There are Numerous Issues Related to the "Check Engine Light" (MIL) and the Smog Diagnositcs interface (OBD II) !
(especially for the 1996 Nissan Maxima)
View the list of Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) at the following link: Maxima (A32) 95-99
(Note: Nissan requires a subscription to even view the TSBs; the cheapest offered is $20.00 for one day. LINK }
{ alldata.com offers TSBs at a subscription price of $25.00 per year. LINK }
(local version 2)
The Nissan is just one of many cars with Smog Check OBD II issues. See this list from AAA:
Vehicles with OBDII Testability Issues
See also: California DMV, Smogcheck info (www.smogcheck.ca.gov): " Smog Check OBD II Reference - Testability Issues "
(pdf file; requires PDF reader) .
This page is specifically for research on OBD issues with the 1995 & 1996 Nissan Altima & Nissan Maxima.
Document Info for Nissan Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) NTB98018 / NTB98-018 About this document,from the EPA :
"1996 Nissan vehicles and 1997 Nissan 2.0 liter 200SX - These vehicles may have a high degree of "not Ready" for catalyst and evaporative monitors due to a "trip based" design. Nissan has provided driving cycles in its service information to allow monitors to operate. These vehicles should be treated as other non-problematic vehicles.
Nissan Technical Service Bulletin #NTB98-018, February 18, 1998."Document ID: NTB98-018 or NTB98018 Document Title: "SB 1996-1997 Nissan; System Readiness Test (SRT) Drive Patterns " Document Abstract (Summary):
"As part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked. - The SRT is used to indicate whether the engine control module (ECM) has completed self diagnosis of major emissions systems and components. - In these instances the State may require completion of the SRT before permitting the emissions inspection to proceed. Refer to this Bulletin for further details."
Also Known As (a.k.a.):
Nissan TSB: NTB98-018
aka
NTB98018
aka
" Nissan TSB #98-018C "
aka
"1996-1997 Nissan; System Readiness Test (SRT) Drive Patterns"
aka
"OBD II - System Readiness Test (SRT) Drive Patterns [98-018C JAN 02]"Summary, Version 2:
" As part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked. - The SRT is used to indicate whether the engine control module (ECM) has completed self diagnosis of major emissions systems and components. - In these instances the State may require completion of the SRT before permitting the emissions inspection to proceed. Refer to this Bulletin for further details."
-- Related TSB's --
VIEW ALL NISSAN TSBs (Nissan Technical Service Bulletins)
== #1) Nissan TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) ID: NTB98073 ==
" Some 1996 Nissan Maxima vehicles are experiencing incidents involving certain parts of the emission control system which are causing the malfunction indicator light (MIL) to illuminate.
To ensure customer satisfaction, Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to replace certain emission control parts with improved parts at no charge to the customer.
These parts include the oxygen sensors and the vent control valve.
A water separator kit for the evaporative emission control system will also be installed if the vehicle does not have one.
In addition, the vapor canister will be inspected and replaced if necessary in non-sunbelt states and the vent control valve in sunbelt states. California emissions vehicles can be identified with the under-hood label."
== #2) Nissan TSB: NTB98099 ; " 1995-96 Altima/Maxima; MIL "On" DTC P0136-Sensor Not Responding Adequatelly" ==
"
If an applied 1995-96 Altima or Maxima has the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) 'ON' and a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0136 (rear oxygen sensor) is found stored in the ECM self diagnosis memory, the sensor element may be contaminated. A new rear oxygen sensor is now available to correct this incident, if it should occur. See this bulletin for further details.
-- --
3. Nissan TSB: NTB98016 ; "1995 Maxima; MIL 'ON' with DTC P0300 through P0306 stored"
If a 1995 Maxima experiences a MIL 'ON' with any combination of DTCs P0300 through P0306 stored in the ECM, the cause may be due to fuel injector(s). If you can confirm and repeat the misfire, use this bulletin in addition to service manual diagnostic procedures to diagnose and repair this incident. This bulletin does not apply if the misfire incident cannot be confirmed and repeated. NOTE: DTC P0300 indicates a multi-cylinder misfire. DTCs P0301 through P0306 indicate the specific cylinder that is misfiring.
