I have a 2003 Nissan Altima and when the check engine light went then my car started having starting problems. It was cranking too long before it started. My dad thought it was the spark plugs so he changed them but it was still having problems. I then took it to this guy to hook up the scanner and find out what the problems was. The diagnosis came up as a crank shaft sensor and that the car needed a higher octane. I asked the guy how much he would charge me for the diagnosis and he said it was free (?) untill he fixed the car.
My engine light was off for like 5 mins then it came back on. It's been on ever since. So now I've had my crank shaft sensor replaced outside of his care and it is starting good again but the check engine light is still on. Will that go off on it's own or will I need to have that turned off by by scanner and if so how much do you think a regular mechanic would charge to just turn the light off. No work included?
2006-09-15 12:58:27 · 15 answers · asked by jennaonna2000 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
at my shop it is 49.95+ tax..i know it sounds expensive ..but the machine and all the programs that go with it is VERY expensive..I also am sure that the problem wasnt fixed..get me some codes and i will see if i can help...
2006-09-15 13:02:50 · answer #1 · answered by iusedtohavehair 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
when the crank shaft sensor goes bad it will also cause some carbon build up change the oxygen sensor and it should go off they do not need to be reset and if it does if the problem is fixed unhook the battery and it will reset the whole computer and the light will go off only if the problem is fixed and to check it out for 49.95 is way to much there is nothing to putting it on the scanner i only charge $25 it only take a couple of mins.
2006-09-15 13:33:47 · answer #2 · answered by firefightingexpert 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Can you go back to the person who replaced the crank sensor & run the scanner again. Sometimes they use "used" parts. Those sensors run a bit expensive new w/o labor.
But, if the car is correctly fixed the engine light turns off. Maybe there is another problem?
2006-09-15 13:14:56 · answer #3 · answered by JoseIIV 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes these need to be manually re-set. Have your DAD take the car BACK to the guy who did the work and insist he resets that light...for free!!! He should have done that in the first place!!! If he doesn't want to deal with your Father then make a formal complaint against him to the BBB.
Sometimes simply disconnecting the battery for a period of time can reset those lights.
If that doesn't work you'll have to find a REPUTABLE dealer to go to and have your car given the once over yet again to see if this other guy actually fixed what he was supposed to. Do NOT say anything about it already being worked on first!!!! This way you'll get a better answer.
2006-09-15 13:08:45 · answer #4 · answered by x_southernbelle 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the "check engine" light is controlled by a computer in your car. like all computers it can get stuck and need to be shut down and rebooted. my advice is, before spending any money on having it looked at, (yes, the light should go off after having the problem fixed) is to disconnect BOTH battery leads (cables) and leave them off for about 30 minutes. that will basicly turn of the computer. when you hook them back up, of course things like radio presets and clock will need to be reset, but your computer will automaticly reset its self and check the car again. if it has been problem has been fixed the light should stay off. also, you might notice the vehicle running a little "off" for a few minutes, this is normal. if the light stays on or comes back on, THEN go to a mechanic and have it looked at.
2006-09-15 14:16:15 · answer #5 · answered by CowboyDevil 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
to be on the safe side, it might be best to go to a nissan owner's forum, or if you can find an altima forum, even better. ask there b/c other people might have had the same problem and know the solution. you never know, there might be another problem and the check engine light is on for a separate reason. therefore, resetting it won't do you any good. remember, every car has its quirks.
2006-09-19 06:20:18 · answer #6 · answered by mcninja 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
when he replace the crank shaft sensor he should have reset the warning sensor on your car give him a call and ask why he didn't reset it and when can he, and yes resetting it is included in the job.You can call any auto mechanic place and ask ? when you replace the crank shaft sensor don't you reset the dashboard light so it doest stay on.
2006-09-15 13:23:10 · answer #7 · answered by kats 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like the problem that caused the light to turn on isn't fixed yet. You can buy an engine analyzer and turn it off yourself for the price mechanics charge to do it.
2006-09-15 13:16:12 · answer #8 · answered by waplambadoobatawhopbamboo 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The maintenance manual for my Honda tells me how to turn the check engine light off. It is very easy. So look through your manual and you can probably turn the light off yourself in just a few seconds.
2006-09-15 13:03:41 · answer #9 · answered by lollipop 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to MSN autos and check for recalls, there was one on this model with regards to the check engine light. Computer also has to gather data for a while before it can reset itself and do a diagnostic test on itself and check itself for probelms again.
2006-09-17 08:39:25 · answer #10 · answered by JONES99679 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my parents had the same problem, the check engine light comes on all the time, they took it in to ford and they said it was the emissions and the pollution that makes it com eon and off? they shouldnt charge anything if you have a good mechanic.
2006-09-15 13:07:23 · answer #11 · answered by playfultoyz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