WTF happened? Is the dealer scamming me?

**maxima lover** · 07-31-2008, 11:03 PM

Originally Posted by Retaliation

Have you been down to the dealership to verify for yourself that the engine is actually seized?

Not yet. Cause when I go, I want to tow the car away and I want to know where I'm taking it. I am getting it Friday though.

**MEM-TEK** · 07-31-2008, 11:03 PM

You would think that if the engine was seized up then at least when trying to start the car you would either hear the starter motor bendix "clunking" when it engages the flywheel teeth, or you would hear the starter motor bendix "grinding" since it can't engage the flywheel teeth because the flywheel won't turn due to the engine being seized up.

The crank shaft position sensor is a very likely cause for the problem. If the computer can't read the crank shaft position sensor, then it certainly can't time the fuel injectors or ignition when you try to start the car. Likely the computer simply would not allow you to start the car if it isn't getting back a proper initial reading from the sensor.

**maxima lover** · 07-31-2008, 11:05 PM

Originally Posted by crazyVOLVOrob

You would of had an oil warning light go on and stay on with the car keys in the on position

When was the last time you checked your oil ever...I am in the habit of checking my oil level every other gas stop

Changed the oil about 4K ago and last checked it about 2K ago. I've been trying to get time to change it for the last 2 weeks, but have been crazy busy.

**Lucky225** · 07-31-2008, 11:12 PM

I *NEED* to get my oil changed, 7/7 it was due, and about 1k miles ago... :X I better do it quick..

**KustomEagle** · 08-01-2008, 01:54 AM

do you KNOW if the engine is seized? or just going off what they say...

This is why i stay the he11 away from stealerships. They are NOTHING but bad news

**xXCriticizeXx** · 08-02-2008, 12:28 PM

well i know several issues with the Nissan/Infin issues. Several motors do have a oil consumption problem however your car is not one of those. Definitely sounds like the crank angle sensor. I have worked on several QR25 engines and if the crank angle sensor goes out you will not be able to start the car and it will actually just shut the car off if it goes out while driving. A recall was done on the 04-up models on the Sentra's and Altima's with the QR for the reason that it will just shut off. I have the recall for my car but refuse to do it because they reprogram it and its been proven that after getting it done gas milage goes down about 3mpg.

To me it sounds like the dealer is BS'in you big time and
1.) just trying to get you to buy a new engine
2.) they actually broke the engine even worse while diagnosing it and are trying to hide like they often do

**maxima lover** · 08-02-2008, 03:31 PM

I went to the stealership yesterday night. I paid first so I could get my key and receipt and notes. All it says is that no oil on dipstick, engine seized.

I went and checked the engine oil. There was nothing in it. No surprise.

I went and talked to the service guy and asked him what was up. I explained how it didn't make any noise, no oil light, and the temp stayed down. He kept on ignoring my questions and pissing me off. I finally left in frustration and will go back on Monday to talk to a manager.

**Divewjason** · 08-02-2008, 09:14 PM

They are trying to scam you, have it towed. You can ask here if you want more opinions. www.maxima.org. But trust, me, it sounds like they are trying to pull a fast one on you, if I were you I'd have your car towed to your usual mechanic. One time my car was idling rough, not throwing and codes but was obviously misfiring. I thought it was a coil pack because 99 Maxima's tend to go through coil packs quickly compared to other models. They told me it was my EGR valve. I know that the EGR valve has nothing to do with idling. I took it to another mechanic and it was a coil pack. Don't trust them.

**MEM-TEK** · 08-02-2008, 10:17 PM

A stuck open EGR valve will cause rough idling. Yet usually it is just built up carbon deposits on the valve piston which causes it to stick open and a couple of quick sprays with brake parts cleaner cleans it right up and restores its proper operation. Don't use brake parts cleaner if your EGR valve is solenoid operated. It is okay to use a couple of spritzes of brake parts cleaner on a vacuum operated EGR valve as long as you are careful not to let any sprayed cleaner get on the membrane which is moves depending on the amount of vacuum.