Check engine light is flashing

Hi,

If it is flashing, that is indicating a misfire. What codes have been found? There should be something specific to a cylinder or cylinders.

This guide will help you found out the codes

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Let me know.
Joe

This sounds like the engine is in limp mode due to a dirty throttle body. these guides should help fix it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/reduced-power-limp-mode

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Please run down these guides and report back.

Hi,
That code indicates a multiple cylinder misfire. It isn't consistent or limited to one cylinder. That can be caused by a number of things. See the attached pic.

So where do we start. I would start by checking fuel pressure and check for an engine vacuum leak. Since it is multiple cylinder, it isn't going to be one spark plug or one fuel injector.

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Here is a link that explains how to check for a vacuum leak:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Here is a link that shows in general how to check fuel pressure:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

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2010 Nissan-Datsun 370Z V6-3.7L (VQ37VHR)
Component Tests and General Diagnostics
Vehicle Powertrain Management Fuel Delivery and Air Induction Fuel Pump Fuel Pressure Testing and Inspection Component Tests and General Diagnostics
COMPONENT TESTS AND GENERAL DIAGNOSTICS
FUEL PRESSURE

Inspection

FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE

With CONSULT-III
1. Turn ignition switch ON.
2. Perform "FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE" in "WORK SUPPORT" mode with CONSULT-III.
3. Start engine.
4. After engine stalls, crank it two or three times to release all fuel pressure.
5. Turn ignition switch OFF.

Without CONSULT-III

pic 1

1. Remove fuel pump fuse (1) located in IPDM E/R (2).
2. Start engine.
3. After engine stalls, crank it two or three times to release all fuel pressure.
4. Turn ignition switch OFF.
5. Reinstall fuel pump fuse after servicing fuel system.

FUEL PRESSURE CHECK

CAUTION:
Before disconnecting fuel line, release fuel pressure from fuel line to eliminate danger.

NOTE:
- Prepare pans or saucers under the disconnected fuel line because the fuel may spill out. The fuel pressure cannot be completely released because Z34 models do not have fuel return system.
- Use Fuel Pressure Gauge Kit (J-44321) to check fuel pressure.
1. Release fuel pressure to zero.

pic 2

2. Install the inline fuel quick disconnected fitting (A) between fuel damper (1) and injector tube.
3. Connect the fuel pressure test gauge (quick connector adapter hose) (B) to the inline fuel quick disconnected fitting.
4. Turn ignition switch ON and check for fuel leakage.
5. Start engine and check for fuel leakage.
6. Read the indication of fuel pressure gauge.

At idling : Approximately 350 kPa (3.57 kg/cm2, 51 psi)

7. If result is unsatisfactory, check fuel hoses and fuel tubes for clogging.
If OK, Replace "fuel filter and fuel pump assembly".
If NG, Repair or replace.

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Let me know what you find.

Joe

That is very interesting. When adding an exhaust there are a few things that can be changed that can make things different or leave things in working order. For example, you may have heard of cat back exhaust where the exhaust is only aftermarket beyond the catalytic converter. This generally leaves all the oxygen sensors and other forward cats unchanged and seldom causes problems. The big issue is not negating stock sensors. This gets to be more and more of an issue as cars have more and more sensors and they become very sensitive to changes. Dealers do not like when cars get modified under warranty as it generally voids it and makes diagnostics very hard. Diagnostics is generally the most labor consuming part of servicing a car.
I am intrigued by the "part that does not exist" remark. I am assuming you are talking about a Nissan dealer telling you this. If it is not, I would get an opinion from a Nissan dealer, but not until you call the aftermarket exhaust manufacturer and get them to explain what is going on. Also, go to an Advance Auto or Auto Zone and get them to read the codes and see what comes back. It is not quite as exact as other code readers but it might give you something to go on when you call the exhaust manufacturer.
Let me know how it goes and remember, try to get all the info you can before going after Nissan. Also, some dealerships are kinder than others.
I will keep an eye out for your reply.

Let me throw a guess in here.

It's quite common for people to install performance exhaust systems that eliminate the Catalytic Converters. When they do this they often include different types of modifiers that fool the computer to prevent the check engine light from coming on in response to having no converters. They often call them 0/2 eliminators. It can be something inserted into the 0/2 plug or actual program Mods.

The dealer should be able to re-flash the computer to restore original programming.