anything. Help please?
10-18-2006, 01:14 PM
#4
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Join Date: Aug 2005
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I'm not sure if you have the same problem or not because my car is 5th generation, 2000 and yours is 5.5th.
Anyways, a year ago I had knocking almost all the time at ~1500-2000 RPM. I didn't have any SES, CEL lights on or trouble codes stored in ECU. Everything seemed to be fine except that knocking. I was told that it could be MAF sensor so I decided to replace it with a new one. It worked like a charm - car stopped knocking, was and still is running fine.
May be you have the same problem. Check you MAF.
Anyways, a year ago I had knocking almost all the time at ~1500-2000 RPM. I didn't have any SES, CEL lights on or trouble codes stored in ECU. Everything seemed to be fine except that knocking. I was told that it could be MAF sensor so I decided to replace it with a new one. It worked like a charm - car stopped knocking, was and still is running fine.
May be you have the same problem. Check you MAF.
10-19-2006, 01:05 AM
#5
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Join Date: Dec 2005
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I'm not sure if you have the same problem or not because my car is 5th generation, 2000 and yours is 5.5th.
Anyways, a year ago I had knocking almost all the time at ~1500-2000 RPM. I didn't have any SES, CEL lights on or trouble codes stored in ECU. Everything seemed to be fine except that knocking. I was told that it could be MAF sensor so I decided to replace it with a new one. It worked like a charm - car stopped knocking, was and still is running fine.
May be you have the same problem. Check you MAF.
Anyways, a year ago I had knocking almost all the time at ~1500-2000 RPM. I didn't have any SES, CEL lights on or trouble codes stored in ECU. Everything seemed to be fine except that knocking. I was told that it could be MAF sensor so I decided to replace it with a new one. It worked like a charm - car stopped knocking, was and still is running fine.
May be you have the same problem. Check you MAF.
10-19-2006, 03:29 AM
#6
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Join Date: Feb 2006
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There have been plenty of cases where the MAF goes bad and the SES light stays quiet. You can always try disconnecting the MAF sensor and seeing if the problem still exists (this WILL cause the SES light to come on, but an ECU reset will cure this after the sensor is plugged back in and there are no other existing problems).
As for the MAF sensor being tricky... not really. Only catch is if you don't want to spend the 500 bucks it costs for a 03 MAF sensor, you CAN get a 70 dollar 5th gen sensor and fabricate it to work on the 5.5 gen. There are a bunch of threads already posted about this.
As for the knock, I'm skeptical it's a normal thing. I've never had it on my 5.5 gen.
Here is a testimonail from another thread:
Also, before you decide to replace the MAF (as expensive as it is), take a look at this thread. A lot of people outline other problems they have experienced with faulty MAF sensors. See if the car has any of these as well, if it does not, the problem may NOT be the MAF.
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=398513
As for the MAF sensor being tricky... not really. Only catch is if you don't want to spend the 500 bucks it costs for a 03 MAF sensor, you CAN get a 70 dollar 5th gen sensor and fabricate it to work on the 5.5 gen. There are a bunch of threads already posted about this.
As for the knock, I'm skeptical it's a normal thing. I've never had it on my 5.5 gen.
Here is a testimonail from another thread:
Originally Posted by csmoot
I have an 02 se(77,000 miles) that's been knocking and pinging for over a year and it never gave me a code. I know it wasn't the gas because I only use super unleaded from either Chevron or 76. I tried everything under the sun to resolve the issue to no avail. I used every cleaner from Techron to Seafoam to MAF cleaner, and had the fuel injection serviced twice. I took it to an independent dealer and he asked me if I have a K&N filter installed. Which I do, and it was installed about a year ago and that's when my problems started happening. I guess the oil from the K&N messed up my MAF. Thankfully I have an extended warranty which covered the new MAF and reprogramming.
Two words "FREAKING AMAZING!!!" Car runs like new again and there's no knocking or pinging. I can't believe how fast the car is, it pulls very strong. I tossed out the K&N and went w/ the factory filter. K&N filters have never given me any problems till now. The extra 2 horsepower isn't worth the headache.....
Two words "FREAKING AMAZING!!!" Car runs like new again and there's no knocking or pinging. I can't believe how fast the car is, it pulls very strong. I tossed out the K&N and went w/ the factory filter. K&N filters have never given me any problems till now. The extra 2 horsepower isn't worth the headache.....
