CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CHECKER

[DJM AutoWorks]

there is still a manual way in the car to pull codes out of the car...im only telling how to pull the codes not to erase them i know you all undo the battery cable that may erase it but it probably will come back...check engine light means there is a problem or the ECM needs to be updated....

Turn igniton on for 3 seconds then press and release the gas pedal 5 times to the floorwith in 5 seconds...then wait 7 seconds and press the pedal to the floor and hold for 10 seconds...the check engine light will turn off then start flashing...

10 flashes is equal to a zero and 1-9 just count the flashes there is a pause between numbers a check engine light code is a 4 digit number

ex. p0171, p0306, p0300, and i know half you altima people out there have the p0420

if there are multiple codes they will come out there is a usual pause between codes it will keep cycling over and over again write down the codes then search for them online.

after you get your codes just turn off the key and then start the car...

[Reyski]

i don't understand; my service engine light starts blinking in the middle of me holding down the accelerator for ten seconds, and it only blinks five times... am i doing something wrong?

well, i figured out that if i hold down the accelerator for the ten seconds and the service engine light starts blinking, if i let go it stops blinking all together. i have to be doing something wrong. can anyone help me out on this?

i got 2722... is that right?

Modified by Reyski at 12:12 PM 11/18/2007
Modified by Reyski at 12:19 PM 11/18/2007

[adidas2go]

GREAT INFO! Nice job

Reyski - Just follow the instructions exactly. Write it down and take it out with you if you have to. The first number you should get should be a 0 ( 10 flashes).

[Reyski]

GREAT INFO! Nice job

Reyski - Just follow the instructions exactly. Write it down and take it out with you if you have to. The first number you should get should be a 0 ( 10 flashes).

do i actually turn the car on? or do i press the push- start button until it gets to the on position? or do i do it on ACC? the thing is, once i have the accelerator depressed for ten seconds the "service engine soon" light already starts blinking (about five seconds in to it) and once i release the gas pedal after the ten seconds the light stops blinking completely (after five blinks to be exact). and then i tried it without releasing the gas pedal and that's when i got those sequence of numbers.

[adidas2go]

turn the car to the ACC position. Wait for 3 seconds. Then press the gas pedal to the floor 5 times quickly (within 5 seconds). Then wait 7 seconds. Finally Push the pedal to the floor one last time for 10 seconds.

Worked for me. I got zeros across the board.

[Reyski]

now i got 0011? does anyone know what engine code that is?

[SHIFT_COUPE]

0011? Thats not on any list I've seen. You didn't mix the numbers up by chance did you?

[Reyski]

i dunno... probably lol. the first digit is always the slowest set of blinks right? well, i got 10 = 0, then another set of rapid 10 blinks, then one blink, then another blink. 0, 0, 1, 1... right? lol

[adidas2go]

by my manual P0011 =

Camshaft Position Actuator Bank A - Bank 1 Timing Over Advanced

[Reyski]

by my manual P0011 =

Camshaft Position Actuator Bank A - Bank 1 Timing Over Advanced

what does that mean? is that really bad? does that require alot of maintenance?

also, how do i PM someone?

[adidas2go]

I dont think you did the test right or something on your car, because I dont even think our cars have position actuators, just position sensors. Might be the same thing though if my manual if off. Maybe your timing belt jumped a tooth but i doubt it.

[shift_mikey]

This car has variable valve timing, so i'd consider the cam actuator to be likely

[Reyski]

well i manually reset the service engine light and it hasn't come on since, but if it does happen again it'll come on right? or does this need to be repaired? what exactly would the mechanic have to do? also, can someone explain to me what a cam actuator does? thanks in advance.

[DJM AutoWorks]

you should bring your car into the dealer...the 07 08 altima with the 2.5 is having some problems with the variable valve timing solenoid...the dealer will tell you they cant duplicate it but have them call tech line and they should be able to tell them that the solenoid needs to be replaced...that should fix your check engine light it will come on again eventually there was a problem when they were manufacturing them...i know this cause im a nissan tech and i have fixed this problem on an 07 altima sedan...

[Reyski]

hey thanks djm autoworks, i will definately let them know about it. i appreciate all your help.

i was wondering, what exactly do they need to do to replace the solenoid? do they have to go inside the engine? do they have to open up the valve cover or anything like that?

[2008CodeRedCoupe]

Each bank has its own solenoid. They are mounted on top of the Valve near the timing cover. the front one is a lot easier than the rear, but regardless it is just a few bolts and an electrical connector. I would make sure to replace the gasket too, i dont believe it comes with the solenoid, but im not positive. Like DJM said, just take it to the dealer, there is no point in trying to fix something yourself that the trained professionals at the dealership can replace and warranty the parts and labor that they replace for FREE!

[Reyski]

ok cool, so the repair is pretty cut and dry. when you say "replace the gasket", do you mean for the solenoid? by the way, thanks for all the help guys; it's very much appreciated.

[2008CodeRedCoupe]

yes i mean the gasket that goes in between the solenoid and the valve cover. good luck. but again i wouldnt even waste the time doing it yourself. take it to the dealer.

[Reyski]

hey 2008coderedcoupe,

oh, i'm absolutely taking it to the dealership lol. i was just wondering what the technician would have to do in order to fix the situation. like i said, i'm in no way a master of the automobile lol. thanks for the feedback

[2008CodeRedCoupe]

no problem. i just hate to get cars in saying there is a problem and its OBVIOUS that the customer tried to fix something themselves and then they wonder why the repairs arent covered under warranty. i am not by any means saying you would screw something up, i just dont want there to be ANY reason for them to not cover it under warranty, because a lot of guys out there look for ANY reason to make the customer pay.

[Reyski]

hey 2008coderedcoupe,

yea, it's totally understandable. i can't even imagine what customers have tried to do to "fix" their car problems. like i mentioned before, cars are not my main area of expertise lol, i just want to make sure my car gets back to it's original perfect condition and atleast avoid getting the run-around with these mechanics. so knowing as much as i possibly can is a must.