1995 Nissan Altima Dies After Warm-Up

1995 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS
Avatar
CAPNJIM
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I have a 1995 Altima 4 cylinder with 110,000 miles. It has a very consistent starting probem. It always starts and runs perfectly when cold, runs for almost exactly 10-12 minutes then will misfire (tach jumps wildly) maybe every 10 to 15 seconds for about a minute, then it dies and will not restart. If I let it sit for an hour, it will start perfectly and do the same thing. It's like something gets to a certain temperature and then it fails. The scanner indicated a code 340 (cam position sensor). I have replaced the distributor, ingnition module and coil with no change. Is there another component that I am missing that would cause this? The temperaure is going to be below zero here (Minnesota) in the few days, so I need help fast. I appreciate any advice.
Feb 1, 2007 at 5:48 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
MATHIASO
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,209 POSTS
Sorry that you did not get reply about this question, it was a busy week.
Let's start from the begining:
"The scanner indicated a code 340 (cam position sensor)"
you must first check if the camsaft sensor is operative. A bad cam sensor will send inaccurate timing input to the ECU, that can affect engine timing , temporaly fuel cutout, misfire...
if the sensor is good after the test, the camsaft bearing may be bad. bad bearing can cause the camsaft sensor to send wrong signal to the ECU.

let us know
Feb 3, 2007 at 2:17 AM
Avatar
CAPNJIM
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Thanks, Mathiaso, for your advice, but I have a few questions. This car has the cam sensor inside the distributor, which I replaced with a reman, but I could have gotten a bad one. Can you tell me how to check the cam sensor? Also, if the cam bearing is bad, is there a way to find out which one is bad, or do you have to replace all bearings on both cams? Do you think a bad bearing is likely with only 110,000 miles? I really want be sure before I tear into that project. Your expertise is greatly appreciated.

Capnjim
Feb 4, 2007 at 4:34 AM
Avatar
MATHIASO
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,209 POSTS
We are talking about two deferent things.I should have none this because it's not a distributorless ignintion system. You are talking about the distributor cam,not a cam sensor. you may need to adjust contact points by setting the dweel. for a 4 cylinder, you must have 90 degrees between each cam lobe. you will need a dwell tester or ask a mechanic to set the dwell for you.Let me know.


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/46384_scan_3.jpg

Feb 4, 2007 at 8:20 AM
Avatar
CAPNJIM
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
You were right the first time. I'm sorry if I didn't explain clearly. The igition is electronic and there are no points or dwell to set. The cam position sensor is a disc type thing inside the lower part of the distributor, which I replaced. Is there a way to test the sensor? I am also wondering if there is something else in the circuit that would cause a trouble code 340?
Feb 5, 2007 at 5:01 AM
Avatar
MATHIASO
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,209 POSTS
Ok . the ignition module is turned on and off by the camshasf sensor and the crankshasf sensor. remove the sensor and check the voltage.
Feb 6, 2007 at 3:14 AM
Avatar
SERVICE WRITER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 9,123 POSTS
Check your emails, for something that may help out.
Feb 6, 2007 at 3:27 AM
Avatar
RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
[quote:39095f0b5b="capnjim"]I have a 1995 Altima 4 cylinder with 110,000 miles. It has a very consistent starting probem. It always starts and runs perfectly when cold, runs for almost exactly 10-12 minutes then will misfire (tach jumps wildly) maybe every 10 to 15 seconds for about a minute, then it dies and will not restart. If I let it sit for an hour, it will start perfectly and do the same thing. It's like something gets to a certain temperature and then it fails. The scanner indicated a code 340 (cam position sensor). I have replaced the distributor, ingnition module and coil with no change. Is there another component that I am missing that would cause this? The temperaure is going to be below zero here (Minnesota) in the few days, so I need help fast. I appreciate any advice.[/quote:39095f0b5b]

Have a buddy on hand-when it dies immediately check for spark and fuel

The CAS is in the distributor-check the coil resistances.also check the TPS and ISC valve
Feb 6, 2007 at 7:41 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
[quote:9d84ec5170="capnjim"]I have a 1995 Altima 4 cylinder with 110,000 miles. It has a very consistent starting probem. It always starts and runs perfectly when cold, runs for almost exactly 10-12 minutes then will misfire (tach jumps wildly) maybe every 10 to 15 seconds for about a minute, then it dies and will not restart. If I let it sit for an hour, it will start perfectly and do the same thing. It's like something gets to a certain temperature and then it fails. The scanner indicated a code 340 (cam position sensor). I have replaced the distributor, ingnition module and coil with no change. Is there another component that I am missing that would cause this? The temperaure is going to be below zero here (Minnesota) in the few days, so I need help fast. I appreciate any advice.[/quote:9d84ec5170]

Have a buddy on hand-when it dies immediately check for spark and fuel

The CAS is in the distributor-check the coil resistances.also check the TPS and ISC valve

for fuel-Need to check the fuel pressure with a gauge
Feb 6, 2007 at 7:42 PM
Avatar
CAPNJIM
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Hi Guys,

I found out that I received a bad reman distrbutor. I returned it under warranty and the repacement fixed the problem. I want to thank everyone for all your help.

Capnjim
Feb 23, 2007 at 5:37 AM

Suggested Repair

Replace the remanufactured distributor with a known-good unit. The cam position sensor is inside the distributor, and a defective reman unit was causing the code 340 and the hot no-restart condition.

Conversation Summary

A 1995 Nissan Altima started and ran fine when cold, then misfired and died after about 10-12 minutes and would not restart until it cooled. A scanner showed code 340 for the cam position sensor. The owner had already replaced the distributor, ignition module, and coil. Experts suggested verifying the cam sensor signal, checking spark and fuel when it died, and testing coil resistance, the TPS, and the ISC valve. The owner later found the remanufactured distributor was defective; a warranty replacement fixed the problem.

Advertisement
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle