Flashing check engine light and car started shaking

2008 NISSAN MAXIMA
150,000 MILES • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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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 12:21 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • Experienced 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 2:09 AM
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