Service engine soon light

[rover55ben]

I have a 2001 maxima GLE and the service engine soon light came on but i can't feel any problem with the car. Do i just have to have the computer reset and do i have to do this at certain intervals. the milage is 134600 kilometers and i did an oil change at 132000 kilometers. Can anyone make a few suggestions. Thanks in advance.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Welcome to NICO.

First step should be to take the car to Autozone or somewhere else that'll scan codes for free. After that, post up what codes the car is reporting and/or check out the code reference in the FAQ thread at the top of the forum to see what they mean.

It all depends on what code(s) is causing the light.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

If your car is running fine, I wouldn't let AutoZone sell meanything to "fix" what the code says until more researchunder the hood is done.

I have had a code for my idle air control valve come on acouple of times but the car runs fine. I cleared it withmy code reader and after I did a plug change, it hasn'tcome back.

Dont forget your dealing with not only a car but a computer

[Sentientbydesign]

NutriaforBreakfast,

Have you cleaned out your IACV? It takes all of 10 minutes to do. Mine had carbon pellets in it.

As far as your code goes. The local autozones lend out OBDII scanners. You just have to provide them with a refundable deposit. The scanners are very easy to use. Make sure you get ALL of the codes. There may only be one, but sometimes there are multiples. After writing down the code, use the scanner to clear the Check Engine Light (CEL) and come back with the codes. We'll help you out.

Welcome to NICO!

[SVTCOBRA]

Here in NC, Autozone will go out to your call, pull the codes, and give you a print out of the codes and possible causes. Our 00 Max light came on and it was skipping. Took it to Autozone and the printout said number 4 cyl was not firing. Checked the sparkplug, put in new coil pack, went back to Autozone to have them clear the codes/light. All good now.

OReally said the would 'rent' me the tool. I told them (rather loudly since there were a bunch of customers in there) that Autozone would do it for free & walked out. Havent been back to OReally.

[MinisterofDOOM]

If your car is running fine, I wouldn't let AutoZone sell meanything to "fix" what the code says until more researchunder the hood is done.

That's not what I said.I said get the codes scanned (which is free at any decent auto parts store), not pay someone to fix anything.

Without the codes, you're flying blind. Once you get the CEL codes, you have an idea of what's wrong.

Scanning codes is research under the hood.