Nissan Maxima: Common Codes & Fixes

Real-world diagnostic data for the Nissan Maxima. These are the codes techs see most often. Tap any code for the full vehicle-specific fix and the exact part.

27 codes have specific fixes for the Nissan Maxima
B1404 B1404 climate control mode door actuator on Nissan is the mode motor behind the dash. 2005-2012 · Moderate DIY · 1-2 hours P0018 Timing chain stretch is the primary cause on VQ35/VQ37 engines. 2007-2015 · hard DIY · 8-12 hours P0019 Timing chain stretch between the intake and exhaust cam on Bank 2 is the root cause on VQ engines. 2002-2008 · hard DIY · 10-14 hours 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. 2007-2015 · moderate DIY · 1-2 hours P0050 The bank 2 upstream O2 sensor on Nissan VQ-series V6 engines is located on the rear exhaust manifold, which makes access difficult. 2007-2019 · moderate DIY · 1-2 hours P0129 Barometric pressure sensor (integrated into MAP on most VQ35) reads too low. 2005-2015 · Easy DIY · 20-30 min P0303 Cylinder 3 misfire on the VQ35DE V6. 2002-2015 · Easy DIY · 30 min P0305 Cylinder 5 on the VQ35DE is on the front bank. 2002-2015 · Easy DIY · 30 min P0306 Cylinder 6 on the VQ35DE is the rear bank passenger side. 2002-2015 · Easy DIY · 30 min P0325 Knock sensor is buried under the intake manifold. 2002-2015 · moderate DIY · 2-3 hours P0327 Knock sensor under the intake manifold has failed or the wiring harness is damaged. 2002-2015 · Moderate DIY · 2-3 hours P0330 Bank 2 knock sensor has failed. 2002-2015 · Moderate DIY · 2-3 hours P0340 Camshaft position sensor failure is extremely common on VQ35DE engines. 2002-2015 · easy DIY · 30 min P0341 Camshaft position sensor signal is out of expected range. 2002-2015 · easy (sensor), hard (chain) DIY · 30 min (sensor), 6-8 hours (timing chain) P0345 Bank 2 camshaft position sensor (exhaust side, rear of engine) has failed. 2002-2015 · Easy DIY · 30 min P0391 Bank 2 (passenger side) camshaft position sensor B circuit fault. 2005-2015 · Moderate DIY · 45-60 min P0432 The Nissan VQ35 engine is generally reliable, but the Bank 2 main cat can fail at high mileage. 2005-2018 · moderate to hard DIY · 2-3 hours P0499 P0499 on Nissan = EVAP vent control circuit high voltage. 2008-2016 · moderate DIY · 1 hour P0615 Check IPDM (Intelligent Power Distribution Module) for failed internal starter relay. 2007-2018 · hard DIY · 2 hours P0706 The transmission range sensor (also called inhibitor switch) on Nissan CVTs develops internal contact wear causing intermittent… 2003-2015 · Moderate DIY · 1-2 hours P0715 The input speed sensor (turbine speed sensor) on Nissan CVTs fails from heat and ATF contamination. 2003-2015 · Moderate DIY · 0.5-1 hour 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… 2003-2015 · Moderate DIY · 0.5-1 hour P0744 Nissan CVTs don't have a traditional torque converter clutch, but the lockup function can become intermittent. 2003-2016 · Easy (fluid), Advanced (converter) DIY · 30-45 min (fluid), 6-8 hours (converter) P0770 On Nissan CVTs, P0770 indicates a pressure control issue within the valve body. 2007-2018 · Advanced DIY · 4-6 hours P2106 Nissan P2106 often = corroded connector at the electronic throttle body (ETB). 2004-2013 · easy DIY · 30 min P2106 Failed electronic throttle control module on Nissan. 2002-2008 · easy DIY · 30-45 min P2138 Check accelerator pedal ground (chassis ground near firewall). 2004-2014 · easy DIY · 45 min U1266 U1266 on Altima/Maxima is a lost communication code tied to the BCM/IPDM. 2007-2012 · Moderate DIY · 1-2 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common check engine light codes on a Nissan Maxima?

The most commonly reported OBD-II codes for the Nissan Maxima include B1404, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0050. 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 Maxima?

Repair costs vary by code. Many Nissan Maxima 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 Maxima 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.

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