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Sedans Nissan Altima Nissan Altima Engine Failures
438 messages, Last post on Jul 03, 2009 at 2:37 PM
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| I have a 2004 Nissan altima. Last year I stopped to refuel and it would not start back up. When we came back a couple of hours later with a mechanic friend it started no problem. thought maybe just a fluke or bad gas. Two days later I was once again stranded. Mechanic friend hooked up diagnostic comp and said my camshaft sensor was out. I called Nissan for the part they said I need to bring it there because their diagnostic comp would be more accurate. 160$ later I picked it up with the camshaft sensor replaced. Worked ok for a little over a year but sometimes felt like it would "miss" or like it was'nt getting gas. Then it started just dying while I was idling or if I slowed to turn and even just going at regular speed. Once again took to mechanic (had a/c issues and thermostat replaced also) 409$ later I picked it up with a new camshaft sensor. (of course Nissan said the other one was quaranteed for one year. replaced first time Jan 2007 second time Sept 2008. When I called about guarantee I was informed of some sort of recall with the ECM.(I had to ask about that becauses someone had mentioned it to me) I made appointment to have them reset that and was told I need oil change and air filter. So when I picked up my car I thought I was finished. Less than a month later it started taking along time to turn over. Finally leaving me once again stranded. We replaced the camshaft sensor again ourselves but it still takes along time to start (to the point of panic) we also had autozone test the battery...it was bad so we replaced it too. I have been reading on the computer that the CRANKSHAFT sensor is a problem also...we are replacing that today. I love the look of the Nissan Altima and was hoping to trade up to the Nissan Maxima. but I have read alot of bad stuff about this problem, and mine is really giving us major problems right now. I have 78000. miles. I expected to get more out of it. | |
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Replying to: tinan39 (Apr 16, 2008 9:55 pm) |
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I know nothing about cars(ducks). When accelerating the car seems to be "catching" when it is changing gears(automatic). The rpms gauge will stall at about 2rpm's, the car will continue accelerating, and then will drop speed an almost lunge, "catch" until it finds the next gear and i can speed up some more. It seems to go from 1st gear to 2nd, then almost back to 1st, then to 2nd, then to 3rd, then back to 2nd, then back to 3rd, etc,etc. A lot of jerking movements,and the fastest i've gone is roughly 40mph under these conditions on about a 2 mile straightaway. I don't know how else to explain it. Any ideas? I will be happy to answer any questions. Thanks.
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2003 Altima SE 3.5 with only 45Kmi on it. Was *shocked* at last oil change/service when dealer told me the 'engine was on order'. As you can imagine, I have my twice-yearly oil changes after only about 4kmi! Turns out the 3.5's have TWO of the little bugger pre-cats to fail on you. In response to my complaint about 'heat shield rattle' the dealer pulled the bank 1 cat and it showed signs of deterioration. $6K is the approximate replacment cost and currently Nissan is supposed to be picking up the tab (will let you know how things get on) and for what it's worth I'm in Canada. We have bi-annual emissions inspections up here so not sure if I can go aftermarket header....coring the precats is an invisible option I suppose but the dealer won't do it, so I'll have to pay someone to take it all apart again... Dealer was evasive on the 'what happens when it happens again' question. Consensus was it wouldn't be covered a second time... So much for my plans to keep this car for another 8-10 years. Not of course that it will make it, as every problem I've had (other than this one) has been corrosion related and that's not likely to stop anytime soon. I have to say, after having both headlights replaced, the rear subframe replaced and now the V6 engine and precats on order....Nissan will have spent over $10K fixing this thing...so unlike most here I still have a modicum of faith in the brand. Of course, I have to have my rear brakes replaces every 18 months because of corrosion related crap...oh, and the ABS sensor is moved out of alignment when the rear bearing caps corrode...$500 whammy which if you don't address quickly burns out your $3000 ABS unit due to frequent and excessive engagement. That said I'm scared silly that this will be an ongoing issue, one that will seriously erode the trade-in values unless I act quickly. I also have read that the stupid engine mounts can fry your ECM....who would've thought? What's next...opening doors will cause your gas tank to explode?!? I'm still debating whether to stick it out or bail, but to anyone fence sitting on this issue, I'd suggest you run, not walk, away from these engines (QR25 and QR35's) which unfortunately means most of Nissan's lineup. Fred. PS I suspect it all started with a badly setup mixture in the ECM...so I'm going to push for an ECM reprogram too. No other reason for those cats to self-destruct, and there is a strong unburnt fuel smell when starting the car on cold days, and has been for years. |
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Replying to: electricdesign (Jan 27, 2008 10:10 pm)
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New to the forum, and have read many posts relating to the Cat Converter. Similar issues, CEL and SES lights. After diagnostic the PO420 code came up. Took to dealer to handle recalls and was told the Cat Converter needed to be replaced. I bought pre-owned, certified w/ 33k miles, now has 85k and I'm being told it is out of warranty. Trying to fight it with Nissan USA, has anyone had any luck doing this?? I am awaiting a call from a "regional customer service" person....any help is MUCH appreciated...thanks...
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Replying to: steinba1 (Nov 12, 2008 9:41 am)  yahoo.com
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Replying to: dev923 (Nov 06, 2008 7:50 am) link title
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Replying to: jd10013 (Nov 14, 2008 6:45 pm) We took it for a second opinion they said that it had something to do with one of the pistons miss firing. This place also informed us that they are pretty sure,there was some sort of a recall on either the engine or someething to do with the engine with the Altima and that we should definetely go back to Nissan. I will take the car to the dealership on Monday and will keep u all updated . I really hope there is a recall..........or else...........I 'm contacting NISSAN US for sure. Cars DO NOT NEED AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT IN 61/2 YEARS.
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Replying to: cdsjavaguy (Nov 15, 2008 9:15 pm) I think there's a reason why most manufacturers only offer 5 years warranty on the powertrain. I know most engines can be last longer than 5-6 years but the chance that something will be broke down is higher after 5 years. |
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