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Domieq · Jan 5, 2009, 01:45 PM

We have a 2003 Altima. The oil light was flickering on and off for about 3 days. On Wednesday we were driving home and the car wouldn't accelerate. We got off the expressway and the car just died. We checked the oil and it was totally dry. We bought some oil and put 3 quarts in. The car started but the engine started knocking. We were only a few miles from home so we drove it home. We got about a block away from our house and the car died again. The engine made some loud noise and it just went dead. We tried jumping it and it still didn't start. So now the car will not start at all.

I talked to a mechanic and he said it sounds like the engine blew. I can't believe a 2003 engine would blow especially with no warning. We still had over 1,000 miles left before our next scheduled oil change. Could it possibly be something else? I would hate to spend $4,000 to put a new engine in... espeically since I don't have $4,000.

Any help??

ddollinger · Jan 5, 2009, 02:04 PM

Oh dear, oh dear...

Let me explain something but DO NOT take this as a slam or a personal insult as that is not how it is intended.

The lights that indicate areas needing attention are called idiot lights, the reason they are called idiot lights is because they don't light up until the issue is critical. This means if an oil light flickers, pull over at the first available place, shut off the vehicle and check the oil. When the light was flickering it was indicating that the oil was "dangerously low". By the time that you finally put oil in it (after it quit) the damage was already done. If you have checked and topped up the oil immediately upon the light flickering it would have fixed the problem. The knocking was a piston rod slapping the side of your block. If left running will completely come undone and destroy the engine. Even if it did not come completely apart you can bet dollars against donuts that your engine is seized tight, either way it is considered blown.

Your cheapest option is to purchase a rebuilt short block or a used engine and chock this one up to experience.

MsMewiththat · Jan 5, 2009, 02:11 PM

I would agree with the posting above. You did have warning. The light going on and off is warning. However, if you burned oil that badly between oil changes there may have been an underlying problem as to why. Not certain how many miles are on your vehicle. I currently am going through the same with a 98 vehicle. When cars reach a certain age it is imperative to check the oil between oil changes. <-- I didn't know that. Sometimes depending on the age of the vehicle number of miles and if you owe anything it is best to cut your losses. Good Luck

Domieq · Jan 5, 2009, 02:27 PM

Ok, thanks for responding! This couldn't have came at a worse time, but it is what it is. I had a feeling the engine was blown. Now I need to find a good but cheap mechanic if there is such a thing!

Thanks!

MsMewiththat · Jan 5, 2009, 02:42 PM

is it cheaper to keep the car rather than replace it? Do your research what is book value and how many miles, what's the condition.

Domieq · Jan 5, 2009, 03:26 PM

Blue Book Value is around $10k. So I still think it's worth it to put a new engine in. It's only a 2003.

eagleyes · Mar 16, 2011, 02:56 PM

I just had my 2005 Nissan Altima engine blow with no warning and will cost $4,000 and no idiots lights came on. It just started to knock real bad and I pulled over and had it towed. My mechanic said it was the timing belt which caused a chain reaction. Talk about not being happy. It's not likely I'll buy another Nissan