Can somebody tell me what triggers the dashboard Engine light???
I was driving quite normal and all of the sudden the light is on now.
Should I need to go to a Nissan Dealer for repairs or is a do it yourself type of deal?
Thank you!!!!

96 Maxima Owner without manual!!!!

 

The Check Engine Light is evidence that something is wrong. That
"something" may be any number of things, some major and some minor. It
might be nothing more than a loose fuel filler cap. The Engine Control
Module (the computer) detected a problem and turned on the Check Engine
Light. At the same time it stored one or more Diagnostic Trouble Codes.
Get someone to do a DTC readout for you. This is not a big deal, does not
require specialized "dealer only" test equipment, and should take less than
an hour. When you know the stored DTCs, you will have a fair idea of what
repairs are needed.

If you like to do your own "wrenching" you can do the DTC readout for
yourself. Go to your public library and borrow a Chilton's or Haynes
manual for your vehicle. It contains detailed instructions and a table
which "translates" the numerical codes into words. No special tools are
required. You will also find instructions to do a DTC readout and reset
the Check Engine light at Steve Cutchen's excellent MaxFAQs page:
http://web2.airmail.net/scutchen/max_faq/

 

can set off the check engine light. The way to get the code and knowing what the code means is so involved that it'd be best for you to get a manual for your car.

Here's a review of them:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.phtml?threadid=6973
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.phtml?threadid=9534
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.phtml?threadid=9474

I got mine from Amazon.com, but later found it was cheaper at Pep Boys.

These also might be helpful:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....threadid=10980
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....threadid=10182

Jack