Flashing check engine light and car started shaking

2008 NISSAN MAXIMA

150,000 MILES • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

MSJ75

MEMBER
1 POST

Check engine light suddenly came on but it's a like blinking in and out. the car started shaking not like the car needed an alignment but worse more like vibration. so, I got car parked and checked everything that I knew to check and being that I was at the Doctors office I had to try and start car back up and it wouldn't crank. All the lights came on, but it just wouldn't start. I had it towed and somebody tightened my battery cables and car started so I drove it just down the road and soon as I got to 15-20 MPH the shaking/vibrating again so I parked it and again it won't start. brand new battery and alternator as if August. Please, please help!

Dec 8, 2021 at 8:21 AM

ASEMASTER6371

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
52,796 POSTS

Good morning,

The shaking sounds like the engine are misfiring. You need to start by checking the compression to be sure the engine is working correctly internally.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

You also need to check the codes. The flashing is an indicator of an engine misfire but we should check the codes and make sure.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

As far as the starting, check the cables again and make sure they are completely clean of all corrosion.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Roy

Dec 8, 2021 at 10:09 AM

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