Deciphering the Check Engine Light on the Nissan Maxima

The Nissan Maxima has a long history in the consumer market, as its inception was 1976 and it is currently still being sold, with the 2013 model being the newest version on the market (though the 2014 models are just around the corner). Like most modern vehicles, the Nissan Maxima is equipped with a check engine light that is part of the maintenance and alert system that is commonplace on vehicles today. When this check engine light comes on, it notes that there is a problem with the engine or with some system that is associated with the engine. To that end, the following information seeks to shed light on what problems may commonly arise when a Maxima’s check engine light is illuminated.

What can Cause the Check Engine Light to Illuminate?

The check engine light on a Nissan Maxima may come on for several reasons. One of the most common reasons is an engine misfire, which indicates that one of the chambers in the engine is not firing correctly. It can also light up due to an airflow issue with the EGR system or with another area, which is part of the system that circulates air to the engine for the combustion process. An electrical short is yet another reason that the check engine light might be illuminated. However, each reason has a number of root causes that may be the true reason for the check engine light appearing.

What Causes an Engine Misfire?

An engine misfire is usually caused by a problem in the firing chamber or cylinder. Vehicles commonly have four to eight cylinders, and an engine misfire can occur in any of these and will then be denoted on the reading tool. This misfire can be caused by a bad spark plug, by a bad spark plug wire or by a foreign element in the spark plug chamber. There are other possible causes as well, but these are the most common. A bad spark plug may be one that has simply reached the end of its lifespan, or it may be one that was improperly installed. The same holds true for the wire as well. In addition, foreign elements in the chamber such as dirt, water, oil or other substances could cause the light to appear.

What Causes an Airflow Issue?

A loose gas cap can cause an airflow issue that might cause a Maxima’s check engine light to appear. If the gas cap is not screwed on correctly (or if it is not on at all), this can cause increased airflow, which is especially noted as the tank begin to empty. A damaged gas cap may cause this problem as well. Still another cause could be an EGR valve that is partially blocked with sediment from exhaust fumes, or there could be a problem with the air intake as well. For instance, if the intake is cracked, has a hole or is damaged in some other way, this can cause an airflow issue.

What Causes an Electrical Short?

There are sensors throughout a Maxima that rely on wiring and electric power for proper function, and these wires can become frayed, overheated or exposed to water. When this happens, it can cause a short, and if this short occurs in any of the systems that affect the check engine light, the light may appear as a warning.

As evidenced above, the check engine light on a Nissan Maxima can come on for a number of reasons, and a proper diagnostic tool will be needed in order to read the vehicle computer for the associated code. Luckily, some of the above problems are easy to fix. For instance, the gas cap issue can be replaced with ease, but other issues may not be as easily remedied. As an example, if oil is leaking into the spark plug housing and is due to a faulty seal, this can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive job. As a rule, you should never ignore a check engine light, since it can be the sign of a serious problem. Always take vehicular care seriously and determine the cause of your check engine light appearing in order to keep you, your passengers and other motorists safe.