A&Q about 350Z
Q:
zcar70:
Sounds like B.S. to me.
I own a 12/2002 build with 17,000 miles. I have never had the "Service Engine Soon" light on.
-Zanioed '03 Le Mans Sunset Touring Coupe w/ Nav.
A:
If you forget to tighten the gas cap you will get a Service Engine Soon light.
The light is for emissions related stuff that the ECU checks on all the time, if it finds anything wrong the light will come on, you then take it to a service dept and have them check the fault codes.
The Service Engine Soon light is NOT a service interval reminder.
--
Derek Smith
2003 350Z LS Enthusiast
1972 240Z L28 w/ Tripples
A:
There might have been some minor problem like a single misfire or something, but the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light) on the 350Z is NOT just a scheduled maintenance reminder. Something happened that set a code in the computer that needs to be erased. It may need warranty repair. Take it to the dealer as soon as you can to get it checked.
================
1983 280ZX NA 2-Seater Cadet Blue, restored with Nismo suspension & brakes
2005 Saab 9-3ss Linear (daily driver)
A:
A follow-up to my "service light" post above....
Apparently the guy I talked to on the phone didn't know what he was talking about. Picked up my Z at the dealer and talked to the service manager. Here's the deal:
The code that the computer picked up was an "EVAP" leak (emissions). Apparently Nissan has issued a TSB on this (www.nissan-techinfo.com) and there is no problem with the car, just the computer software. The dealer updated my ecu and all is well.
If your "Service Engine Soon" light comes on you may want to know about this.
And by the way, I live in western NY where our winters are long and our summers are short. And the 350 is not my daily driver, thus the low miles!
Thanks all for your input.
peaze
www.zccr.net
1970 Datsun 240Z (88k, original, stock)
1978 Datsun 280Z (81k, modified, fast)
2003 Nissan 350Z (3700mi, LeMans, I love it!)
Post Edited (Aug 6, 5:56pm)
A:
EVAP refers to the evaporative emissions system, which regulates emissions of unburned gasoline vapor. It consists of the fuel tank, cap, filler hose and fuel lines, and vapor line and vapor canister. If there is a leak in any of that (eg loose or defective fuel cap) it will set a code in OBD II that states "EVAP emission system leak (small)" or "EVAP emission system leak (large)". I believe the codes are P0442 and P0440, but don't hold me to those numbers, not sure.
You guys know you can have the codes pulled at Auto Zone right? Walking in and having them checked and getting a printout of the code in 30 seconds sure beats leaving your car at the dealership all day to find out you didn't tighten your gas cap enough.
Joe
Norman, OK
1976 Datsun 280Z
1987 BMW 635CSi