1994 Nissan Maxima error code 51 after timing belt is changed

[flylark]

Actually I changed Timing belt two weeks ago at a workshop,and after that whenever I start my car, the "check engine" light is on, and car start to shake . But after drive for a few minites, the light become off, and the car drives fine.

I take the car back to the workshop and they got the error code 51, the meaning of code 51 is "Fuel injector circuit open". But based on the phenomenon I say from this car, what do you think the problem is.

Thanks a lot!!

BTW, this car has 192300 miles now.

[allensteiner]

idk but maybe a disconnected fuel injector clip?

[flylark]

Thanks but what is idk? I am sorry.

[allensteiner]

idk = i don't know. check if all the plugs are clipped on tight - should be a "snap" when you put them on.

[flylark]

thanks a lot!

[flylark]

I have left my car there yesterday to mechanic shop. Just now I called them, and they said they have checked wire connections and all the injectors which are all fine. And they also said the "check engine light" was not on today. They right now keep stoping it and then running it every half hour. I am fed up!

What else can I do?

[allensteiner]

any chance the timing got thrown off a bit when the timing belt was being replaced? your car still runs a distributor, right?

[flylark]

How can I know if distributor runs or not?

I actually don't see any problem from my car except the check engine light on and shaking.

Also, is timing belt thrown-off can cause error code 51?

Thanks!!

[flylark]

After thinking about it, I realized that when I just started my car, the "check engine light" is likely on, and then when I speed it up, the light become off. Does this phenomenon say anything?

[allensteiner]

i don't know man, my head is starting to ache from thinking up stuff that might be wrong i wish someone else would chip in...do you have a timing light to check it? it should be easy to adjust the timing just by turning the distributor left or right. but not sure if that is the real issue. maybe the online tech could say something helpful? maybe just a bad injector...

[flylark]

I know it is tough to figure out the reason without seeing the car itself. It's always all over my heads when I open the hood -- just too complicated for me to deal with it.

I am crossing my finger and wishing people in the shop will find out where the problems come from...

[flylark]

Sir, my car is dead!!!

They told me they cleaned up all the fuel injector, and the car is good. I took my car back and drive it wo walmart. My car stuck on the road, I opened hood, and found coolant spead everywhere

I can not trust them anymore. My car was absolutely good before timing belt was changed. Just because I am going out of town, I feel it's better to change it. Now I changed it, but my car is dead, and I have to leave the place I leave next week.

I thinking of asking them to pay it for me, but I don't know how. Would you give me some suggestion? :'(

[allensteiner]

where i come from i'd go back there with a few guys, and baseball bats, to brake some knees...but that's me and not a suggestion what you should do. i don't know what to tell you man. i bet you can find a few goons that are looking to make a few extra $ for doing you a favor...if you know what i mean.

really sorry to hear about the car.

[flylark]

I did not mean to do that of course. What I mean is if I can ask my money back.

You mean it is not possible?

[allensteiner]

i doubt you'll get your money back but if your shop is honest maybe they warranty their work and will fix it for free...but that would be admitting to f'n up the job.

[Presscott707]

i fully agree with allensteiner. go back and tell them that the car has been f***ing ever since they touch it. and they need to fix it.

[flylark]

I will do it, and let you guys know the results
Modified by flylark at 2:58 PM 8/3/2008

[flylark]

I opened hood today. I was not able to find where coolant is leaking, but I saw one of the cooling fans fell, and was stuck. will this cause the problem?

[allensteiner]

what do you mean by stuck? it's supposed to come on only when the coolant temp gets up above 200-some degees to cool it down. if it doesn't turn on at all it might cause the engine to overheat.

[alsburb977]

trouble code 51 after timing belt replacement means that the timing belt jumped possibly 1 tooth

[flylark]

stuck means that it is not on the axis. It basicly shifted.

[flylark]

Thanks. do you think this time it is also because of this that my car was stuck, and coolant spread everywhere?