Low idle/high idle/wants to stall

JBANDJB

MEMBER
NISSAN ALTIMA

My 97 altima is acting very strange. I have recently replaced the distributor, and that aspect of the car seems to be just fine. The problems are when driving the car the RPM's seem too high, but at a light or stop sign or even in park the idle is really low and seems like it wants to stall, but doesn't. The idle will go even lower if the radiator fan kicks on or if I use the power windows. Any suggestions?

3 Replies

FISHERMAN

MECHANIC
937 POSTS

Is the check engine light on?

Start checking the IAC (idle air control sensor) the IACV regulates idle speed, raising and lowering it as needed. It does this by opening and closing a "trim" valve to allow more or less airflow into the intake manifold when the throttle is closed.

Let us Know!

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Monday, October 8th, 2007 AT 10:45 PM

JBANDJB

MEMBER
2 POSTS

No, the check engine light is not on. It is a 2.4L 4cyl with about 140,000 miles if that helps. Is the idle air control check something I can do myself? Thanks.

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Monday, October 8th, 2007 AT 11:03 PM

FISHERMAN

MECHANIC
937 POSTS

Yes, its not that hard but you have to have some skills and tools.

Also you can check the EGR for carbon build-up and TPS (throttle Position Sensor) all those sensors and the Maf sensor are related to control the idle, the acceleration and performance of your engine.
(in conjuction with the O2 sensor temperature sensor knock sensor etc etc)

but could be as simple as a good tune-up with a good fresh set of spark-plugs (not bosh) NGK`s are good

I recommend you to start with the tune-up and after that we will continue if that not solve the problem.

(a tune up its good for your engine and save some gas which in this days is really expensive)

let me know what do you decide to do !

Good Luck!

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Monday, October 8th, 2007 AT 11:30 PM