What is the general reason that the causes the "Check Engine" light to come on for my 1997 Nissan?

Answer 1

If it is on steady....
the most common problems are that either your gas cap isn't tightened properly or your O2 sensor is bad.
I highly reccomend gettingt the sensor fixed because it can cause loss of fuel economy. You should get it checked out to be sure, incase it something else that is going bad.

If it is blinking, DO NOT drive it have it towed to your local Nissan dealer and have it checked out. A blinking engine light is a more serious engine failure.

Answer 2

A check engine light comes on for a variety of reason. Typically, it's the O2 sensor, but not always. Now you know why mechanics make the money they do. The test equipment required to do a diagnostic on your vehicle is VERY expensive. The really sophisticated ones are in the $80-$90,000 range used by shops and dealerships. You can get a smaller unit for your vehicle for between $40- $100 complete with software. This also includes a code book. Do yourself a favor. If you're going to work on this yourself, buy a HAYNES manual. They are, by far, the ABSOLUTE BEST books out there for the D.I.Yer. You could have a M.A.F. sensor bad, or a whole host of other issues....Good Luck

Answer 3

The check engine light comes on when your vehicles internal computer senses a fault with one of the systems many sensors. This then alerts the operator to check the code to see what which system (s) may be indicating a problem. Sometimes the fix is straight forward other times an experienced mechanic may have to do further system checks using a scanner or other diagnostic tool to make some sense of the problem

Answer 4

To pinpoint the problem, the ECU must be scanned to get the failure code. There is probably 50 different failure codes, at least. On a Nissan, if it's a four cylinder, most likely an O2 sensor problem, which your car has at least two. You'll have to pinpoint which one. Or possibly a common problem with a four cylinder Nissan is intake leak on the number four cylinder. Nissan has a huge problem with failed injectors and if it's a 6 cylinder, they have a problem with knock sensors in the middle of the motor.

Answer 5

On almost any car, I've found the number 1 reason for the check engine light to come on is that an O2 sensor has come loose. This is no big deal. But you should have a diagnostic run on it anyway. . . I think you can get a diagnostic at Auto Zone really cheap, maybe even free. It won't get rid of the light, but it might tell you if something's really wrong.

Answer 6

A check engine light may come on in some vehicle due to a need for an oil change, air filter not flowing clean, vacuum line loose, sensor loose or dirty. You can have most auto part stores run their diagnostic program for free or little cost to find specifics. You can get a repair manual for that particular vehicle that will give you details.

Answer 7

It's safe to drive. On Nissans..it usually means that there's something wrong with the exhaust system. I don't remember exactly what it was...but it was relatively cheap to fix...around $150.

I kept driving with the light on for a couple years until I failed the state inspection...then I had to fix it.

Answer 8

generally an engine misfire is what causes it, goto a car parts store like advanced and rent a analyzer from them for a couple bucks and see what codes are stored and reset them. if it comees on again then you'll know its more seriouus

Answer 9

You have a transmission problem my friend. My husband is an auto mechanic and he told me this an d he was right went to cottman and had it fixed. Fix it and fix it quick b4 you end up buying a new transmission. Good Luck

Answer 10

why don't you take your car to the shop instead of asking us. the check engine light could come on for any engine or tranny related problem.