Service Engine Soon Light 1999 Maxima

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Wardell Castles - 06 May 2004 11:57 GMT

I took my 1999 Nissan Maxima into a dealer yesterday because the
"Service Engine Soon" light came on a few days ago.

When I called to make an appointment the service rep said it was
probably something to do with the emission system. This information
coincided with what the owner's manual said.

However after dropping the car off in the morning he called me later
during the day stating the light was coming on because the ignition
coils were failing. The parts themselves were free under a "Goodwill
Parts" policy Nissan has. However the labor to replace them was $360.
Giving him the benefit of the doubt, I authorized the replacement.

When I went over the total repair bill there was no mention of any
emission control part being fixed. However admittedly the "Service
Engine Light" is not on anymore.

According to the work order, 3 parts numbered 22448-31U01 "Coil
Assy-Ignit" and 3 parts numbered 22448-31U06 were replaced.

I am starting now to wonder about this "Goodwill" policy Nissan has
and what those ignition coils had to do with the light.

Any one have any opinions?

Thanks in advance for all replies.

Reply to this Message

Jim - 06 May 2004 13:58 GMT

I suspect the coils were at fault as it's a well known problem, but $360
for labor is a total rip-off. Even a slow mechanic can change them in
under an hour.

> I took my 1999 Nissan Maxima into a dealer yesterday because the
> "Service Engine Soon" light came on a few days ago.
[quoted text clipped - 22 lines]
>
> Thanks in advance for all replies.

Reply to this Message

Dan - 06 May 2004 22:40 GMT

> I suspect the coils were at fault as it's a well known problem, but $360
> for labor is a total rip-off. Even a slow mechanic can change them in
[quoted text clipped - 25 lines]
>> Any one have any opinions?
>> Thanks in advance for all replies.

I wouldn't complain. The coils themselves cost about $400 list
(although you can get them as cheap as $240 from a couple of sources
(see the maxima.org forums). You probably got charged the standard
$85 diagnostic fee plus book labor. A lot of people are getting
charged $700+ for coils + labor even though your average DIY'er
can replace all six in under an hour. :-/

Reply to this Message

Don't Reply to this address - 08 May 2004 17:32 GMT

I was given a "goodwill" replacement of the coils a few months ago on my '99
Maxima at a bit over 50,000 miles. I was quoted $700+ and after talking with
the service writer and making it clear that I knew it was a known problem with
the vehicle he said he'd see what he could do. Called me later and said that
Nissan agreed to a no charge replacement and they'd have the coils in the next
day so make an appointment.

Maybe he felt sorry for me since I've had both my wife's '95 Altima and my '99
Maxima serviced there and there were quite a few repairs on the Altima (low
miles less than 40K) lately.

Since then I've found a Nissan trained independent mechanic in the local area
(San Jose, CA) who really seems to be honest and know his stuff. No more
visits to the dealer's shop I hope.

> > I suspect the coils were at fault as it's a well known problem, but $360
> > for labor is a total rip-off. Even a slow mechanic can change them in
[quoted text clipped - 32 lines]
> charged $700+ for coils + labor even though your average DIY'er
> can replace all six in under an hour. :-/

--
Address is NOT monitored due to SPAM volume from newsgroups. DO NOT REPLY to
post directly.

Reply to this Message