Help, iM desperate

Tiny
DANARENEE06
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
Help, I have a 2002 nissan altima. The check engine light came on awhile ago and when I took it to the shop they said I needed a new cadalidic converter. Another place said I did not need that but that I some other sensor, but that it wasnt immediate. Fast forward a year and the car starts acting up and we notice that it is low on oil. We put oil in and now the oil is either burning or leaking out quickly. 2 different mechanics looked at it and saw no leaks, however 1 did say we needed a new converter. We replace the converter and yet we still have the same problem. Now the car wont even start, although I think now it may need a new starter. The problem is that I am still making payments on this car and cannot really afford to continue payments on this car and get a new car. Is this car worth putting any more money into and will I need to get a new engine if so? Also I fear taking it to nissan (or rather towing it there) as it is about 45 miles away and I feel they may take advantage of me. Any advise?
Saturday, December 11th, 2010 AT 5:43 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
If there are no visible leaks and oil is depleting, it usually is caused by bad valve seals. There should be some emission of grey smoke intermittently.

What was the EXACT trouble codes retrieved for the CEL indicating?

If you are not able to crank, it could be due to a bad starter, battery or the security system is armed.
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Saturday, December 11th, 2010 AT 6:14 PM
Tiny
DH1180
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
You should contact your local dealership to check for recakls, there are many of them.
The catalytic converter has most likely broken apart, and the small bits have been ingested by the engine. This will damage the rings and cause significant oil consumption.
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Sunday, December 12th, 2010 AT 7:49 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Catalytic converter is in exhaust system and after the EGR system (if equipped)and anything inside the exhaust system would either clog the system or be purged out at rear.

It is the precatalyst that could cause the problem.

The Voluntary recall TSB = NTB03-070C.

Get your dealer to confirm.
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Monday, December 13th, 2010 AT 12:52 PM

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