Car surging

Tiny
BTGOODMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 NISSAN MURANO
  • 156,000 MILES
A few weeks ago, my car started surging periodically. I had a scan done, it said catalytic converter. We replaced it as well as used a cat cleaner. It continued to surge. We were told alternator, we replaced it. It actually needed it. The plug connecting it was burnt as well as where it connected to the alternator. It still continued to surge but got worse. We ran another scan; it showed the bias solenoid. We replaced that. It still surged, this time worse and started shutting off while driving when it would surge. We then ordered a new fuel pump and replaced it. The whole time the car starts very easily, has a smooth idle, motor is very quiet with no shake or vibration, it did not cut out at idle. After changing the fuel pump, it seemed to have more power. It did not surge the first two times driving it. I work 8 miles from home and a while ago on the way home three miles from home it started surging, it was not nearly as hard as it was before and never attempted to shut off. It surged about 5 or 6 times and stopped, and I made it the rest of the way home without doing it. It had new plugs and wires put in less than a year ago (about 10 months ago) it has no smoke coming from the tail pipe as well as no gas smell. Please help me, I really do not want to tell my husband when he comes home that it is surging again. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Tuesday, June 14th, 2022 AT 12:36 PM

16 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

By chance, has the check engine light come back on while the engine is running? Also, was the fuel filter replaced at the same time as the pump?

Also, did you use catalytic converter cleaner after the new converter was installed?

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, June 14th, 2022 AT 9:43 PM
Tiny
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The check engine light came back on when the surging started again. The fuel filter is part of the fuel pump assembly, that’s why we replaced it. The cat cleaner was used before replacing it. This car runs smoothly, not even a vibration. It starts easy, it idles smooth it just does this while driving.
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 AT 3:07 AM
Tiny
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Hey Joe, I did an injector cleaning in the gas tank as well as on the motor and so far, so good. Drove over forty miles and have had no surge. I hope this done it. Will keep you informed.
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 AT 12:50 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

Thank you for the update. I hope that takes care of the issue. If something changes, let me know.

Also, please feel free to come back anytime in the future. You're always welcome here.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 AT 9:56 PM
Tiny
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Thank you!
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Thursday, June 16th, 2022 AT 5:28 AM
Tiny
BTGOODMAN
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  • 10 POSTS
Hey Joe, unfortunately it surged on me coming home. It wasn’t near as hard, but it was 4 or 5 surges in a row really quick. I kind of think it happened when I was accelerating. I only did a quarter of a tank when did the fuel injection cleaning I did as it directed. The price of gas and putting in the premium I cannot afford to fill it up. I feel I should do another treatment as the first one was only five gallons. Wonder what you think. It’s like something is restricting the fuel.
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Thursday, June 16th, 2022 AT 3:37 PM
Tiny
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This car runs so good and smoothly. I am at a loss at what else to do. It’s quiet. Idles smooth, it doesn’t try to shut off except those few times with the surging.
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Thursday, June 16th, 2022 AT 3:40 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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This is a tough one. If you were accelerating when you noticed, it may be a good idea to try the cleaner again. It sure wouldn't hurt.

Is there a reason you are using premium fuel? I don't believe this vehicle requires it. Like you, I'm finding it hard to fill the tank. LOL I'm too stubborn to give in. I'm just finding an additional job or two so I can afford it.

Let me know. Also, and this is a theory since it happened under a load, I'm questioning if the fuel pressure is jumping around.

Let me know, but yes, try the cleaner again, and let me know what happens.

Take care of yourself and let me know what I can do to help.

Joe
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Thursday, June 16th, 2022 AT 10:05 PM
Tiny
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Hey Joe, people keep telling me to look for a vacuum leak. Can there be a leak and you can’t hear it. Would it cause the car to hesitate or run rough during idle? It runs smoothly and quiet.
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Friday, June 17th, 2022 AT 5:52 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Yes, a vacuum leak can cause a rough idle and hesitation. Also, in most cases, you won't hear it. They are sometimes difficult to find.

Take a look through this link. It explains how to find and repair a vacuum leak.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Read through that and let me know if you have questions and if you are comfortable performing it.

Take care and I'll watch for your reply.

Joe
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Friday, June 17th, 2022 AT 7:06 PM
Tiny
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Thank you, Joe. Will try that tomorrow. Read the lin. Will let you know how it goes. Have a good night and talk to you tomorrow.
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Friday, June 17th, 2022 AT 7:18 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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You are very welcome. Please remember, if you use carburetor cleaner, avoid spraying it on the exhaust manifold or on anything that could be extremely hot. It could cause a fire.

Just have an extinguisher nearby just in case.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, June 17th, 2022 AT 7:42 PM
Tiny
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Thank you. Will talk to you tomorrow.
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Friday, June 17th, 2022 AT 7:45 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

I don't want to be a pest, but I'm curious if you found a leak. I'm just interested in knowing.

Hope you have a good day.

Joe
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Saturday, June 18th, 2022 AT 9:57 PM
Tiny
BTGOODMAN
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Hey Joe. No leak. We went through all the fuses and relays. We took the 02 sensors off today. We have ordered new; it will take a couple of days to get here. So, we decided in the meantime to clean the 02 sensors. We researched and have them soaking in gas. It says 24 hours so since we have a couple of days, we thought we would try it. If this does not do the trick, we have decided to take it to a shop recommended to us. We were told the gentleman is the best diagnosis person around and does not let you spend money you don’t have to. He had excellent reviews. This has become a real pain. I appreciate all the help. If you're a father, Happy Father's Day! Will check in tomorrow evening and let you know how it goes.
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Sunday, June 19th, 2022 AT 2:34 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Sounds like a good plan. I will watch for the results. And thank you. I have two sons that mean the world to me. I had a really nice day.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, June 19th, 2022 AT 7:54 PM

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