Help! various issues with car

[vladi77]

Hi All,

I have been doing lot of research and can't seem to find an exact answer if there is one out there to my issues.

Background- 2002 Altima SE 3.5 about 70K on it. (I barely drive since in NYC)

The old issue. I got a check engine light (2 months ago) and the car shut off on me while on the road. My mechanic checked it out and the codes were for the Cam sensor and the Knock sensor. Both cams and knock sensor changed and no more SES light.

The new issue. The other day I went to a dr. appoinment and the car did not want to start. It was not the battery as the lights and everything electrical worked and the car was cranking just not turning over. I called for road service and while I waited I did the procedure to check the engine but no codes so thats a good thing. I even hooked up my jumper in case it was the battery but nothing. After about 10 minutes I try to start and it did. As I was driving home on the highway I went to accelerate and the car seemed to be jerking at around 3K rpm so I let off the gas a bit and the jerking went away.

Now I read a lot of posts and threads and found some people having the starting issues and other the jerking but not really both and neither had real cause to the issue.

If you have had similar issue please let me know what you have done to resolve. Hope its not going to cost a lot because if not then time to trade in.

Thanks all

[XLXR]

I'd start by checking basic tune parts, spark plugs, fuel and air filters, vacuum leaks.

[vladi77]

Thanks. The car might need a tune up. Dont think the plugs have been changed since 2004. Whats the best place to do a tune up? Dont want to go to the stealership and drop my pants. LOL

[Ey3CoNz2]

It's your sensors again. It sounds exactly like when my sensors went. I get the feeling he didn't replace the sensors or if he did he replaced em with older faulty/generic brand sensors. Get the genuine nissan sensors and replace them yourself.

[vladi77]

I trust the guy as he always gives me the old parts to keep and showed me the receipts from the dealership for the sensors. But I am not getting any codes as I was getting before he changed them. Kinda feels like a different problem.

But I think it does not matter anymore as I went car shopping this weekend and I will be jumping over to Audi and getting the new 2013 Q5 since the wife and I are expecting a baby soon.

[mohit.sarda]

I have 2005 altima. The SES light is on since long. I recently got the ECM recall done and the light went off. Now the SES light is back after driving about 25 miles. Most likely its the catalytic convertor issue which is common on this model. The repair estimates are anywehere between $600 to $800. I dont have this kind of money to spend on the car. So being very clear to all here ans aksing that is there a way to simply switch off the light for ever? I tried all those trick to press the pedal etc and it does work but for only about 10 miles or so. The light comes back again. I just want to switch of the light forever (like remove the electric wire from the SES light ). Your help is very much appreciated. The car has run 138000 miles.

[vladi77]

I do not think you can take the light off forever unless you fix the problem. When you do the ECU reset it only resets the codes but if the engine/car notices the problem again it will set off the light.

[vladi77]

Update

I bought new sensors and watched as my guy changed them again and the codes did not go away. He recommended a friend at a shop nearby with a computer diagnostic so I take it to him and it shows it was an issue with the wiring harness. Car is now starting and running great. The car even had the airbag light on and the issue is now gone so I am hoping the car is gonna last me a few more years since it only has 70K miles so I would love to hit 100K. Will keep you updated if any other issues come up.