My xterra is failing for inspection sticker because of a check engine light, is there any way around this?

Question

I have a computer code for a bad IAT sensor and a bad knock sensor. i reset the computer to make sure this wasnt a faulty code but both codes came back again, unfortunatly I was qouted around $500 for the knock sensor/and labor(not including gaskets that need replacing) and about 160 for the iat sensor which in turn i do not have to fix it right now but my 60 day rejection sticker is quickly ending. are these valid qoutes for a 2000 xterra v6 4x4?should i have my timimg belt changed at the same time? price? or should i just get rid of this car and try to get something else?

Answer 1

there's no way around a check-engine light coming on - especially if you've reset it and it codes the same, i would take care of the problem. You're not going to get nearly what the vehicle is worth if you try to sell it while it's coding so you may as well fix it and you may as well take care of the timing belt too (you're sure it's not a chain? if it is, no need to change that) If they're already in the same area to replace the sensors, it'll only cost you the price of the belt to get that taken care of. I don't see how you're going to come out ahead or just even if you get rid of it and buy something else.

as for the price of those sensors, given that you have a Nissan, it's definitely a typical cost for those buggers. I just had to replaced a Idle Air Control sensor on my 93' mitsubishi and it was $375 for the sensor alone - another $60 for labor. (I probably could have done it myself). Foreign vehicles sure run better and break down less frequently - unfortunately when they do break, it's costly. GL!

Answer 2

Don't listen to anybody telling you to sell your Xterra, you have a good one. A knock sensor is not more than $70-$100 and the labor to do the job shouldnt take more than an hour. IAT sensor very inexpensive and is a quick fix (fix it quick, though, you're wasting precious gas!). If you have more than or right at 100k miles, it would be a good idea to change your timing belt. But in any case, the truck is definately work fixing. You will save $ by buying the parts yourself from Napa or Autozone and taking it to an independant mechanic you trust, and not the dealer.

Answer 3

Unfortunately, their is not the light must be off for inspection. I will be completely honest with you 500.00 is high in price I would expect about 360.00 to 400.00 for that job parts and labor included. I would research price on all the individual parts and add the totaly plus labor. Ask the mechanic if he is wiling to do the work if you supply the parts( that's if it is cheaper!) Nissan's are good vehicles but it is 7 years old, time to upgrade! I f you like the Exterra get a newer model. If this job is costing what the car is worth or more get rid of it and get another SUV.
I am with you, I have had the same problem with my Jeep Wrangler, Had the Check light illuminated upon inspection, the trans pan was leaking so I had to fix it in order to clear the code. Inspection is tough in NJ.
BEST LUCK,
shaneomac32892

Answer 4

even if you decided to sell the vehicle, you will get taken to the cleaners since the vehicle will still need to be fixed by the person that is purchasing the vehicel. You are better off just find a better mechanic or fixing the vehicle yourself.

Answer 5

i own a repair shop,and that s way to much money for that amount of repairs,just for those things,id probably keep the vehicle and find me another mechanic,that's way too high on all of that, 500 for a knock sensor,that's unreal,just find another shop ,or if you choose to, get another vehicle,this one can be fixed a lot cheaper though,good luck,i hope this help,s.

Answer 6

Can't you just unplug the fuse that makes the check engine light come on when you go next time?