I have a 1999 maxima (loaded) and last year I had two (one and then second different one a couple of weeks later) sensors (o2?) replace after running rough. Car ran fine then recently had 2 coils replace at a local garage after check engine light had come on. Now th traction control system seems to be acting up - a couple of days ag the light came on while driving and later went out - It came on agai yesterday but when i started it this morning it is off now. I calle a dealership this morning and they said they'd test it but sound like I probably need to replace the other 4 coils all together (an perhaps they said plugs too but I wasnt sure whether that wa included or an additional option.) A)Does this sound like the reason the traction control system ligh came on B)Does this sound like the solution and is $578 a reasonable cost fo them to do a 4 coil replacement or is this unreasonable or a simpl type fixable thing??? Thanks, Dav
Which "the light" went on and off several times? "Check Engine"? "Trac Off"? "SLIP"? Several of these lights?
Possibly. Your TCS should be disabled whenever an engine code is set that could affect driveability. The engine computer and ABS/TCS computer communicate which allows for this provision. The "Trac OFF" and possibly ABS lights should illuminate in this case.
That being said, you did not specifically mention the MIL (check engine light) on. I am not aware of the TCS light illuminating before the MIL comes on *if* the TCS light is being commanded due to an engine problem. Usually a TCS light will flicker or illuminate momentarily when the ABS/TCS computer senses traction related slippage. If there really is a problem with the TCS system then that needs to be looked at as an entirely separate issue.
Well, blindly throwing four ignition coils at your engine isn't a sure- fire fix for anything. *If* the MIL has been on recently, the ECM should be scanned for codes. You will likely find the infamous P1320 code, which is most likely what your last shop was addressing. They chose to replace only 2 coils because of one or more of the following:
You are strapped for cash or cheap.
They are very good and determined through high tech testing which coils were the worst, and let you know that the others may fail at any time.
The P1320 was accompanied by cylinder-specific misfire codes, so they only replaced the coils in those cylinders that had misfire codes.
They have a giant diagnostic roulette wheel.
If they used any brand of aftermarket coils, be prepared to replace them again; the industry buzz I keep my ear tuned to has nothing good to say about these junk coils. Buy only dealer coils for this particular car.
As far as price, $578 sounds about right in my neck of the streets. The coils are around $100 each X 4, add 6 plugs, tax, shop fee and labor and you're there.
BTW, Your ABS and TCS codes can be read simply by jumping a test terminal in the Nissan diagnostic connector to ground. If there is a significant electrical or communication problem there should be a stored code. The Nissan scantool is required to go more in-depth with diagnosis (without pulling your hair out). Engine codes can be read for free at Autozone or equivalent part-swapper stores. You can use those two free options to arm yourself with some preliminary data.
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