1999 nissan frontier 3.3l v-6 surges when warms up and reduced fuel efficiency

SOURCE: 1999 nissan frontier is idling rough the truck

This can be your Idle control valve, when you turn the air on it puts the engine under load and your computer will increase the idle automatically to prevent the engine from cutting out.
When you are standing still and the car is shaking, by touching the accelerator very softly does the shaking stop? If so check the idle control valve.
I hope this will help.
Regards
Sam

SOURCE: 000 NISSAN Xterra -- after warming up, loses RPM by 500-1000..... have replaced ignition wires and distributor, checked mass air flow sensor and OK.....

I had a problem on my Nissan Xterra 2000. Symptons sound similar. In my case, it ran fine for a while and then suddenly the engine starts to stumble and lose output. At one point it did not even have enough HP to move. Irregular idling too. Thought it was water in my fuel. Bought water remover from the store and added to gas tank. Problem did not go away. Instead, "Service Engine Soon" light came on. Had to have it towed to the dealer as there was no way the engine could keep up with traffic. Dealer replaced the "Crank Position Sensor" today. Parts $33.00, Labor: $300 (about 3 hrs worth of work). Seems to work fine now but I will wait and see. Dealer also stated that Distributor bearing appears to be noisy and will need to be replaced sooner or later. I will wait for it to go before I fix that.

William Robinson

• 1547 Answers
• Posted on Dec 06, 2010

SOURCE: 2002 nissan frontier 2.4 engine

P0301 Cyl.1 Misfire Detected see if its throwing another code now instead of cyl 1 may be another problem code now

SOURCE: 1984 Nissan 720 4x4 starts

check pvc and check for air leaks around intake and carb gasket use a little carb cleaner if engine sputters while spraying u have a leak

SOURCE: 2000 Nissan frontier, stalls and wont start after

Once you have the car started do you get rough idling or the needle of the tachometer does not stay in one spot? You may need to inspect the Idle Air Control valve if that is the case. It may need cleaning or you may have to replace it. It is located at the intake manifold.

Below is a sample picture but the prices vary.

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/mmp/nissan~frontier~idle_control_valve~parts.html

I would recommend to have a scanner connected to the car to check if there are error saved in the computer. Some shops would let you borrow them. You may also inspect the engine for loose vacuum hoses and wires.