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Nissan altima 96 engine check light?

Asked Feb 6, 2012, 12:59 AM — 10 Answers
I have a 96 Altima/Bluebird U13.
My engine check light is on then I start my car and the light goes off. The car idles rough and low like its wanting to stall. Sometimes the car cranks but won't start and then it all of a sudden starts but wants to stall. If I try and drive the car ut will go for a few minutes and then stall. I cleaned the MAF with MAF cleaner, I checked the voltage of the MAF and it reads fine. I replaced the ignition coil and ignition leads. I took off the distributor cap and there is no sign of dirt or oil. I checked my fuses and I replaced the fuel filter. So I'm wondering what it could be?

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10 Answers
TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 15,601, Reputation: 5358
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#2

Feb 6, 2012, 06:01 AM


Replace the Ignition Control Module (ICM). Easy job.
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Bluebird_96's Avatar
Bluebird_96 Posts: 6, Reputation: 10
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#3

Feb 7, 2012, 05:17 PM
Thanks for the help! I will try that and let you know if it fixes the problem.
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Bluebird_96's Avatar
Bluebird_96 Posts: 6, Reputation: 10
Junior Member
  
#4

Feb 16, 2012, 03:39 AM
I replaced the ICM with a brand new Bosch one and I still have the same problem with the car. Any ideas on what else it could be. I'm willing to try anything at this stage as it's really getting to me.
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parttime's Avatar
parttime Posts: 1,055, Reputation: 411
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#5

Feb 16, 2012, 03:53 AM
bluebird, have you checked for any codes?
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Bluebird_96's Avatar
Bluebird_96 Posts: 6, Reputation: 10
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#6

Feb 17, 2012, 04:30 AM
I haven't yet only because I'm running a piggyback system to my ECU and I'm not sure how it will affect the codes. But I think I will have to give it a go.
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odinn7's Avatar
odinn7 Posts: 4,822, Reputation: 5071
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#7

Feb 17, 2012, 06:13 AM
Sounds like it could also be a vacuum leak.
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TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 15,601, Reputation: 5358
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#8

Feb 17, 2012, 06:39 AM


I thought it was smart that you focused on the MAF Sensor. That could still be the problem. Make sure the seal between the sensor and the air intake is good--replace any gasket, if necessary. Make sure everything is tight. My experience has been that it's best to replace MAF Sensors, rather than clean them, around 130,000 miles. You might get by with cleaning them before that mark once; after that, success is limited. My gut is now that the MAF Sensor needs replacing and is the problem.

If the problem persists:

Check for hard and soft codes. Over the years, I have seen many problems with Camshaft Position Sensors and Crankshaft Position Sensors on Nissans. Since your Altima only has a Crankshaft Position Sensor, I would check/replace it. If the problem persists, I would check/replace the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor.
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Bluebird_96's Avatar
Bluebird_96 Posts: 6, Reputation: 10
Junior Member
  
#9

Feb 21, 2012, 02:53 AM
Well I found out it's not the Air Flow Meter. I have no spark so it has to be the distibutor right? Because I replaced the coil and leads. That's the first thing I should have tested. I only replaced the distibutor a couple of years ago, very annoying.
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TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 15,601, Reputation: 5358
Senior Cars & Trucks Expert
  
#10

Feb 21, 2012, 05:31 AM


A bad Crankshaft Position Sensor would prevent it from sparking.
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