What would you do? (SES Question)

KyleBucket

So I have 26K on my '09 Z. 19K are my miles (bought used). She is my baby and I've never had issues with her. I've kept up with maintenance and such, however I got a voicemail to come in for my typical service (air filters, etc.) about a month or two ago? I figured I'd hold off until I got my oil changed again.

Today rolls around and my "service engine soon" light comes on. Never seen that before, so I'm new as to what to do. I just assumed "ah, alright. I'll go do the basic tuneup they called me for when they left that voicemail." I call Nissan to schedule and the woman says "oh no, we have to hook it up to the computer to figure out what it's asking. That's $130."

Now, I think that's total BS. Especially considering no one does anything but read a diagnostic, so I'm really avoiding spending that. I read AutoZone can diagnose the issue with a CEL. Called. Got a nice guy, but he said the SES is different and he can't guarantee anything. After describing the situation, he agrees with me. He thinks it's probably the basic maintenance and thinks maybe it's the oil. I said well, I have synthetic stock and the guy always "yells" at me when I come in at 4,500-5K and says push it to 7ish. I think that's a bit much, he agreed. He said "most lights would come on around 3,500ish." I check my alerts...I'm at 3,540 since my last oil change. So now I'm thinking that's probably it, along with the basic tuneup. The car has driven no different, everything seems fine. I mean, c'mon, I'm at 26K miles.

I don't want to neglect my car if there truly is an issue...but I really think it's what I described. What would you guys do? Do you agree? Maybe it's the battery (would that pull that light) because it does seem like she does start up as quick. It's nothing noticeable, but obviously when it's your car you notice little stuff like that.

Sorry for the lengthy post.

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DEpointfive0

It's the same light. Just go in and get the code. Maintenance issues done show the CEL.

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Chuck33079

What he said. It has nothing to do with the oil.

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KyleBucket

Okay, good to know. I'll be doing that tomorrow, hopefully the same guy is working. Sounded quite knowledgable and can't beat the price - free.

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karotZ

Okay, after carefully reading your post, I'm confused what you are actually referring to. Is it a CEL (Check Engine Light) or SES (Service Engine Soon)? Two are completely different indicators. Based on your description, if it's the wording "Service Engine Soon" pops out and not an engine icon, then you can just go to your HUD (where water temp and gas indicators are, forgot what it was called), but anyway, there's a menu where you can change what's displayed like mileage, outside temp, travel distance, etc. - there is a selection where you can change the reminder based on mileage for your next tire or oil inspection.
I have disabled mine so no reminders for me. Other than that, if it's an actual CEL, then yeah, find a shop or a friend who can reset it. Good luck!

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KyleBucket

It was the SES light, sorry for the confusion. However, from what I read, AutoZone could get the same readings from either or. It came up as a "random cylinder misfire." It said it could be fuel leak, O2 sensor, stuff like that. I tightened my gas cap last night and the light was still on this morning. After going to AutoZone and getting the reading, the light disappeared.

I'm going to take the receipt to Nissan and see what they think. I'm not paying the $130 to have it hooked to their computer though. That's a plus.

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DEpointfive0

Man, if you're out of warranty... It's a shítshow... Your guess is as good as anyone's. Good luck. Use the forum. Tell us if you notice something weird while driving.

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KyleBucket

So yeah, took the receipt to Nissan. Luckily, the guy I spoke with knew my parents so he was being straight with me instead of the typical dealership BS. They, of course, want to hook it up to their machine for the $130. Understandably so though because it would give the specific code. The AutoZone one says (could be any):

Ignition System Fault
Fuel System Fault
Large Vacuum Leak
MAF Sensor Fault
O2 Sensor Fault

Now, the one thing I remember is when I filled my tank last week, I randomly remember hearing the cap click twice. I typically do three. But I just let it be. A couple days later, the SES light comes on. SO, after reading about the SES light and some possible fixes I saw a lot people recommending it may just be that. So, I tightened it 7-10 last night. Fast forward to today and the AutoZone reading, right after the reading the light was gone. Irony? Or maybe me tightening the cap was the trick? The Nissan guy said "he could've reset it while doing the reading" and I said I understand that, however I went back in afterwards and told him the light went off and the guy seemed shocked (as in he didn't manually do it).

SO, I'm hoping it was just that. The car literally has driven no different. The Nissan dude recommended me just keep driving it and if nothing changes, you're fine. Like I said, the light is now off. DE, of course I'm out of my extended warranty (even though I only have 26K on the clock)...don't you remember my steering wheel lock issue

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SouthArk370Z

A single random misfire (random random misfire? heehee) is not a big deal. If it doesn't reappear, ignore it and drive like you stole it.

For modern cars, an OBD scanner is a toolbox must-have, IMNSHO. They can be had for as little as $20-30.

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