Friend's 95 Altima problem.

[draybook]

C and P'd from another forum for a friend:


It's a 1995 Nissan Altima ...

... Yesterday, I was running close to empty, but thought I had enough gas to get me to a job site and I could fill up on the way home. My car died halfway there. The engine cut out, power steering stopped working, and I heard a grinding noise going in sync with my tires rotating. The brake, check engine, and oil lights all came on at once. I managed to coast onto a side street and called AAA.

They showed up with a gas tank, gave me two gallons, and I tried to start the car. Nothing. Just RRrrRRrrRRrrRRrr ... No ignition.

He has me roll the car a little ways downhill, stop, pump the gas pedal, and try to start the car. It works like a charm. I back the car up the hill to where he is, and it cuts out again. I roll back down the hill and it starts, then immediately cuts out when I try to rev the engine a little as a test. He hammers the gas tank, trying to jar the fuel pump. Nothing. He calls for a tow truck.

While I was waiting, after about 20 minutes, I decided to try and start my car. It turns over easy and starts. The engine runs for 10 minutes before I turn it off, turn it on and let it run for another 10. Everything seems fine, but the check engine light is staying on. When the tow truck comes, I let him take it to the service shop.

The car gets dropped off at the shop, and they tell me they'll check it out as soon as they can.

Today, I get a call from the guy who worked on the car. He tells me the check engine light was for the cam sensor, and he reset it, and it didn't come back on. He tells me he didn't have any problems starting the car or keeping it running. "Great," I say "I'll be in to pick it up around 5"

I go to get my car, the guy at the counter says the mechanic who worked on my car has gone for the day, and since nothing was really done, he wasn't going to charge me. He did tell me my car needed a bit of taking care of, but it was still working. I'm happy now, and go out to leave with my car. It takes four turns to get it to start then it immediately dies. I try again and get nothing. Just RRrrRRrrRRrrRRrrRRrrRRrrRRrrRRrrRRrr ...

Now my car is still there and I'm wondering what the hell's wrong with it.

[nissandoc]

cam sensor is inside the distributor. replace the distributor. all 93-96 altima's will need one eventually.

[TuBlaz]

I've experienced the same problem on my 1996 Altima. I did a complete tune-up (replaced plugs, wires, cap, and rotor), cam sensor, and new valve cover gasket. When it's cold outside, or below 45 degrees the car will start up first thing in the morning, but only run for abt 3 minutes and then die out. I try to restart, but no start.

Now, it was about 50 degrees today. I started the car let her run for about 10 minutes, turn her off and she restarted with no problem. I decided to take her for a quick run. Went to the gas station and to the store with not problems. I tried to punch it/floor it/ hit the gas and she hesitated, or bogged down as if she was choking; let up off the gas and she rolled fine.

Any ideas what could be the problem. There is no engine light (however, it was on a couple months ago due to bad cam sensor - but as I mentioned it was replaced).

- What could be the problem? Any input would ge greatly appreciated.-

Thanks in advance,

-TuBlaz

[Mrbizness1]

This could be a fuel problem. After it cuts out do you smell gas when you try to restart it. I have a 98 and the fuel filter is on the firewall drivers side. They are cheap and easy to change.
When it happens again pull off a plug wire, crank the motor and look for a spark.

[JustSayGo]

draybook, follow nissandoc's advice.

TuBlaz, did your problem begin after the tune-up or were you attempting to eliminate a problem? I understand that like draybook, you turn the key and your engine does not start. Is there another detail of similarity that I am missing?

Make sure that the air pipe from the air cleaner box is connected correctly, clamped, and not leaking. Electrical wires are connected.

If you haven't replaced the fuel filter, you should.

Weak ignition spark will cause low power sluggish acceleration and run normal as you lift your foot from the accelerator peddle.

Restricted exhaust causes low power, bogging, and a feeling like the car accelerates more quickly as you lift your foot from the accelerator (and makes a choking sound).