Help: 1997 Pathfinder "Service Engine Soon" What could it mean?

[NewAltimaOwner]

My father's 1997 Pathfinder had the "service engine soon" red light pop up a couple days ago. He saw that and hasn't started the car since because he's afraid he might damange the engine further.

It's got ~138K miles. He does somewhat regular oil changes. He hasn't changed the timing belt yet (typically done ~120K miles). Would that be a reason for that light? In general, whattypes of things cause Nissans to have that service indicator light up? Thanks

[Prey521]

Just take it to any Autozone and have them check the codes for you, they do it for free, could be anything.

[Al Bundy's Friend Griff]

Look in the owners manual.

[EDGE]

4x4parts.com do a search their but you can drive it, the light means lots of things not just the engine

[NewAltimaOwner]

He doens't have the owner's manual. Anyway, how do we check the codes? I know how to do it for some cars, but not this one. Thanks.

[Morpheus]

This is just a wild guess and all, but I'm thinking it means he should get his engine serviced soon.

[Ricam78]

Originally Posted by Prey521

Just take it to any Autozone and have them check the codes for you, they do it for free, could be anything.

This is the easiest thing to do. They tell you the code and what it means. Usually its just a sensor that has failed and needs to be replaced.

Rich

[Xtrema]

The easiest thing to do is to check the gas cap. Make sure it's locked in properly. A loss in gas tank pressure will prompt similar symptom.

The next is air flow, may be a MAF failure. But that you'll need to read the code to make sure.

There is no sensor the check timing belt. Typical belt has about 70-80K mile life although manual recommend change @ every 60K. @ 138K, I think a timing belt is definately due. If that sucka goes, you'll need a new engine.

[NVS aLtiMa]

Dont worry yourself, my friends service engine soon light has been on for 3 yrs with his car and hasn't broken down yet

[BLACK SE]

run codes with the OBDII scanner at Autozone, then source your problem from there....