2009 Nissan Versa shaking while idling in drive

[zachyerrick]

I have a 2009 Nissan Versa S 1.8 L hatchback, 79k miles. Just had an oil change today (12/28/13). Last night, I noticed while driving, that my car was fine, but when I pulled up to a stoplight, it would shake. It felt like it was coming from the engine. While shaking, the rpms don't fluctuate too much, but stay between .8 and 1. When I'm driving, or when the car is in N or P, there is no shaking, only when it's in D and I have the breaks applied. This morning while I was waiting to go in for an oil change, my "service engine soon" light came on. Any ideas?

[Mark Mellott]

Get the trouble code read for free at an Auto Zone or other auto parts store. It is too difficult to say what the problem may be without this error code. It may be a simple vaccum leak from a vacuum hose that came off or cracked when it was hit during the oil change. Check for the obvious vaccum hose problem first.

[zachyerrick]

Thanks. I got the code read, and it was the 3rd cylinder misfire. I'm wondering, how bad is it to drive with a vehicle that has a misfiring cylinder? I've got to make a 500 mile trip tomorrow, and wondering if it's doable with the car in the condition it is.

[Mark Mellott]

It may be fine but you need to find out why the 3rd cylinder misfired. Could be a bad spark plug, bad or loose spark plug wire, perhaps even the distributor cap #3 cylinder lug on the inside of the cap is worn out. These are fairly simple checks to make is you have time. A vacuum leak can at the throttle body or intake manifold can also cause a misfire. Check for any small hoses that make have been dislodged or split at the connection points. 500 miles is a long way to go.