• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

The emissions light just showed up on my car...what does it exactly mean?

L

LakerGod

Platinum Member
And what can i do to fix it? Is it something I can take care of or is it something serious? It's weird...i just passed a smog test last week, so i figured emissions would be the last thing that is messed up with my car. Thanks for the help...




Update below (cliffnotes: error P0443 - purge valve)
 
make model year mileage would help you know............


if it has over 50,000 miles I would guess oxygen sensor. Take it to autozone they will scan the code for free.
 
Originally posted by: attahoova
make model year mileage would help you know............


if it has over 50,000 miles I would guess oxygen sensor. Take it to autozone they will scan the code for free.
Click to expand...

Sorry forgot about that...

'96 Nissan Maxima about 167,000 miles.

What is the oxygen sensor and how does scanning the code help?
 
Oh snap with that mileage it should be replaced regardless. It measures the oxygen content of the exhaust and the computer varies the mixture accordingly.

 
Originally posted by: attahoova
Oh snap with that mileage it should be replaced regardless. It measures the oxygen content of the exhaust and the computer varies the mixture accordingly.
Click to expand...

I have no idea what you just said. How much does it cost and who will do it for cheap?
 
Originally posted by: LakerGod
Originally posted by: attahoova
Oh snap with that mileage it should be replaced regardless. It measures the oxygen content of the exhaust and the computer varies the mixture accordingly.
Click to expand...

I have no idea what you just said. How much does it cost and who will do it for cheap?
Click to expand...

Depends. Nissan Dealership will do it, but a local mechanic might be cheaper. GET THE CODES RUN FIRST. Totally impossible to make a diagnosis over the internet. Drive up to Auto Zone and ask them to run the codes. They will tell you what they mean. Write it down and take the car in for service or post back here.
 
I have no idea what you just said. How much does it cost and who will do it for cheap?
Click to expand...


I suggest you sell the car and buy a bicycle, then maybe you will be competent enought to take care of it.
 
Goddam, people can be brutal around here.

Chances are, it's just the o2 sensor. I'd go for that first. Buy the part and have someone you trust install it. If it's more than that, the light will stay lit, but as previously advised, that should be replaced at that mileage anyway. BTW, has the timing belt been replaced? Those miles are high , so just curious.
 
Lakergod, your car has 2 oxygen sensors. One is located at the rear of the catalytic converter outlet (dealer price is about $138, importecparts.com sell it for $73). The other is located at the header pipe inlet and costs between $70 - 106 depending on what type you buy from importecparts.com. Of course the dealer price is a lot higher. Reading the code giving by the ECU (car computer) will tell you if your Oxygen sensors are bad and which one you need to replace. In some instance you could have to replace both. Normally it is easy to replace an Oxygen sensor so the labor cost is not much. In case you are short in money and live near Diamond Bar/Pomona Area, I know a decent mechanic that charges very cheap.
 
If you live in a place where they check emissions do something. If you live in the South llike me, who cares. I see cars blowing so much smoke out the exhaust I have to change lanes so I can see where the road is.


 
It could just be your car's computer is programed to turn that light on after so many miles to get you to a dealership and have your emissions stuff checked. My 89 dodge caravan turns on the maintenece required light every 80k miles just to do that. Its been on for around 60k miles now 🙂. That damn light just wont burn out.

Being that yours has 167k miles on it that could be exactly what yours is doing assuming the last owner put off having it fixed for a few 1k miles.
 
Thanks for all the help, guys. I think i'll go over to autozone today and get the codes checked. After I find out what I'll need replaced, I'll research some more and see if it's something I could do on my own, or take to a professional. I"ll keep you guys posted, thanks again. :beer:
 
Originally posted by: compuwiz1
Goddam, people can be brutal around here.

Chances are, it's just the o2 sensor. I'd go for that first. Buy the part and have someone you trust install it. If it's more than that, the light will stay lit, but as previously advised, that should be replaced at that mileage anyway. BTW, has the timing belt been replaced? Those miles are high , so just curious.
Click to expand...

Forgot to answer your question compuwiz....i don't have a timing belt...it's a timing chain. From what I've been told, those do not need to be replaced like timing belts. I'm off to autozone...hopefully this light won't set me back too much. 😉

Edit: 😱
 
Originally posted by: LakerGod
Originally posted by: compuwiz1
Goddam, people can be brutal around here.

Chances are, it's just the o2 sensor. I'd go for that first. Buy the part and have someone you trust install it. If it's more than that, the light will stay lit, but as previously advised, that should be replaced at that mileage anyway. BTW, has the timing belt been replaced? Those miles are high , so just curious.
Click to expand...

Forgot to answer your question compuwiz....i don't have a timing belt...it's a timing chain. From what I've been told, those do not need to be replaced every 30,000 miles like timing belts. I'm off to autozone...hopefully this light won't set me back too much. 😉
Click to expand...

It's probably best to have the dealership do it. DOn't forget to fill up on blinker fluid while you're there.

 
Originally posted by: rbloedow
Originally posted by: LakerGod
Originally posted by: compuwiz1
Goddam, people can be brutal around here.

Chances are, it's just the o2 sensor. I'd go for that first. Buy the part and have someone you trust install it. If it's more than that, the light will stay lit, but as previously advised, that should be replaced at that mileage anyway. BTW, has the timing belt been replaced? Those miles are high , so just curious.
Click to expand...

Forgot to answer your question compuwiz....i don't have a timing belt...it's a timing chain. From what I've been told, those do not need to be replaced every 30,000 miles like timing belts. I'm off to autozone...hopefully this light won't set me back too much. 😉
Click to expand...

It's probably best to have the dealership do it. DOn't forget to fill up on blinker fluid while you're there.
Click to expand...

HAHAH...sorry i have no idea when they should be replaced, i've never had that problem. :beer:
 
Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
It could just be your car's computer is programed to turn that light on after so many miles to get you to a dealership and have your emissions stuff checked. My 89 dodge caravan turns on the maintenece required light every 80k miles just to do that. Its been on for around 60k miles now 🙂. That damn light just wont burn out.

Being that yours has 167k miles on it that could be exactly what yours is doing assuming the last owner put off having it fixed for a few 1k miles.
Click to expand...

My '89 Plymouth Voyager (Turbo) does no such thing. Or maybe it's because I just unplugged the light.
 
Originally posted by: Mail5398
If you live in a place where they check emissions do something. If you live in the South llike me, who cares. I see cars blowing so much smoke out the exhaust I have to change lanes so I can see where the road is.
Click to expand...

Hehe, that made me LOL 😀
 
UPDATE:

Okay, I guess Autozone does not do the scanning for free anymore in California. Instead, they make you put a 180 dollar deposit to do it yourself. After going to five autozones, i finally found one that was renting the sensor. The diagnostic outputted error code P0443 "EVAP Emission Control System Purge Valve C Fault." I have no idea what that is, and when I called autozone they said that they don't sell that part. Anybody have any idea what is going on? Thanks in advance.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top