1998 Nissan Altima engine light

IANSBOAT

MEMBER
1998 NISSAN ALTIMA
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
72 MILES

My engine light keeps coming on. I've put in a new valve cover gasket, it went off only to return. I've replaced, plugs wires, distributer cap and so on and again it went off only to return. I've put the car on a computer and it shows fouling out cylinder #4 misfire.

I've even replaced the sensor for the light. All in all I've spent 1200 only to have the problem shortly return.

I smell gas each time, and then feel the drop in HP. I think it could be the gas sending unit.

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009 AT 12:53 PM

3 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

You need to use a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the trouble code(s) that the engine light has stored. This will pinpoint in the right direction of the cause and save you a lot of time and money.

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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009 AT 3:08 PM

IANSBOAT

MEMBER
2 POSTS

We've used the diagnostic computer. It says theres a problem with the 4th cylinder. It goes away, then I smell gas and it comes back.

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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009 AT 4:21 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

What code specifically is it and I can give you clear troubleshooting steps to follow? Otherwise you will be guessing and replacing parts that may not need replaced. It could be faulty / sticking fuel injector on 4th cylinder or may be fouled plug not burning the fuel as well as many other problems to cause this symptom.

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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009 AT 7:20 PM