2001 Nissan Maxima Engine cooling Problems

“While driving at approximately 30 MPH and decelerating the car began to slightly buck when the transmission tried to down shift. After approximately one to two minutes I smelled an electrical burn. When I came to a stop and put the car in park the engine raced to approximately 1600 to 1900 rpms at idle. The obd-ii indicated codes of p0505: idle air control valve and p0420: three way catalyst function. My local mechanic inspected the car and replaced the faulty idle air control valve. …”

“We own a 2001 Nissan Maxima, which we purchased new from a Nissan dealer. It has, on 3 occasions, experienced a problem with surging /high revving. The cause in every case has been a part known as an idle air control valve (iacv), which fails and in doing so, causes the ECM (the engine computer ) to fail. We have discovered that hitachi is the sole source for the iacv, whether the part is obtained from a Nissan dealer or any other source under any other brand. This issue is apparently a particularly well-known issue with this model series of vehicle, both Nissan and infiniti. …”

“In feb. 2008, my Maxima 2001, with 55000 miles, stalled out at a stop light--it would start up again but then stalled out when I tried to go. It was towed to the dealership, and the iac valve and the ECM were both replaced for about $1700. Then, on oct. 20, 2008, 8 months later with the mileage just under 60,000 miles, the same thing happened but it was preceded by a smell of burning rubber. It was towed to the dealership and I was told that the engine harness needed to be replaced ($2000 parts and labor) and the iac valve and the ECM again needed to replaced (another $1700). …”

“Rear muffler flange will completely rust-through, causing separation of muffler and intake pipe. Exhaust fumes will leak at this point which is near rear passengar seating. Both muffler and corresponding exhaust pipes are solid and relatively free of rust, however failure of this flange resulted in both pipe and muffler replacement. This seems rather extreme for a flange failure. Problem ocurred within four years of ownership (car was purchased new). A letter was sent to the manufacturer, they responded my stating car was out of warranty. My out of pocket expense $300.”

“Service engine light will not go off. No problem with car or the emission or enviormental equipment. Spent $100 twice for Nissan analysis. They want $1400 for light to go off. Ridiculous. Called Nissan USA after seeing many Maxima 2001 cars have similar problem and frustration. Recommend another $100 analysis and no support whatsoever. Never buying Nissan again.”