Hi Fixya - My previously reliable Sentra began stalling at stop signs last June, idle would run low and if I didn't throw into neutral and gas it, it would die - but start up fine right away. Dealer wanted to replace computer but wouldn't guarantee a fix. NO codes came up. In July it died and would not start again. Towed to a shop; they ordered a refurbished computer (half price of the dealer's new one), codes now work (shop took it to a Nissan dealer and they updated/flashed the ECM.) Shop took it to dealer again and replaced mass air sensor as it was still idling low and stalling. Dealer checked harness for bad wiring. It's still stalling out when you come to a standstill. On the highway it's fine. Dealer told my shop guy that the air idle control now needs replacing, shop guy doesn't believe it, says problem is not transmission but electrical. He had his laptop plugged into it while driving and said the idle control valve looked like it was doing what it was supposed to do when the idle went very low - but it wasn't working and would still stall out. I'm going crazy: it was time to buy a new car so I've done that, but what can I do with the little Nissan? Any ideas? Could it be the idle control? Shop guy has offered to buy it for next to nothing, continue working on it til he figures it out. I'd obviously like a fix! Thanks for any input.
If the idle air control valve is working, the passage may be clogged. Other things to check are the PCV flow and possible vacuum leaks.
Please see my tip at http://www.fixya.com/cars/r7427423-fix_poor_idle_high_idle_stalling_fuel .
These are generic instructions. If you get
stuck or need specific instructions for your car, please get back to me with engine size info.
Engine stall or RPM fluctuates
at idle.
This problem is commonly caused by a dirty automatic idle speed control valve and throttle valve. Buy a can of throttle valve cleaner (do not use carburetor spray cleaner!) from NAPA or Carquest (made by CRC chemicals) and spray it into the air intake while the engine is running, use up about 1/2 the can, engine will try to stall hold the speed up, shut it down and let it soak for 30 minutes, restart and blow out the remaining fluid, shut it down and disconnect the negative battery cable for 5 Min's to reset the base idle control
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