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=398513
10-19-2006, 06:30 AM
#7
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Thank you for the link to the thread. I'll study it carefully. More and more this is pissing me off. I'm not sure whether the techs at the dealer are lying to try to get me away or what but it's beginning to infuriate me now.
To be honest, I've never driven another Maxima but her car seems to run fine. Smooth idle, responds well to throttle, feels powerful. It's just that damn, ticking noise (which I guess is knocking). Would a audio file help?
Are there any websites that can tell me if her car has any TSB's or recalls?
To be honest, I've never driven another Maxima but her car seems to run fine. Smooth idle, responds well to throttle, feels powerful. It's just that damn, ticking noise (which I guess is knocking). Would a audio file help?
Are there any websites that can tell me if her car has any TSB's or recalls?
10-24-2006, 07:03 AM
#12
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how much is a factory MAF?
From what I've been reading, 2000-2001 is about $100 depending on who you get it from. The MAF's for 2002-2003 are about $500. Not sure why but I'm sure you can tell which one comes with No Lube.
10-25-2006, 10:15 PM
#14
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 57
I too tried everything to stop this annoying knocking sound. I read several post regarding this issue. I flushed my radiator, had my fuel injectors cleaned, used only super unleaded, and changed my MAF. The MAF had the biggest impact, but the sound was still there under light acceleration (1800 rpms). Finally a mechanic suggested I change the spark plug to a cooler plug. This change almost completely eliminated the knocking sound. I hear on a few occasions but I have to be listening intently to notice it. I once again can enjoy my car
10-28-2006, 09:58 PM
#15
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Quote from drivewire.com: "An open thermostat can result in low heater output, overheating and poor fuel economy. A thermostat that does not open or open all the way can cause knocking or pinging when accelerating and overheating."
10-29-2006, 01:17 AM
#16
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Quote from drivewire.com: "An open thermostat can result in low heater output, overheating and poor fuel economy. A thermostat that does not open or open all the way can cause knocking or pinging when accelerating and overheating."
UPDATE: She has been using BP 93 octane fuel ever since I told her to try to make a complete switch for a couple of months and it is getting much colder around here. Me and her have both noticed that the sound is almost gone. It could be either A) The Gas Brand B) The Cold Weather C) Both D) Coincidence. I'll check up on it and keep this thread updated.
10-29-2006, 07:28 AM
#17
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well....
i have the same problem, i thought it wuz oil level to low but it wuznt.
a couple people on the org have had the same problem and told me it wuz the stock y pipe or sumthin to do with the exhaust.
i jacked up my car and had someone rev the engine up and sure enough, the sound was coming from the stock y pipe. at least i think so...
anyway for those who dont know what it sounds like ill post a video...
i have the same problem, i thought it wuz oil level to low but it wuznt.
a couple people on the org have had the same problem and told me it wuz the stock y pipe or sumthin to do with the exhaust.
i jacked up my car and had someone rev the engine up and sure enough, the sound was coming from the stock y pipe. at least i think so...
anyway for those who dont know what it sounds like ill post a video...
10-29-2006, 07:33 AM
#18
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10-29-2006, 09:00 AM
#20
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 57
Originally Posted by 96SEsleepa
well....
i have the same problem, i thought it wuz oil level to low but it wuznt.
a couple people on the org have had the same problem and told me it wuz the stock y pipe or sumthin to do with the exhaust.
i jacked up my car and had someone rev the engine up and sure enough, the sound was coming from the stock y pipe. at least i think so...
anyway for those who dont know what it sounds like ill post a video...
i have the same problem, i thought it wuz oil level to low but it wuznt.
a couple people on the org have had the same problem and told me it wuz the stock y pipe or sumthin to do with the exhaust.
i jacked up my car and had someone rev the engine up and sure enough, the sound was coming from the stock y pipe. at least i think so...
anyway for those who dont know what it sounds like ill post a video...
The knocking and pinging sound that I experience sounds nothing like the noise in the video. I can rev my car in neutral and not hear a rattling sound. It's only prevalent between 1700-2000 rpm range. It sounds more like marbles in the engine. But since I changed my spark plugs to a cooler plug, the sound is almost gone....
10-29-2006, 06:34 PM
#21
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 115
It had to be that she wouldn't put in a good brand 91+.
If anything, if it was the Shell, I'd theorize that it was all those detergents they put in the Shell gas. A lot of people experience symptoms under that octane and brand. But like i said. I'll update every once in a while.
The knocking and pinging sound that I experience sounds nothing like the noise in the video.
10-31-2006, 07:11 AM
#22
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 16
Cheap gas? I cought my wife putting it in..she goes cheap every now and then
Install the catch can thing?
I installed it on my 03 and after a while it stopped it. Mine as the blowby issue that some of us just love to argue about. It seemed once the system was able to process the oil the pinging/knocking went away. My LS1 camaro has the same crap.
Install the catch can thing?
I installed it on my 03 and after a while it stopped it. Mine as the blowby issue that some of us just love to argue about. It seemed once the system was able to process the oil the pinging/knocking went away. My LS1 camaro has the same crap.
10-31-2006, 09:40 AM
#23
Originally Posted by NmexMAX
Try a catch can.
Jibberish18,
Check out the inside of the intake manifold, you should find pools of oil. This is coming from your PCV. I added a catch-can to mine and cured about 90% of the low RPM ping.
11-08-2006, 07:06 AM
#24
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Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 908
Originally Posted by 2002 Maxima SE
+1
Jibberish18,
Check out the inside of the intake manifold, you should find pools of oil. This is coming from your PCV. I added a catch-can to mine and cured about 90% of the low RPM ping.
Jibberish18,
Check out the inside of the intake manifold, you should find pools of oil. This is coming from your PCV. I added a catch-can to mine and cured about 90% of the low RPM ping.
11-08-2006, 10:01 AM
#25
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 16
Originally Posted by Lumbee1
Got pictures? Where did you pick up the components to build the catch can?
This may have what you need. I am using the small filter on both my cars and find it sufficient. Some argue its to small but it works for me.
11-10-2006, 01:02 AM
#26
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 115
I think I may take a crack at a catch can. Her car is still under warranty and it is sorta her car so I'm not sure I want to touch it yet but I may look into this. Not only would it be cool because it's my first catch can but because it would help her engine out too. Seems like Maximas spit more oil then your average bear hey Boo Boo?
11-10-2006, 03:37 PM
#27
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally Posted by 96SEsleepa
was ur car low on oil sounds like a timing chain?
12-26-2006, 08:56 AM
#28
Originally Posted by Rydicule
There have been plenty of cases where the MAF goes bad and the SES light stays quiet. You can always try disconnecting the MAF sensor and seeing if the problem still exists (this WILL cause the SES light to come on, but an ECU reset will cure this after the sensor is plugged back in and there are no other existing problems).
As for the MAF sensor being tricky... not really. Only catch is if you don't want to spend the 500 bucks it costs for a 03 MAF sensor, you CAN get a 70 dollar 5th gen sensor and fabricate it to work on the 5.5 gen. There are a bunch of threads already posted about this.
As for the knock, I'm skeptical it's a normal thing. I've never had it on my 5.5 gen.
Here is a testimonail from another thread:
Also, before you decide to replace the MAF (as expensive as it is), take a look at this thread. A lot of people outline other problems they have experienced with faulty MAF sensors. See if the car has any of these as well, if it does not, the problem may NOT be the MAF.
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=398513
As for the MAF sensor being tricky... not really. Only catch is if you don't want to spend the 500 bucks it costs for a 03 MAF sensor, you CAN get a 70 dollar 5th gen sensor and fabricate it to work on the 5.5 gen. There are a bunch of threads already posted about this.
As for the knock, I'm skeptical it's a normal thing. I've never had it on my 5.5 gen.
Here is a testimonail from another thread:
Also, before you decide to replace the MAF (as expensive as it is), take a look at this thread. A lot of people outline other problems they have experienced with faulty MAF sensors. See if the car has any of these as well, if it does not, the problem may NOT be the MAF.
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=398513
My 03 Max (60k miles) started pinging not too long after i put in a K&N filter. I pings with 93 octane as well. Its really loud sometimes and not as loud other times. After reading this link, I doubt the K&N filter is the cause: http://www.knfilters.com/MAF/massair.htm
I still plan on cleaning the MAF to see if it helps. If the MAF is bad, the SES light should go on.
12-26-2006, 09:47 AM
#29
Originally Posted by 96SEsleepa
i would check the oil level.. it sounds like your lifters.
