What does the malfunction indicator light mean on my nissan (uk)?

I have just bought a second hand Almera (2000). The amber malfunction indicator has just came on. It came on at first, I stopped, checked the manual, then when I drove off again it was no longer on. When i started it again it has come back on. It seems to be on all the time now. I also have problems with the car juddering sometimes when I change gear. Looks like I will have to take it to a Nissan dealer for diagnostics. Other websites threads I have read relate to the timing chain or coils? What did you end up doing/paying to fix the problem?

Ryan
February 2008

Hi. I've been search the net for the solution to my problem. I am having the same trouble with my nissan almera which i bought about a week back and have only done 25miles on it after I bought it. Its a 1.5S 01 plate. The malfunction indicator light came on a couple of days back and its been bothering me as to what the problem could be. I have the same juddering problem as you mentioned which only happens sometimes, while the car drives fine on other occasions. However the malfunction indicator remains on.
Did you find the solution to your problem.. and how much did it cost you if you don't mind me asking. I am quite low on cash right now and quite worried about getting it fixed. :(

Div
September 2007

the car's ECU (Engine Check Unit) has logged a fault on the vehicle,in this case it could be a worn drive on the gear shift mechanism You need to take it to a nissan dealer they will plug in whats called a diagnostic PC, it will read whatever fault code the ECU has logged, it will tell the machanic exactly what's wrong with the car, expensive-probably £50-£60 just to plug it in and read the fault code, then repairs on top of that, thats the best solution, hope it helps.

Nissan Mechanic
July 2007