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Nissan 97 Altima Check Engine light blinking
Sent to Car Experts September 17 02:24 PM

1997 Nissan Altima SE (automatic). Check engine light came on about 50mph, then blink 5 times, then stayed solid. Engine started sputtering, running intermittently on only 3 cylinders, then all 4 for a while. Check engine went from solid to blinking again. What's the cause? Fuel Injector? Distributer or rotor? Bad Spark plug or wire (I hope rather than a burnt valve or other bad cylinder). Stop car, shut off, restarted, still intermittent 3 cylinders firing then 4. What do you think the 5 times blinking means? Home mechanic who's low on coin to repair...please tell me it's a cheap and simple fix....Thanks!

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on September 17 2005 at 2:27 PM

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $5
Answer
September 17 2:36 PM (11 minutes and 36 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

Check Engine Light

That is a warning light that comes on if the computerized engine control system detects an engine performance or emissions problem. Also called the "malfunction indicator lamp" (MIL). To determine the nature of the problem, the computer system must be accessed to read the codes that are stored in them.

Then the code is used to execute the repairs needed.

you can get your codes read free at autozone free, but don't buy anything yet as the counter guys at autozone are parts guys not mechanics. Post the codes back here (in the order they were retrieved) then we can help you with your problem.

The light generaly does not set for internal engine problems .

Get the codes read and post back could be somthing simple like a tune up.



Edited by enginboy on September 17 2005 at 2:37 PM
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Marc -- Technician -- 98% Positive Feedback on 1029 Car Accepts
33 years exp. automotive repair NYS emisisions repair cert.
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September 17 3:01 PM (25 minutes and 9 seconds later)
         
Reply to Marc's Post: Thanks Marc for the information and prompt response. I'm heading over to Autozone right now to get the codes. Good to hear it most likely is not an internal engine problem. I'm just hoping it's not a fuel injection issue as those are expensive as well. I will let you know the codes as soon as I get them and if it looks promising I'll kick you down a little bonus as well.

Thanks again.

-Scott
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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September 18 1:22 AM (10 hours and 20 minutes and 54 seconds later)
         
Used the ECU diagnostic tool from Autozone and found cylinder 1 misfiring. Replaced Spark Plugs and had tune up done, still intermittent firing in No. 1 cylinder. Replaced Rotor and Distributer cap and unplugged/reconncected wiring to No. 1 cylinder, and added injector cleaner to fuel tank.

All cylinders now fire and check engine light went out. Not sure which item fixed the problem, but the Autozone free diagnostic tool advice was worth the donation.

Thanks!
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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