the check engine light is still on, why?

Question

My 96 nissan altima, has it's check engine light on, but when they put it in the machine nothing comes up. We've checked everything, but the air sensor. Could that really be the problem, and if so how bad is it, how much more is it going to cost me?

Answer 1

I think i got the same problem, I had the stupid light shut off and it came back on, by air sensor i think you mean o2 sensor it just means to much carbondixoide is getting released into the air, nothing really to worry about unless you really really care about the environment costs oh and also with some cars it does ffect gas milage but not mine...costs about 150-200 depending on labor fees to fix ur prob...i aint even gonna worry about it tho, hope i helpedC=

Answer 2

I'm hoping your talking about the mass air flow sensor in the air intake hose,,this will set a trouble code,,and the thing wont even be bad,,if the temperature drop,s too fast,,those will set the light on,,Nissan charge,s a lot if you take it to the dealer,,you can try this,,and it worked for me a while back,,on a 97 altima,,i disconnected the negative battery cable,,and left it off for a few minutes,,then re-connected it,,drove the car,,and the light came back on so i did this again,,this time i disconnected the sensor wire before i hooked the battery back up,then i hooked the battery up,,let it stay hooked for a few minute,s,,then hooked the sensor back up,,and for some strange reason,,it has never came back on again,,and i do this for a living,,still can,t explain it,,but i hope this help,s,,and work,s for you.

Answer 3

if your car is being checked out by competent techs, using the right equipment, and the light is on at the time its being checked there will be a code shown somewhere. Also be aware that a mass air flow sensor can malfuntion without setting a code. as a matter of fact they can wreak havoc on the unsuspecting tech just because of that. however, i have a suspicion that the MAF is not the cause of your concern. It is useless to try to diagnose this stuff in most cases without the ability to see the data stream of all the sensors in the car with a scantool. good luck.

Answer 4

have you reset the sensor? My 97 nissan 200sx has had a check engine light on for a couple of years, in the beginning i ran 3 or 4 diagnostics and nothing came up, each time the light was reset and it came back on, so i just started ignoring it and nothing has happened yet

Answer 5

any problem with the air sensor should have come up with a computer scan, unless the sensor itself is faulty (possible). Air sensors are very important for gas mileage, so it might be worth your investment to attempt replacing it, as well as your peace of mind in getting that pesky yellow light to go away.

Answer 6

I agree with the mass air flow sensor stuff.

Answer 7

It could be and you could change it yourself if you can wrench.