check engine light 2000 altima

[marcytara]

Hi: My Moms car has been sitting since November. I just drove it and the check engine light went on. I had it inspected and her mechanic said I need a new distributor ($500). But, he said I can drive it and I don't need it for PA inspection to pass. I want to sell it but I'm afraid to sell it with the light on. It's only got 60,000 miles on it and a neighbor wants to buy it for their kid in college. Don't know what to do. I was going to tell them the problem and suggest they buy a warranty. Help! Marcy

[methodmix]

Hi Marcy, I would suggest getting a second opinion from another mechanic. Did he mention what error code was causing the CEL to come on? I would also take the car over to AutoZone or Advance Auto Parts to get a free engine diagnostic check to interpret your CEL code. I don't know too much about distributors, other than it's an expensive part to replace, but if you're car still runs fine then I find it hard to believe that you have a bad distributor. Get a second opinion, and make sure he tells you exactly what trouble code is tripping your CEL. Repost and maybe we can help you some more. Good luck!

[Scootzilla]

Damn 500 bucks wow.You should be able t get the part and put on yourself alot cheaper then that.Yeah take the car to AA or AZ and have them run a check and have them print you off the codes.