2003 Nissan Altima catalytice replacement

Hello –

To better assist you please tell me the model of your vehicle. Is it just a Altima, or S, SE, or SL? Also the engine size in liter and the 8th digit of your VIN.

No, you don’t need the car reprogrammed……………..Why do you feel it is running lean?

Next, please go to Auto Zone (AZ) or O’Reilly’s (OR) and for FREE they can pull the codes to the car. Most important: Once they check your codes, if they find something and you don’t get it fixed and need to get back with us, please make sure you tell us exactly what the code was, number and all. Example, if the code was E0568 O2 Sensor bad. Then make sure you give us all of that. While there for FREE also they can bring their tester out and check your battery and alternator.

ImpalaSS,
the model of the car is "S", 2.5L and the 8th digit of the VIN is "D". I spoke with the vendor (CATO) of the new CAT and they told me that with the new CAT, nissan has to reprogram the ECM because of the current fuel mixture was causing the CAT on this model to fail do to extreme exhaust temps. When I start the car the CAT starts to glow... I checked the flow path on the exhaust and it is clear. Right now I plan on using the cars diagnostics sytem to get codes. I would drive the car to autozone but I don't want to fry the new CAT...Any advice?

Hello - Thank you for that information. There are actually a couple of recalls on your vehicle dealing with the exhaust and as they put it; "...certain engine operating conditions may cause the pre-catalyst to overheat and damage the catalyst substrate." Recalls as you know should be repaired for free. My suggestion for you. One, if you wanted, you could use the loan/tool program that AZ offers and bring the scanner home, check codes yourself. It would be interesting to see if the car has thrown codes. Next, I have attached the recalls. I would definite contact the dealer and set this up and hopefully they pay for all of it (programming). Also, I found some other safety recalls you can ask them about. I just did a print screen so you will see the exhaust ones there and below. I suggest you at least ask, since you were not aware of the recall and your cats were damaged would they be willing to reimburse you some or all of that cost. The worst that can happen is they say no. Good on CATO for letting you know the information. NHTSA03V084000 03/01/2003 Recall 03V084000: Exhaust System Fire Hazard DEFECT: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.5-liter engines, the exhaust pipe hanger pin may catch debris from the road that could be ignited by contact with the main catalyst. REMEDY: Dealers will remove the protruding portion of the exhaust pipe hanger pin. In addition to the corrective action, in order to reduce the risk of fire in the event of poor or improper maintenance that could result in oil spillage, heat shield(s) will be installed on the pre-catalyst and exhaust tube. Also on 2002 Altima and Sentra vehicles, certain engine operating conditions may cause the pre-catalyst to overheat and damage the catalyst substrate. If substrate particles enter the combustion chamber, they could score the cylinder walls, resulting in increased oil consumption. If the engine oil level is not checked on a periodic basis and drops below the low level, and the driver continues to operate the vehicle ignoring noticeable engine noise, engine damage may occur that could result in a fire. Nissan is developing a remedy for the pre-catalyst problem. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during May 2003. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261. A second one to have them look at. 03-070C 11/17/2006 Recall - Potential Engine Compartment Fire Another Recall to check on 05-114B 03/24/2006 Campaign - Rear Suspension Member, Bushing Replacement

ImpalaSS,
thanks for that info, I'll bug the crap out of the dealer and the Nissan customer service line to see what they say. I'll also go by AZ to get that OBD-II. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Thanks bigwil32

Try to give the benefit of the doubt to the dealer first…………..you know….the more bees with honey thing.

Once you give them your VIN and you have all the recalls in your hands to discuss with them…it might go really well……..let’s hope.

Then do what you think………….let us know how it goes………..

If you can let us know about the codes………not only for our info but also for yours. Many times when a car runs lean it is due to say, the O2 sensors (you replaced them) Manifold Air Temperature Sensor, Intake Air Temperature Sensor……….etc. And the car throws a code.

That is why I was wondering……thanks and good luck!

impalaSS,
just hooked up a ACTRON CP-9175 and got a P0300. any suggestions? I hope the new CAT is not bad. Right now I'm going back to my repair manual to see what I missed during the TS phase. Any help would be appreciated

Hello - Well as you may know.... DTC P0300 MULTIPLE CYLINDER MISFIRE Now that could have happened before but may have also caused the cats to overheat....It received this info from the crankshaft sensor. I attached the pic

As you can see from the other attached info on the misfire....it could be a number of things. Was the car running okay before you changed the 02's and the CATs? If so, it may be a older code. So you may go down the probably causes and check and verify. Did you ever talk to the dealer about the reprogram of the ECM and the TSB? On Board Diagnosis Logic When a misfire occurs, engine speed will fluctuate. If the engine speed fluctuates enough to cause the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor (POS) signal to vary, ECM can determine that a misfire is occurring. The misfire detection logic consists of the following two conditions. One Trip Detection Logic (Three Way Catalyst Damage) On the first trip that a misfire condition occurs that can damage the three way catalyst (TWC) due to overheating, the MIL will blink. When a misfire condition occurs, the ECM monitors the CKP sensor (POS) signal every 200 engine revolutions for a change. When the misfire condition decreases to a level that will not damage the TWC, the MIL will turn off. If another misfire condition occurs that can damage the TWC on a second trip, the MIL will blink. When the misfire condition decreases to a level that will not damage the TWC, the MIL will remain on. If another misfire condition occurs that can damage the TWC, the MIL will begin to blink again.

Two Trip Detection Logic (Exhaust quality deterioration) For misfire conditions that will not damage the TWC (but will affect vehicle emissions), the MIL will only light when the misfire is detected on a second trip. During this condition, the ECM monitors the CKP sensor signal every 1,000 engine revolutions . A misfire malfunction can be detected on any one cylinder or on multiple cylinders.

ImpalaSS,
Come to think of it I did replace the Camshaft sensor a few months ago but never the Crankshaft sensor. The only reason I did that was because it would not start one day when my daughter was at work. Once I replaced it the car ran fine until recently. After doing more research, along with what you just sent me, I should have replaced both sensors. I guess I'll pull the other sensor and test it. However from all of the info that I've been reading this was also a problem with Nissan as well.
Thanks for the info, I'll let you know what I found.

Hello – bigwil32

Thanks for the update……….I am interested on how the reprogram goes……..I would also make sure they clear all codes so you are starting fresh.

If you have time once the programming is fixed….please let me know how that went

You and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a safe New Year…….

ImpalaSS,
I replaced the Crankshaft sensor with the new and improved one and so far the car is running fine. reset the "SES" light and so far so good! Thanks for all of the help and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
bigwil32

Thanks bigwil32

I am glad things are running great…….