What causes that drop and what needs to be done to fix it?

2002 NISSAN SENTRA
63,300 MILES
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ADAMEK777
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  • 3 POSTS
I have a 2002 Nissan Sentra GXE 1.8l. I noticed that the RPM in my car drops from 700 to 300/350 and it shakes a little while stopped at a stop sign. Fuel injector cleaner was used and it did not help the situation. After a few months, my car stopped when I was driving and after 10 minutes I was able to start it back up. After driving for another 1-2 miles, it stopped again. SES light appeared. My mechanic replaced the fuel pump, crankshaft sensor, and cam sensor. There was no communication between ECM and checking computer. The dealer replaced the ECM and programmed it. My car's RPM began to go down very low whenever I was driving and had to stop. It was towed and taken for a check up and two codes came up: one for EGR, and another for ignition coils. Only the EGR was replaced. There are no codes now. After starting up, the engine stays at 700 RPM, but after shifting into driving gear it goes up to 750 RPM. After several minutes of driving, the RPM drops to 300-350. While driving everything seems fine, but after another stop sign the RPM drops once again to 300-350 RPM.
P.S. I am sorry for yesterday's switching question with details.
Dec 17, 2011 at 4:36 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
If it only happens at idle, I would start with checking for vacuum leaks and check the IAC.
Dec 17, 2011 at 4:40 AM
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ADAMEK777
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Hello. I'd like to add on to and restate some of what I said. I'd like to add that my car is automatic. My car's RPM does not drop while idling, rather, it drops after pressing on the brakes and coming to a complete stop. In other words, whenever the gear is in drive and I must come to a complete stop, the RPM drops to 300. However, when I shift the gear into either park or neutral, the RPM returns to it's regular state of 700 RPM.
Dec 17, 2011 at 5:07 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Same thing... check for vacuum leaks and the IAC
Dec 17, 2011 at 5:09 AM
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