2000 Nissan Altima Dies at Stops

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RUTHDOTCALM
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  • 1 POST
I have a 2000 Nissan Altima w/72,000 miles. The car starts and when I come to stop sign, red light or slow down in traffic the car dies. All the dashboard lights go on and after the car dies I can immediately start the car again. This also has occured when making a turn and backing into a parking spot. I've had the following changed: rotor, rotor cap and distributor. The throttle body has been cleaned and oil and filter changed too. The battery has been serviced and the connectors to the battery have been cleaned. The car, when hooked up to a diagnostic computer, only once came up with an error code indicating that the distributor needed to be changed, but this didn't cure the problem either. I've been told that my spark plugs are fine and didn't need changing. When I drive the car on the highway it feels like I can't ease up on the accelerator at all at the risk of the car going dead and feels like I need a heavy foot on the accelerator to keep the car at a pace. The car's been to the dealership 3 times and I'm at a loss and frustrated. Help!!
Sep 9, 2006 at 7:04 AM
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CLIFFORDT
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I have a 1996 Nissan Altima GLE with 109000 miles and it is dying at lights,stop signs. It was diagnosed by computer to have the cam positioning sensor replaced which is located in the distributor. We are going to replace the distributor but no one can seem to tell us if the module is included. Can you give us the number of the complete distributor with module?

We also need to know the firing order for this automobile. If this did not work on the other 2000 Altima do you have any other suggestions? Car also has a knock at lower end of engine does it need a new timing chain or belt?
Thank you, Clifford
Sep 12, 2006 at 11:37 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,658 POSTS
This sounds like a vacuum leak, or you have throttle body that needs service.

These guides will help you fix it, test the engine when it is cold for the vacuum leak:

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

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Please let us know.

Oct 13, 2022 at 9:36 AM

Suggested Repair

Test for a vacuum leak with a vacuum gauge while the engine is cold, and service the throttle body or throttle actuator.

Conversation Summary

A 2000 Nissan Altima stalls when stopping, slowing in traffic, turning, or backing up, then restarts immediately. Parts already replaced or serviced include the distributor, rotor and cap, throttle body cleaning, oil and filter, and battery connections. An expert suggested a vacuum leak or throttle body that needs service and recommended cold vacuum testing and throttle actuator service. A later comment about a 1996 Altima asked about a distributor module, firing order, and a lower-end knock, but those points were not answered.

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