2000 Nissan Truck Changing the spark plugs and wires

2000 NISSAN TRUCK
154,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ROBERT EVANCE
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I have an occasional miss in the engine. The check engine light blinks off and on during the time of the missing, however the missing stops, and the light goes out. I was told I needed to change the plugs and wires. Also, that I could do it my self with a little mechanical knowledge, which I do possess, however looking at the plugs and wires the job looks complicated.

Can I get directions on how to do it and what tools I'll need? Also, would it do any good to take the truck to a mechanic with a meter to diagnose the problem if the light is not blinking when I take it?
Jan 15, 2008 at 8:19 AM
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MERLIN2021
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A blinking MIL, means you are or could be damaging the catalytic converter! Yes have the codes read, the 96 and newer cars sold in the USA all have a freeze frame data, meaning the trouble code is set in memory, along with engine speed and load!
Spark plugs and wires can always be done one at a time! Autozone will read the codes and ask for the printout! Then post the result here...
Jan 15, 2008 at 8:26 AM
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ROBERT EVANCE
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I took the truck to Autozone, they ran the meter it came out that the Knock Censor is defective. The book I have shows the knock censor is under the exhaust manifold on the 2000 / v6 and the header has to be removed to replace it.

I took it by a garage (I occasionally do business with) and they quoted me a price, but said the would have to scan it again, as they have know AZone to be wrong many times. When AZone scanned it I read the code with them, and then read the computer results and it definitely shows as the knock censor defective. What I'd like to know is if the light is not blinking, and / or staying lit, is it safe to drive it a couple, maybe three more hundred miles until I can get the money to have it done? Or will it just drop me somewhere?
Jan 15, 2008 at 1:17 PM
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MERLIN2021
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Hard to say, some cars can deal with 1 bad sensor, the PCM subs mid range readings to compensate for the bad sensor...
Jan 15, 2008 at 5:22 PM