Check engine light started blinking

[nyc_ink]

whats up guys, my Engine light came on then started blinking and my pathfinder started shaking
and running rough. my friend is stopping by tomorrow with the code reader to get the codes. i was
just wondering who has experienced this and what was the issue. I'm afraid to drive to auto zone in
this condition thats why i didn't take to them to get the codes.

[atraudes]

Welcome to the forum!

It could be quite a few things. Post back with your code when you get it! Or, if you're impatient you can look them up in the EC (engine control) section of the FSM when you get it (them).

You can also browse the different FSM sections here.

Let us know how it goes or if you get hung up!

[nyc_ink]

Welcome to the forum!

It could be quite a few things. Post back with your code when you get it! Or, if you're impatient you can look them up in the EC (engine control) section of the FSM when you get it (them).

You can also browse the different FSM sections here.

Let us know how it goes or if you get hung up!

Thank you for the welcoming and for the info. i will read up on it till i get the codes and report back.

[nyc_ink]

UPDATE: the code was for coil #2 so i went to advanced auto and got spark plugs and started swapping them
but this piece right here circled in red has 2 screws and they look/feel cheap. I'm afraid to strip them. is there
a way to loosen these up with out damaging the screw? pb blaster?

I'm going to see if changing the spark plugs fixes it first and if it doesn't ill buy the #2 coil and later on replace
all 6 since its fairly easy to do.

[atraudes]

Unless you really have to remove it, don't. Those screws are on crazy tight and do strip too easily. If it's blocking access to one of the coils, I'd remove the entire throttle body (the four big round hex bolts). I've pulled my coils a few times and haven't had to remove the throttle body though.

[Buzzman]

this piece right here circled in red has 2 screws and they look/feel cheap. I'm afraid to strip them. is there
a way to loosen these up with out damaging the screw? pb blaster?

That little piece you're looking at is the IACV.
I wouldn't mess with it if I were you.
If you really need to get stuff out of the way, I would take the throttle body off as a whole.
Once you crack the four allan key screws holding it down, it comes loose really easily.
If you do decide to pull the throttle body, keep in mind that there are two small coolant hoses attached to it.

One other thought: While you have the throttle plate exposed like that, open it up all the way (manually) and shine a small flashlight in there.
You'll be able to see a few of the power valves and screws from there.
If it looks like there are loose or missing butterfly valve screws, then you will want to fix that ASAP before running the engine again.

[nyc_ink]

damn that middle one is a pain in the neck to get to.
I'll remove the throttle body instead tomorrow and let you
know how it went. thanks for the advice guys. I'll also be
cleaning the throttle and maf while it out and open.

[Buzzman]

Looks like we were typing at the same time.
Read my little edit note re: power valve screws.
You'll be able to see even more of them if you remove the throttle body.
One other thing: be careful with the gasket between the throttle body and intake manifold.
You can re-use it as long as it doesn't break. If you have a new one though, even better.

[nyc_ink]

hopefully it doesn't break lol that would suck.
i will definitely be careful with it.

[nyc_ink]

UPDATE: I was able to get those screws i circled in red off. i pb blasted them and let it sit for 10 mins and they came out smooth. I swapped out that last plug and put everything back together and the engine light went away immediately. All did was replace the spark plugs and not the coil. Quick $35 fix. I also cleaned the throttle body and MAF while it was apart. thank you guys for the replies and for welcoming me. you'll see me around since I'm a start working more on my truck. thanks again.

[atraudes]

Hmm, good to know. I'm going to replace some of the screwed on components on the throttle body this summer and was nervous about the screws. I'll give the PB a try. Thanks and glad to hear it worked out!