2001 running problems

[Joker973]

I have a 2001 nissan altima. It wants to die when it is at idle. Its missing and I have changed the plugs without change. The check engine light comes on and goes off intermittenly. Usullay comes on if it had to idle for a small period of time. I took to autozone and got the codes it was knock sensor and failure to fire on #4 cylnder? Can you tell what may be the problems?

[rubylove]

It seems that when Nissan made this engine they made it with a GLITCH . Anyways here's (probably) your problem, On that engine the #4 cylinder runs hot and burns the head gasket putting a hole through the gasket creating a misfire only on #4. Here's what you can do. Get brake cleaning fluid and have someone put the car on drive and wait till the engine tries to die. When the engine starts to idle rough spray some brake cleaning fluid right behind the #4 cylinder (on the gasket) and see if the car stops to idle rough for about 2 to 3 seconds. If the car stops idling rough then you have a burnt gasket. Change the gasket and you should be good for a couple of thousand miles (when #4 burns through the gasket again! ) hope this helps!

[Joker973]

It dont have to be in drive to try to die.

[rubylove]

well in any case spray brake cleaning fluid behind the engine on the gasket by the #4 cylinder and see if the car runs smooth for a couple of seconds. If it does than you have a blown gasket thanks to #4