Seeking Advice on '06 Nissan Maxima's Check Engine Light, Poor Fuel Economy, and Strong Exhaust Smell

Hey bud, Sounds like a problem I had with my '09 Nissan Altima a while back. My check engine light was also dancing around and my car was belching out some gnarly exhaust fumes. Turned out I had some issues with my secondary air valve and air pump connection. The signs are pretty similar to what you’ve described so, yup, could well be your air valve acting up. I wish I could tell you it’s no big deal, but sticking to facts, it was a pretty significant issue on my ride. Had to spend a good chunk of time at the garage. The mechanics found the cable/plug connection to the secondary air valve was defective. The secondary air pump was also dodgy, which compounded the problem. Thing is, these components play a key role in reducing exhaust emissions. When they fail, you'll experience a drop in fuel efficiency and the nasty exhaust smells you've been getting. So, head to a trustworthy garage and let them run some diagnostics. It might take a little bit of time to get it all sorted, but it'll be worth it in the end. Good luck!

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Hey, appreciate the response! From what you've shared, it sure looks like I have a similar issue on my hands with my Maxima. Not the best news to wake up to, I reckon, but better than being in the dark, eh? You've got me curious about a couple of things though, if you don't mind me asking - do you recall around what it cost you to get this secondary air valve mishap sorted out? I'm dreading the big bills, but guess it's good to be prepared. Also, ever since you got it fixed, did anything else related to this issue crop up? Looking forward to your insights. Cheers!

(Translated from German)

Hey, I feel your pain! Car troubles can really weigh on the ol' wallet. But getting it sorted is almost always less headache than letting it slide. To answer your question, fixing the cable and plug connection to the secondary air valve set me back by 95€. Not what I’d call minor, but once it was done, it made a world of difference. The secondary air pump was the real culprit messing with my car's fuel efficiency and pumping out that eye-watering exhaust smell. Once that was all fixed up, the situation improved big time. Since then, I haven't run into any more issues related to this. My Altima's been purring along just fine! Hope this helps you brace for whatever's coming. Just remember - once it's done, you'll get to enjoy a smoother, cleaner ride. Worth every cent, if you ask me! Best of luck with it all!

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Thanks for coming back so quick! Your experience certainly paints a clear enough picture for me to understand what I might be dealing with. 95€ for the secondary air valve repair seems within reason, although I wasn't expecting the secondary air pump problem. But, like you said, it make sense to get it all sorted out once and for good. A smoother, cleaner ride sounds pretty tempting right now! Your insights were definitely a booster shot for my car-savvy confidence! Gonna march on over to a reputable garage this weekend and let them have a go at my Maxima. Here's to hoping for a problem-free drive post that! Really appreciate you sharing your wisdom. Cheers!

(Translated from German)