Login  |  Register
Nissanhelp.com - All About Nissan
Do-It-Yourself Maintenance Owners Manuals Recalls/Campaigns Service Bulletins Service Manuals Nissan OBDII Codes Glossary & Acronyms More...
Member's Ride Photos Stock Photo Gallery
Classifieds - For Sale Classifieds - Wanted To Buy Classifieds - Mechanic Wanted Classifieds - Auto Services Search Auto Parts
Register FAQ Social Groups Mark Forums Read
Sentra 2011 - 3 engine lights in one month Forums > > Sentra 2011 - 3 engine lights in one month Sentra 2011 - 3 engine lights in one month
Forgot Password? Join Us!


Sentra Nissan Sentra Discussion Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 03-05-2018, 08:18 AM
bomberb17 bomberb17 is offline
Registered User
2011 Sentra
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 6
Default Sentra 2011 - 3 engine lights in one month

Hello
I've ran into this very uncomfortable situation:
My car is a 2011 Nissan Sentra SR, 109k miles.
One month ago the engine light came up. I also noticed that when I was stopped on a red light, the engine was running a bit higher at about 900rpm instead of 700rpm it used to.
I went to my mechanic and he found that the problem was with the mass air flow sensor. He replaced it (parts + labor $300) and I got my car back with my engine light off.
After exactly 2 weeks, the engine light came on again. Again the engine began running at 900rpm when stopped at red light. I went to the mechanic and he now found the problem was with the forward oxygen sensor. He replaced it as well, for another $300.
Again (!!) after 2 weeks (just yesterday) the engine light came on again with same engine symptoms (~900rpm idle at red light). I went to an autozone and they found the same error code as the second time, which points to an oxygen sensor. I know it could be the other one, but definately 3 sensors in a month suggest that something else is going on here right?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 03-05-2018, 01:21 PM
NissanTech's Avatar
NissanTech NissanTech is offline
Super Moderator
2004 Xterra
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: California
Age: 52
Posts: 12,536
Default

Do you know the code numbers you had before the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor and O2 were replaced and now? neither of the sensors you mention will cause the RPM to go high, the MAF will usually cause the RPM to go down.
__________________
Need A Repair Shop?
Find local automotive repair shops in your area.
AutoCodes.com Shops
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 03-05-2018, 01:23 PM
bomberb17 bomberb17 is offline
Registered User
2011 Sentra
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 6
Default

I don't have the codes right now, but I remember the mechanic said that the sensors were outputting low or zero voltage.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 03-05-2018, 02:55 PM
bomberb17 bomberb17 is offline
Registered User
2011 Sentra
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 6
Default

Ok the first time the code was P0101, the second and the third time the code was P0172
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 03-07-2018, 01:16 PM
smj999smj's Avatar
smj999smj smj999smj is offline
Master Enthusiast
2006 Pathfinder
2003 Frontier King Cab
2003 Frontier KC SVE 4x4
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Prospect, VA
Posts: 1,866
Default

There was a service bulletin, Nissan # NTB12-051d, which referenced P0101 codes triggering on 2011-2012 Sentras with the MR20DE engine, albeit it also states with no drivability concerns. The TSB instructed to re-program the ECM with an updated software program. This would likely be covered under the long-term emissions warranty, which is 7-years/70,000 miles. Personally, I don't think there was anything wrong with the oxygen sensors since now you are getting a P0101 mas code and a P0172 system lean code. If the engine is running lean, it would make sense that the sensors did read low or near 0 volts. It was likely a reactionary code (the oxygen sensor codes) triggered because of the lean condition. Another thing, when you replace the front oxygen sensors---which are actually not "oxygen sensors" but "air/fuel ratio sensors," which are a little different---you are supposed to clear out the self-learning memory or you could have issues with the codes re-triggering.
You might want to try and see if the dealer will update the ECM software under warranty per the TSB, which would also erase the self-learning memory and they will likely have to do an idle air volume relearn, as well. Then, if the P0101 code comes back, then I would have the code diagnosed using the procedure outlined in the factory service manual for DTC P0101, which likely caused the P0172 code. Other things to consider are intake system air leaks. Check for split vacuum hoses or leaks at the intake air duct or intake gasket.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 03-08-2018, 05:11 AM
bomberb17 bomberb17 is offline
Registered User
2011 Sentra
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 6
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by smj999smj View Post
There was a service bulletin, Nissan # NTB12-051d, which referenced P0101 codes triggering on 2011-2012 Sentras with the MR20DE engine, albeit it also states with no drivability concerns. The TSB instructed to re-program the ECM with an updated software program. This would likely be covered under the long-term emissions warranty, which is 7-years/70,000 miles. Personally, I don't think there was anything wrong with the oxygen sensors since now you are getting a P0101 mas code and a P0172 system lean code. If the engine is running lean, it would make sense that the sensors did read low or near 0 volts. It was likely a reactionary code (the oxygen sensor codes) triggered because of the lean condition. Another thing, when you replace the front oxygen sensors---which are actually not "oxygen sensors" but "air/fuel ratio sensors," which are a little different---you are supposed to clear out the self-learning memory or you could have issues with the codes re-triggering.
You might want to try and see if the dealer will update the ECM software under warranty per the TSB, which would also erase the self-learning memory and they will likely have to do an idle air volume relearn, as well. Then, if the P0101 code comes back, then I would have the code diagnosed using the procedure outlined in the factory service manual for DTC P0101, which likely caused the P0172 code. Other things to consider are intake system air leaks. Check for split vacuum hoses or leaks at the intake air duct or intake gasket.
Thank you very much for the useful information!
I got 109k miles so I think I won't be covered under the long-term warranty, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
My mechanic did an inspection and couldn't find any leaks or other problems, he reset the code and suggested to try fueling from some other gas station with better quality gas without ethanol (I was fueling at costco).
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
engine, lights, month, sentra

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 11:52 PM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Search Engine Optimisation provided by DragonByte SEO v2.0.42 (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.