Nissan Altima: Common Codes & Fixes
Real-world diagnostic data for the Nissan Altima. These are the codes techs see most often. Tap any code for the full vehicle-specific fix and the exact part.
55 codes have specific fixes for the Nissan Altima
B1404 B1404 climate control mode door actuator on Nissan is the mode motor behind the dash. B2289 Nissan B2289 is commonly a multi-function switch failure on the steering column -- the wiper stalk's park circuit fails internally. P0018 Timing chain stretch is the primary cause on VQ35/VQ37 engines. P0019 Timing chain stretch between the intake and exhaust cam on Bank 2 is the root cause on VQ engines. P0021 Intake camshaft timing over-advanced on bank 2 is most often caused by dirty oil or a stuck variable valve timing (VVT/VTC) solenoid. P0036 Nissan downstream O2 sensor heater failure usually means the sensor itself is dead. P0050 The bank 2 upstream O2 sensor on Nissan VQ-series V6 engines is located on the rear exhaust manifold, which makes access difficult. P0101 The MAF sensor (Hitachi MAF0031) on Nissan QR25DE engines gets contaminated quickly. P0102 MAF signal is too low -- usually a dirty or failed sensor element. P0103 High MAF signal can be caused by a contaminated sensor element or an electrical short in the wiring. P0110 IAT sensor is integrated into the MAF on Nissan QR25DE. P0120 TPS circuit has a dead spot or erratic signal. P0129 Barometric pressure sensor (integrated into MAP on most VQ35) reads too low. P0303 Cylinder 3 misfire on the VQ35DE V6. P0305 Cylinder 5 on the VQ35DE is on the front bank. P0306 Cylinder 6 on the VQ35DE is the rear bank passenger side. P0325 Knock sensor is buried under the intake manifold. P0327 Knock sensor under the intake manifold has failed or the wiring harness is damaged. P0330 Bank 2 knock sensor has failed. P0335 CKP sensor is located near the transmission bellhousing on the passenger side. P0340 Camshaft position sensor failure is extremely common on VQ35DE engines. P0341 Camshaft position sensor signal is out of expected range. P0345 Bank 2 camshaft position sensor (exhaust side, rear of engine) has failed. P0391 Bank 2 (passenger side) camshaft position sensor B circuit fault. P0420 Nissan has a known issue with premature cat failure. P0432 The Nissan VQ35 engine is generally reliable, but the Bank 2 main cat can fail at high mileage. P0440 The EVAP canister vent control valve (located near the charcoal canister by the fuel tank) sticks closed or open on Nissan vehicles. P0446 The EVAP canister vent control valve sticks closed on Nissan vehicles. P0447 P0447 indicates the EVAP vent control valve circuit is open. P0448 P0448 means the EVAP vent control valve circuit is shorted. P0499 P0499 on Nissan = EVAP vent control circuit high voltage. P0500 The output shaft speed sensor on Nissan CVT and automatic transmissions fails around 100-120K miles. P0505 Clean the IACV and throttle body together. P0506 The electronic throttle body accumulates carbon deposits that reduce airflow at idle. P0507 The electronic throttle body on the QR25DE accumulates heavy carbon deposits. P0604 Nissan P0604 means the ECM's internal RAM has failed self-check. P0615 Check IPDM (Intelligent Power Distribution Module) for failed internal starter relay. P0700 P0700 on Nissan CVT transmissions is a red flag for CVT failure. P0706 The transmission range sensor (also called inhibitor switch) on Nissan CVTs develops internal contact wear causing intermittent… P0715 The input speed sensor (turbine speed sensor) on Nissan CVTs fails from heat and ATF contamination. P0717 The input speed sensor on Nissan CVTs (JF011E/RE0F10A) loses signal due to metal debris on the sensor tip or wiring harness damage from… P0720 The output speed sensor on Nissan CVTs fails at a high rate due to heat soak from the CVT running hot. P0722 Nissan CVT output speed sensor (also called vehicle speed sensor) fails when metal particles from the steel belt contaminate the sensor. P0744 Nissan CVTs don't have a traditional torque converter clutch, but the lockup function can become intermittent. P0750 Shift solenoid A on the Nissan 5-speed auto (RE5F22A) fails from debris in contaminated fluid. P0756 The RE5R05A 5-speed automatic uses Shift Solenoid B for 2nd-3rd gear transitions. P0770 On Nissan CVTs, P0770 indicates a pressure control issue within the valve body. P0776 Pressure control solenoid B performance on Nissan CVTs (JF011E) controls secondary pulley pressure. P0868 Low transmission fluid pressure on Nissan CVTs is a serious code that often precedes complete CVT failure. P0894 Transmission component slipping on Nissan CVTs is a critical code indicating steel belt or pulley wear. P2106 Nissan P2106 often = corroded connector at the electronic throttle body (ETB). P2106 Failed electronic throttle control module on Nissan. P2138 Check accelerator pedal ground (chassis ground near firewall). P3182 P3182 on Nissan CVT vehicles typically indicates a fuel delivery problem that can mimic CVT symptoms. U1000 U1000 is Nissan-specific and means a CAN communication fault. U1266 U1266 on Altima/Maxima is a lost communication code tied to the BCM/IPDM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common check engine light codes on a Nissan Altima?
The most commonly reported OBD-II codes for the Nissan Altima include B1404, B2289, P0018, P0019, P0021. Each code indicates a specific issue -- tap any code above for the full diagnostic breakdown.
How much does it cost to fix a check engine light on a Nissan Altima?
Repair costs vary by code. Many Nissan Altima fixes like gas cap replacement, sensor cleaning, or spark plug changes are under $50 in parts and can be done at home. More complex repairs like catalytic converter or transmission work can run $500-$2,000+ at a shop.
Can I drive my Nissan Altima with the check engine light on?
It depends on the code. A steady check engine light usually means you can drive short distances safely. A flashing check engine light means stop driving immediately -- continued driving can cause serious engine damage. Scan the code first to know what you are dealing with.