So yesterday a little yellow light on my 2001 Altima came on that read "Service Engine Soon." My car is slightly over 100,000 miles. I was wondering if this light is to signify that something is wrong or that it is time for the recommended maintenance? If it is time for maintenance, what services do you recommend (ie transimission flush, etc)?
2006-12-16 15:59:51 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You would think that the owner's manual would give me some info...BUT, I lost that one. What can I say, organization is not my strong suit. I could probably look it up online, but I'm lazy and was hoping somebody could just jot me down a comprehensive answer.
2006-12-16 16:09:00 · update #1
Your service engine soon light comes on when the computer detects an emission fault, a failed sensor, or a reading that is out of specifications. If you are trying to get it fixed cheaply go to a parts store that will pull codes for free (not all of them do) and ask them to clear it after you have written it down.
If it was a hard fault the light will come back on again, either right away or within a week or so. At this point you could go back to the part store and have them check it again or take it to an independent shop or the dealer. Each has its good points and bad as far as cost and experience.
If your nissan has a 4 cyl engine check with the parts store about the timing belt. I think you will find it doesn't have one - it uses a chain instead. A timing chain is much more durable and usually is not serviced until it has a problem unlike a timing belt which has a service time of 60K, 90k, or 105k miles depending on year and type of engine. The parts store or shop can tell you which one you have.
This light does not come on for routine maintainance like oil changes of transmission services.
2006-12-16 17:52:48 · answer #1 · answered by Mark D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Service Engine Soon Altima
2017-01-16 10:03:08 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
probabLy is an emmisions problem- when the computer throwss a code saying the gas cap is not on tight or the engine burned the gas wrong fro 1 second and produced to much whatever it turns on the light--- but also check your oil and make sure you are not low- - since you are at 100k- take it to the delaer and do ONLY what the 100k service in the CAR"S MANUAL says- NOT WHAT THe DEALER SAYS SINCE THEY ADD ALL THIS STUFF YOU DON'T NEED!! BUT DO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT SOON and if you did not have the itming belt replaced at 60k or 75 k or never- get it done now before it breaks and screws up 3000 worth of engine
2006-12-16 16:15:05 · answer #3 · answered by allamericanred2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a computer in your car, and it detected some sort of problem.
Your local parts store can read the error code, and reset your computer so the light goes out. However, parts stores are HORRIBLE when it comes to telling you WHY that code was generated, and if the problem isn't fixed, the light will come on again.
Any qualified Nissan repair shop will be able to help you. And, yes, it's time for some routine maintenance.
2006-12-16 16:08:47 · answer #4 · answered by geek49203 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since everything on cars are under computer control that light can mean just about anything from major problems to the fact that you bought gas at a different station this time. Mechanic have instrument that they hook up to the computer and it tells them why the light is on. So....if your worried take it in to a mechanic for diagnostics and they'll tell you just what the problem is
2006-12-16 16:11:46 · answer #5 · answered by Leash 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i own a repair shop,and it can just mean there is a slight problem with it,,this is usually why it comes on,,it sends out this because it has picked up a failure from a sensor or something from the engine,,usually its not a major fault,,but it needs to be checked out,,a good service job may take care of it,,there could be a small issue with a sensor also on it,,good luck,hope this help,s.
2006-12-16 16:15:00 · answer #6 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this light is on due to a fault in the computer system u need to have some one pull the codes and repair it. it may have also set a false code u can remove neg battery cable for two minutes and reconect cable if light stays on then will need to be repaired
2006-12-16 16:07:46 · answer #7 · answered by russ G 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
a service station or some auto parts stores can hook up an obd on board diagnostics computer and read what the fault is it may be a bad sensor or something
2006-12-16 16:07:50 · answer #8 · answered by The Steve 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
could be maintenance needed or other problem take it in and have it checked out or serviced
2006-12-16 16:11:24 · answer #9 · answered by singledad 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your owners manual should tell you the basic and recommended maintenance for your vehicle, I would hope the timing belt was replaced at 60K, if not , I would hurry in to do it, new plugs, if automatic tranny,, then flush and filter,
2006-12-16 16:02:46 · answer #10 · answered by rich2481 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