Why Is My Nissan Check Engine Light On? (2023)

The Nissan check engine light (CEL) in your vehicle can be illuminated for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes are:

1. Loose or damaged gas cap: A loose or damaged gas cap can cause fuel to evaporate, triggering the CEL.
2. Faulty oxygen sensor: An oxygen sensor that is not working correctly can cause the engine to run rich or lean, which can trigger the CEL.
3. Malfunctioning catalytic converter: A clogged or malfunctioning catalytic converter can cause the engine to run inefficiently, which can trigger the CEL.
4. Faulty spark plugs or ignition coils: Spark plugs or ignition coils that are worn or not working correctly can cause misfires, which can trigger the CEL.
5. Mass air flow sensor problems: A dirty or malfunctioning mass air flow sensor can cause the engine to run poorly, which can trigger the CEL.
6. Engine vacuum leaks: An engine vacuum leak can cause the engine to run poorly, which can trigger the CEL.
7. Engine control module problems: The engine control module (ECM) is responsible for controlling many of the engine’s functions. If the ECM is not working correctly, it can trigger the CEL.

There are many other potential causes of a Nissan check engine light, so it’s important to retrieve the codes and diagnose the problem as soon as possible. A professional mechanic can use a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the codes and help diagnose the problem with your Nissan vehicle.

What Shuld I Do When My Nissan Check Engine Light On?

If your Nissan check engine light is on, you should take the following steps:

1. Retrieve the codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve the codes stored in your vehicle’s computer. Write down the codes.
2. Interpret the codes: Look up the codes you retrieved to determine what they mean. This will give you an idea of what might be causing the check engine light to come on.
3. Check the gas cap: A loose or damaged gas cap can cause the check engine light to come on.
4. Check for obvious issues: Look for obvious issues such as low oil levels, a damaged air filter, or a clogged fuel injector.
5. Drive the vehicle: If the check engine light has just come on, continue to drive the vehicle to see if the light goes off on its own. This can sometimes happen if the problem was a temporary one.
6. Get a professional diagnosis: Take your Nissan to a professional mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.

It’s important to address a check engine light as soon as possible, as it can indicate a problem with your Nissan vehicle that could affect its performance. Driving a vehicle with a check engine light on could also cause further damage, so it’s best to address the issue as soon as possible.

Is It Necessary To Reset It When Nissan Check Engine Light On?

It is not always necessary to reset the Nissan check engine light after repairs have been made. In some cases, the light will reset itself once the problem has been fixed. However, in other cases, you may need to reset the light manually.

If the Nissan check engine light was triggered by a temporary problem, such as a loose gas cap, it may turn off on its own after a certain amount of driving. However, if the light was triggered by a more serious issue, such as a malfunctioning sensor or component, the light will likely remain on until the problem has been fixed and the codes have been cleared.

To reset the check engine light, you can use an OBD-II scanner to clear the codes stored in the vehicle’s computer. This will turn off the light and reset the system. Some mechanics may also reset the light as part of their diagnostic and repair process.

It’s important to note that resetting the check engine light without fixing the underlying issue can cause the light to come back on, and the problem could become more serious.