Is this serious?

270

Asked by misssims456 Sep 11, 2012 at 04:53 PM about the 2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 S

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My "service engine soon" indicator light came on yesterday
steady not blinking, when my gas tank was nearly enpty. I
filled up my car and the light is still on. Should I worry? The
car runs perfect and I just purchased it.

21 Answers

375

according to google There are a number of things that could be causing this p0420 catalyst efficiency code. The most common thing is the catalytic converter itself is no longer functioning properly. The other likely thing is the rear O2 (oxygen) sensor is no longer working properly. Other things could include exhaust leaks, damaged exhaust pipes, damaged O2 sensor wiring/connectors, plugged catalytic converter, etc. so it would pay to go see your local mechanic

32 people found this helpful.
415

I understand this issue has probably already been resolved by misssims456 since its been 4 months, BUT for any others who may be researching this problem, you absolutely must get it repaired immediately. Nissan put 2 catalytic converters in that car with an egr valve between the 2. If you don't get the problem fixed right away, you run the risk of having catalytic converter media (i.e. sand) sucked into your engine which will necessitate a new engine. And BTW, Nissan never issued a recall of that fatal design flaw for the engine. Loved the car otherwise & was sad to see it die.

19 people found this helpful.
340

Service engine light stays on in my 2003 Nissan Maxima Auto Zone trouble shooting codes are P1800 and P0021. Do you know mechanics that can fix problem. do not wan to take to dealer where cost is at least $400.00 Harvey

34 people found this helpful.
170

I read a post about checking your gas cap, especially with an older car your cap seal might be worn out. Sure enough my cap wasn't tightened properly. I tightened it and the light went off after driving another 20 miles or so.

17 people found this helpful.
120

I had the same issue and I had inserted the key directly to car and that sensor is gone. The possible problem would be battery in you remote key might be low.

12 people found this helpful.
510

I'm gettinv "Service engine soon" issue on my car is it a major problem ? I've nissan altime hybrid 2010

51 people found this helpful.
540

well I disconnected the battery and reconnected it and the light was gone....is this still serious or I should just ignore it?

54 people found this helpful.
160

Nissan Altima 2008, 126,000 miles. I bought it in dealer for diagnosed. Came back with code P0840. Need to replace transmission, Costs about 4000. I am shocked.

16 people found this helpful.
250

I have a 2009 altima had it fixed couple months ago and my engine lights back on ,after 60mph it shakes a lot today,at a red light it was gulting back and fourth it also sounded as if it was struggling to stay on any ideas I'm so scared just spent 3,000 at the dealers to have them turn on my car back in June

23 people found this helpful.
70

@Slimnflakita that's what's happening to my 2006 Altima right now, but it starts to jerk at 30mph . it's been to the mechanic twice already

7 people found this helpful.
250

@royalhighness I ended up getting a consumer affairs Case and took it back to a different Nissan dealership and it turns out it was the engine the Cadillac converter and the transmission,; ( good thing the dealer will cover my enigine replacement and Cadillac converter just not my transmission

2 people found this helpful.
100

My 2006 Altima was having issues misfiring (jerking) with blinking service engine light and ended up it was an ignition coil. That being said, light is on again but runs fine.

10 people found this helpful.
340

My service engine light came on today and my car smells like gas any ideas?

34 people found this helpful.
50

I just cleared mine by replacing the filthy air cleaner and on the third time driving the car, it cleared itself. Hope it helps someone!

5 people found this helpful.
60

check your gas cap my Altima check engine went off when I replaced the gas cap only cost me 20 dollars

6 people found this helpful.
10

I got same sign after I change oil and fuel tank was half after 2 days . I drove it 2 more days and made my gas tank full and tighten the gas cap . It went on its own :) Quick fix. If its still doesn't go you may have to show your local mechanic.

1 people found this helpful.

Nissan altima hybrid 2010 just got that Service Engine Soon MIL lamp ... can some one help me out what codes needs to check

Your Answer:

Altima

Looking for a Used Altima in your area?

CarGurus has 664 nationwide Altima listings starting at $1,995.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    3,250
  • #2
    GuruB42YD
    Reputation
    2,420
  • #3
    GuruSY3ZL
    Reputation
    2,250
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Honda Accord
49 Great Deals out of 978 listings starting at $2,995
Used Nissan Maxima
10 Great Deals out of 199 listings starting at $5,999
Used Toyota Camry
49 Great Deals out of 1,094 listings starting at $2,500
Used Nissan Sentra
57 Great Deals out of 1,923 listings starting at $190
Used Honda Civic
185 Great Deals out of 4,025 listings starting at $2,877
Used Toyota Corolla
145 Great Deals out of 2,242 listings starting at $3,495
Used Chevrolet Malibu
53 Great Deals out of 1,057 listings starting at $2,995
Used Hyundai Sonata
57 Great Deals out of 848 listings starting at $1,543
Used Hyundai Elantra
171 Great Deals out of 3,061 listings starting at $1,995
Used Ford Mustang
35 Great Deals out of 1,596 listings starting at $7,999
Used Chevrolet Camaro
19 Great Deals out of 470 listings starting at $11,999

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.