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1995 Altima - Starting Problem

Tiny
CAPNJIM
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS
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.
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Thursday, February 1st, 2007 AT 1:48 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
MATHIASO
  • 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
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Saturday, February 3rd, 2007 AT 10:17 AM
Tiny
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
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Sunday, February 4th, 2007 AT 12:34 PM
Tiny
MATHIASO
  • 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://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/46384_scan_3.jpg

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Sunday, February 4th, 2007 AT 4:20 PM
Tiny
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?
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Monday, February 5th, 2007 AT 1:01 PM
Tiny
MATHIASO
  • 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.
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Tuesday, February 6th, 2007 AT 11:14 AM
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
Check your emails, for something that may help out.
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Tuesday, February 6th, 2007 AT 11:27 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
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
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Wednesday, February 7th, 2007 AT 3:41 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
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
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Wednesday, February 7th, 2007 AT 3:42 AM
Tiny
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
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Friday, February 23rd, 2007 AT 1:37 PM

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