Service Engline Light?

[zarar]

My car: 2010 Infiniti EX35 AWD Journey Base purchased around Feburary of 2010. All on time maintenance recommended by the dealer has been done including oil changes.
Mileage: So far I have 12,480 miles, next oil change due at 13,250 miles.

Okay so just a couple of minutes ago I went out to grab a bite to eat, I start my car and I notice my Service Engine Light came on? Car seem to have driven fine as far as I was aware of (about three miles one way and back again). I have read in previous topics that it was common for it to happen in Cold Weathers and someone stated the dealer had told them all they can do is reset the light. Aside from that I am aware that it couldn't necessarily be my problem, so obviously my first thought is to make an appointment for the dealer during the week to take it in. As a full time college student obviously my car is my life and I would need to make an appointment for a loaner so I can't get my car in to the dealer for about a week since you need to schedule it ahead of time. What is the harm in driving my car with the Service Engine Light? If it causes further damage can the dealer hold it against me as far as warranty work goes? Any particular reason why other than the cold weather affecting the car, I use 93 Octane in my car and have all scheduled maintenance done. It's been cold outside but nothing out of the ordinary, it gets pretty cold but it wasn't too cold today, about 37 degrees Fahrenheit oppose to 12 degrees. Any input would be greatly appreciated, especially because I don't know too much about cars, mechanically speaking. Just would be nice to have a heads up on what to expect.

[txgcoupe]

Don't rely on hearsay on an Internet board when it comes to maintenance of your $40K car.

The light could mean numerous things.

Go to the dealer.

John

[EXceptional]

Good advice... especially since you don't know what the Codes are.

If you're in the USA, is there anyway you could go to a Parts Store and get them to read your Codes?

Or maybe you could stop in at the Dealer on Monday, and at least get them to read your Codes and tell you if it's anything serious.

This might put your mind at ease, while you're waiting for your appointment to roll around.

It could be something as simple like your Gas Cap isn't screwed on tight... but I don't want to add any more hearsay.

Good Luck...

[timick1]

This same thing just happened to me! I got my oil changed (first one) last Thursday. When I left work on Friday the "service engine soon" light was on. I was able to bring it in on Saturday morning, I'm figuring it had something to do with the oil change. But no, the code came up as my car's ECU had to be reprogrammed. The service manager said that there is a TSB out for this certain code. He said it was like updating your home computer from Windows XP to Windows 7. I was in and out of the dealership in less than 1.5 hours. I don't have the paperwork with me that lists the code# or TSB#, I can post it later if anyone is interested.

[TomT]

I agree with EXceptional. Check your gas cap first. Then go to a parts store. Most will read it for free.

[mike.strong]

This same thing just happened to me! I got my oil changed (first one) last Thursday. When I left work on Friday the "service engine soon" light was on. I was able to bring it in on Saturday morning, I'm figuring it had something to do with the oil change. But no, the code came up as my car's ECU had to be reprogrammed. The service manager said that there is a TSB out for this certain code. He said it was like updating your home computer from Windows XP to Windows 7. I was in and out of the dealership in less than 1.5 hours. I don't have the paperwork with me that lists the code# or TSB#, I can post it later if anyone is interested.

Check gas cap for sure.

Also my dealer Infiniti of Plano tx CREST is know for quick oil change...and THANK you! YOU get service engine light on.

Just go to the Auto zone or Kwik Car or to any good mechanic place and they can reset that light.

[mike.strong]

My car: 2010 Infiniti EX35 AWD Journey Base purchased around Feburary of 2010. All on time maintenance recommended by the dealer has been done including oil changes.
Mileage: So far I have 12,480 miles, next oil change due at 13,250 miles.

Okay so just a couple of minutes ago I went out to grab a bite to eat, I start my car and I notice my Service Engine Light came on? Car seem to have driven fine as far as I was aware of (about three miles one way and back again). I have read in previous topics that it was common for it to happen in Cold Weathers and someone stated the dealer had told them all they can do is reset the light. Aside from that I am aware that it couldn't necessarily be my problem, so obviously my first thought is to make an appointment for the dealer during the week to take it in. As a full time college student obviously my car is my life and I would need to make an appointment for a loaner so I can't get my car in to the dealer for about a week since you need to schedule it ahead of time. What is the harm in driving my car with the Service Engine Light? If it causes further damage can the dealer hold it against me as far as warranty work goes? Any particular reason why other than the cold weather affecting the car, I use 93 Octane in my car and have all scheduled maintenance done. It's been cold outside but nothing out of the ordinary, it gets pretty cold but it wasn't too cold today, about 37 degrees Fahrenheit oppose to 12 degrees. Any input would be greatly appreciated, especially because I don't know too much about cars, mechanically speaking. Just would be nice to have a heads up on what to expect.

Check the gas cap.

Next: go to the mechanic and tell him to read you the code

Than call the dealer with the code.

You can also ask mechanic to reset the light for you, if he light comes back than you car might have a problem.

And question: Did you change oil in the infiniti dealership?

[zarar]

Thanks for the info guys, trying not to jump to conclusions. I made an early morning appointment for Thursday, since its the earliest one they have, I will have to get the code read ahead of time from an auto parts store because they refused to give me a loaner until they diagnose the problem first. Last time I waited 3 hours just for an oil change so at least I can go there with an idea of what wrongs. I have not checked for the fuel cap yet, and yes mike.strong. I have all maintenance's done at the dealer including my oil changes (I also do their maintenance package at certain mileages that are ripoff's). As long as my cars under warranty, even if its as little as getting an inspection. I have the dealer do all the work, even if its costs more money, I don't give them any reason to doubt that I cut any corner on maintenance. So if something goes wrong with my car, I can hold them responsible. Something I have learned the hard way from Nissan in the past.

[zarar]

Update: I checked the fuel cap, cleaned the surface area of the fuel cap and sealed it back on tightly. Still have Service Engine Soon Light, will see what codes it pulls up if I can get there before they close today.

[zarar]

Update 2: Okay so I had the code read and here is what I got from AutoZone. This is directly off the receipt print out I was given.

Troubleshooting: P1421
OEM Brand: Nissan/Datsun

Definition
aaCold start emission reduction strategy monitoring
Probable cause
aa1. - Lack of Air intake volume-engine mechanical
aafault
aa2. - Plugged Air filter
aa3. - Fuel injection system fault

[EXceptional]

So... what does your Air Filter look like ?

[zarar]

I haven't checked anything, if its the air filter I might just toss in a K&N Air Filter so I can just clean it rather than replacing it every time, will do that in the future regardless. I hope I just don't cause further problems until Thursday.

[TomT]

Can't believe it would be the air filter already. Perhaps you just need some minor adjustment on the fuel injectors.

[mike.strong]

I haven't checked anything, if its the air filter I might just toss in a K&N Air Filter so I can just clean it rather than replacing it every time, will do that in the future regardless. I hope I just don't cause further problems until Thursday.

If you use K&N filter DONT OVER OIL THE FILTER. Your MAF will be damaged. And also you will not fell any gain in power, also you might hear now and than when you speed up some kind of strange sound from the filter.

Stock filter is better.

Is your car under warranty?

[zarar]

Yes, still under warranty. Thanks for the heads up on the intake. When I do accelerate around 2000-2900 RPMs I do hear an airy/raspyness oppose to a nice deep strong sound from the engine/intake area while accelerating.

[SteveTheTech]

That is a cold start control dtc.

It should be resolved with a simple computer update.

There is a flaw in the vacuum sensor fault detection software.

I would like to applaud your religious use of a certain service facility but in all fairness Infiniti has come a long way in that last few years with regards to Consumer Affairs issues. Dealers are all franchises and are extremely different. Having the service performed properly by trained technicians tends to get the most out of your car, and in most cases there is one guy or a small group that works on your car every time. There are many owners who have cars that I have been working on exclusively for years, many of these people do not know me but I fear that your sentiments are echoed all to frequently.

[JCTC]

My check engine light came on and flashed for about 15 seconds this morning, then went away. This was about 40 miles into a 45 mile commute, warm weather, full of gas....just before the light flashed I seemed to lose power then get it back like I was stepping on the gas, then off, then on again.
The dealer said if it does it again to bring it in....
Anyone have an idea of what this could be?

[SteveTheTech]

I've never heard of that type of fault.

Hopefully it was a fluke misfire.

fyi-
A flashing check engine light indicates the vehicle is currently running in a way that causes tailpipe emissions to be below federal standards. Damage to the catalytic converters can occur when this is happening.

In your case I really think the catalyst was more than warm enough to vaporize the excess HC (unignited fuel) or NOx if you are loosing fuel. You should be fine unless something happens later.

[zarar]

That is a cold start control dtc.

It should be resolved with a simple computer update.

There is a flaw in the vacuum sensor fault detection software.

I would like to applaud your religious use of a certain service facility but in all fairness Infiniti has come a long way in that last few years with regards to Consumer Affairs issues. Dealers are all franchises and are extremely different. Having the service performed properly by trained technicians tends to get the most out of your car, and in most cases there is one guy or a small group that works on your car every time. There are many owners who have cars that I have been working on exclusively for years, many of these people do not know me but I fear that your sentiments are echoed all to frequently.

Okay so my service has been delayed, I gave them to code and the service rep said they had no loaners and I can't leave my car there because I barely have an open schedule to wait for my car, even for as little as an hour. I figured since it was just a simple computer update I could wait another week and just have my oil change and inspection and have my regular service done all at the same time (rep said it would be okay to delay my appointment. She said their techs said you will be fine you can wait another week for your appointment, it wont harm your car). My appointment is for tomorrow morning but when I was on the highway just about an hour ago my car just died out of nowhere. Car was fully warm, three quarters of a tank, no heater on or anything else and was just in the middle of my commute. As I came down to a slow stop in traffic for a brief moment, I put my foot back on the gas and noticed all of a sudden my car wouldn't move... And than all my dash board light lit up. It took me 3 tries to restart my car. Would this issue be related to my check engine light or do you think its a whole different issue that have arose? I am hoping that I am not just creating one problem after another on such a new and beatiful car, with such low miles I just imagine the worse and especially when I am obsessed with my car.

[SteveTheTech]

Sounds odd, but I'll wait till you get it back. Just don't clear any dtcs. Make sure you tell the advisor what happened, and ask if there are any codes related to that.

A computer literally controls everything, so maybe the erroneous reading is effecting other things I really do not know.

[XIS]

Would love to know the outcome here!

[zarar]

It was due to the cold weather from what I remember, I haven't had the issue since. I had a similar issue with an 04 Maxima, so my assumption is that it's a Nissan/Cold Weather issue. As for the car shutting off, dealer could not replicate the issue and nor could I.

[XIS]

Thanks!
I had one for 4 days or so (S.E.S. light) and it isn't cold here!
Today the dealer pulled some code that referenced a TSB # and it had them run a diagnostic - all fine (they said) and they cleared the code. It wasn't running any differently.