Cutting Off

1999 NISSAN ALTIMA
167,000 MILES • 4 CYL • AUTOMATIC
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NATMACFIN
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I have a 1999 Nissan Altima. It cuts off many times when I am at a stop. It also vibrates and shakes when I am at a stop. The only way I can safely stop without the car cutting off is to put in neutral. What could be the problem?
Jul 29, 2011 at 6:36 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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First eliminate all vacuum or air leaks in the system. You may have a bad IAC ( idle air control) but try cleaning the throttle body first. Remove the intake snorkel, have someone hold the throttle wide open for you and scrub the back side of the throttle plate and surrounding bore with an old tooth brush and some carb cleaner. Be sure to spray some into the small holes next to the throttle plate. That should help stabilize the idle. If it still has a problem, replace the IAC.
Jul 29, 2011 at 8:05 PM
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NATMACFIN
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Thank you very much. Being that I know little to nothing about car maintenance, what should I tell a mechanic when I take it to a shop? Secondly, I am sure there is no way you can definitively tell me the cost, but can you give me a ballpark in terms of cost?
Jul 29, 2011 at 8:47 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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You tell him what the symptoms are and what has been done to it in the past. He doesn't want you telling him his job.
Jul 29, 2011 at 8:51 PM
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NATMACFIN
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Again, thanks for the input.
Jul 29, 2011 at 8:53 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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You're welcome
Jul 29, 2011 at 9:37 PM
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