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1990 Nissan Xterra "Service Engine Soon" light

Tiny
JUDY0429
  • MEMBER
  • 1990 NISSAN XTERRA
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 66,000 MILES
The "Service Engine Soon" light in my X-Terra went on recently, and has consistently stayed on. A very small amount of oil sometimes leaks from under the left (from driver's perspective) side of the engine. I get regular oil changes, and take it in for occasional overall servicing.
It has recently passed the state's DMV's air pollution test. By mileage, it's not due yet for another oil change. The fuel cap is also not the problem.
We are currently without an income, so we are hoping to avoid any unnecessary expenses. Question #1: Do you have any idea what the problem is? #2. What's necessary to remedy it? Question #2: If we do nothing, do we risk harming the engine or risking our own safty?
Thanks so much for your help.

Judy Brock
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Thursday, May 7th, 2009 AT 6:16 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Sir/Madam

Take it to Autozone and have them pull the code/s from the computer its a free service. You have an engine mangement system problem this is your starting point of finding out what's the problem and get back with us.
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Thursday, May 7th, 2009 AT 6:28 PM
Tiny
JUDY0429
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Thank you! There are no Autozones very close to us, so I'll have to do it tomorrow. Is that okay?

I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Judy Brock
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Thursday, May 7th, 2009 AT 7:43 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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I'll be waiting Ms Judy
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Thursday, May 7th, 2009 AT 7:45 PM
Tiny
JUDY0429
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  • 6 POSTS
By the way... May I express my pride and extend my profoundest gratitude for your service to our country in Viet Nam? There are the few noisy, rabble-rousering malcontents -- and then there is the "silent" majority who appreciated SO much for what you did.
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Thursday, May 7th, 2009 AT 7:48 PM
Tiny
JUDY0429
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Hi again! Sorry to be slow getting back to you. The weekend has been busy and my husband's home sick besides.
I went to an Autozone as you had suggested. They used their magic little gizmo under my dash, and said the problem was #P0110, "Intake Air Temp Circuit". Apparently the part I need is a sensor, SU2105 Duralast. They didn't have it, and neither did any of the other Portland Autozones. They had to order it, and told me to call to see if it was in late Sunday afternoon (another reason I couldn't get back to you sooner).
They also told me that to drive the car before the sensor's fixed would not damage the car or me. Do you agree?
I will pick up the part as soon as I can and get back to you.
Thanks again, Judy Brock
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Monday, May 11th, 2009 AT 3:39 AM
Tiny
JUDY0429
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
P.S. Previously I gave you some incorrect information on the car. Autozone and Les Schwab say it's a 2002, and the mileage is about 77,000 rather than the lower figure I provided before.

Judy
updated 5-11-09
Hi!

Sorry to be slow getting back to you. The weekend has been busy, and my husband's home sick besides.

Friday afternoon I went to an Autozone as you suggested. They used their magic little gizmo under my dash, and said the problem is the "Number P0110, Intake Air Temp Circuit" (part number SU 2105 Duralast). They didn't have it in stock, and neither did any of the other Autozones around Portland; so they had to order it. I was to pick it up late this afternoon (Sunday), but wasn't able to get out there today.

The Autozone people said that problem wasn't going to harm either me or my car in the short term. You agree?

I will go as soon as I can, and get back to you as soon as I have it.

Thank you again for your help.

Judy
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Monday, May 11th, 2009 AT 3:42 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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They also told me that to drive the car before the sensor's fixed would not damage the car or me. Do you agree? Yes I agree await for the part and see what happens when they install it. Don't work and continue to throw the code could be wiring or the computer
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Monday, May 11th, 2009 AT 11:23 AM
Tiny
JUDY0429
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Hi

Something happened with the Autozone part order, and it never got ordered last Friday. (Glad I called first!)

They have ordered it again, this time from a different source. They will call me as soon as it arrives. I'll keep you posted.

Judy Brock

P.S. Just noticed you are in Anaheim? We spent most of our lives in SoCal - Arcadia, then Fountain Valley, then Tustin. I miss California. My husband was born in Los Angeles. I think he's the only native Angeleno in Oregon!
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Monday, May 11th, 2009 AT 11:26 PM
Tiny
THIS IS MIKE
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Hi Judy,
Yes we are in Anaheim, very close to Tustin. Oregon is nice too. I bet it is very nice there now. Have a great day and thanks for using our forum to help solve your car repair problem.

Thanks,
Mike
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Tuesday, May 12th, 2009 AT 12:09 PM

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