-- --
4. Nissan TSB: P4122
" Nissan has developed a modified emissions label for certain early production OBD II equipped 1995 240SX's and Maxima's in the State of California only. Owners of these vehicles in California are being sent the letter shown at the end of this bulletin along with a replacement label. "
---------
5. Nissan TSB:
99-053A
aka
TPS - Adjustment Procedure Revision |
99-053A |
SEPT 18, 2000 |
99-053B |
Technical Service Bulletins Summary
Make: NISSAN Model: MAXIMA Year: 1996 Type: ANY Service Bulletin Number: NTB99053B NHTSA Item Number: 631971 ,
Summary Description: INFORMATION ON NISSAN REVISED TPS ADJUSTMENT PROCDURE. *SLC
(1996 Nissan-Datsun Maxima V6-2968cc 3.0L DOHC MFI (VQ30DE) ??)
Year: 1996
Make: NISSAN/DATSUN
Model: MAXIMA
Engine: 6 Cylinders 02968 C 3.0L SFI DOHC
---------
From: ABC News, Houston: last updated: 6/10/2002
List of cars known to have OBD readiness issues
By the early 1980's, numerous vehicles were using electronics and on-board computers to control many of the engine's control systems, such as fuel and ignition. Vehicle manufacturers had to develop ways to diagnose problems generated by the new electronic hardware found under the hood. Thus, the first OBD systems were developed by auto manufacturers in the early 1980's as electronic systems replaced mechanical systems. The engines in today's vehicles are largely electronically controlled.
From the EPA.GOV
- 1996 Chrysler vehicles - Vehicles may clear readiness at key-off. Vehicles should be treated normally. If vehicles are found to be "Not Ready," they should be referred to a qualified service provider so the OBD software can be updated.
- 1996 - 1998 Mitsubishi vehicles - These vehicles may have a high degree of "Not Ready" for catalyst monitor due to a "trip base" design. Mitsubishi has provided driving cycles in its service information to allow monitors to operate. These vehicles should be scanned for MIL illumination without regard to readiness status.
- 1996 Nissan vehicles and 1997 Nissan 2.0 liter 200SX - These vehicles may have a high degree of "not Ready" for catalyst and evaporative monitors due to a "trip based" design. Nissan has provided driving cycles in its service information to allow monitors to operate. These vehicles should be treated as other non-problematic vehicles. Nissan Technical Service Bulletin #NTB98-018, February 18, 1998.
- 1996-98 Saab vehicles - These vehicles may have a high degree of "Not Ready" for catalyst and evaporative monitors due to a "trip based" design. Saab has provided driving cycles in its service information to allow monitors to operate. These vehicles should be treated as other non-problematic vehicles. Saab Technical Service Bulletin not yet available.
1996 Subaru vehicles - Vehicles will clear readiness at key-off. There is no reprogramming available for this line of vehicles. These vehicles should be scanned for MIL illumination without regard to readiness status. Subaru Technical Service Bulletin #11-49-97R (see Appendix F of this guidance).
1997 Toyota Tercel and Paseo - Vehicles will never clear the evaporative monitor to "Ready." At this time no fix is available. Vehicles should be scanned using remaining readiness monitors as described for non-problematic vehicles.
1996 Volvo 850 Turbo - Vehicles will clear readiness at key-off. There is no programming available for this line of vehicles. These vehicles should be scanned for MIL illumination without regard to readiness status. Volvo Technical Service Bulletin #SB 2-23-0056.
- 1996-98 Volvo vehicles (excluding 850 Turbo) - These vehicles may have a high degree of "not Ready" for catalyst and evaporative monitors due to a "trip based" design. Volvo has provided driving cycles in its service information to allow monitors to operate. These vehicles should be treated as other non-problematic vehicles. Volvo Technical Service Bulletin #SB 2-23-0056.
SEE ALSO > ALL TSBs for 1996 Nissan Maxima