Nissan Repair: Service engine soon light glowing in 2000 nissam maxima, nissam maxima, nissan maxima

Question
hi...first of all thanks for providing ur valuable suggestions to all,few days back i bought a used 99k miles 2000 nissan maxima,i havent checked everythng before i purchase car,as soon i came home i saw there is a light "service engine soon" is glowing i dont know y is that ,and dont even undertsand wen would be that dealer had did last service but he told me he did few days back...iam very much worriedas i bought that car for $8200,please advice me and wat to check more in engine and wat r the fluids i need to maintain for good condition of car,thanks

Answer
Hi Sunny -

First of all, you should take it back and ask that that light be checked out. With that cost, there should have been some kind of warranty on the vehicle regarding the SES light.

The SES light will illuminate for many reasons, hundreds of sensors monitor engine operation and if any one of those sensors detect a malfunction or discrepancy, it will illuminate that light. Most of the issues are not serious, but it should be looked into, just to be sure. It takes a special diagnostic machine to draw these "codes" from the car's computer, so I would definitely take the car back and have them test it, for FREE. You already spent a hefty price on this car.

As for the fluids, follow the manual for the best results, but the biggies are:

Engine oil and filter - check every week - replace every 6 months
Brake fluid - check every week - flush and replace at 60,000 miles
Coolant - check every week - flush, check hoses every year
Auto trans fluid - check every month - replace oil and filter every year

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin