Idle surge and engine cuts out

PETELG18

MEMBER
1995 NISSAN TRUCK
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
85,000 MILES

When driving the engine will cut out for just a split second. Usually never shuts off and at times the rpm will surge at idling. For example: If I slow down or come to a stop there may be an idle surging (almost shuts off) and then at the next stop or stop light everything runs smoothly. Thanks for any advice. Pete

5 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

Hi Pete,

Is the malfunction indicator light (check engine light) indicating? Have you had the vehicle checked for trouble codes? I would suggest starting with this. A scan would help in diagnosing the cause of the problem.

There are a few possibilities for such problems and one of it is a bad MAF. It can also be due to a faulty or dirty throttle body or the auxiliary air control valve.

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Thursday, October 26th, 2017 AT 8:29 AM

PETELG18

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hey my friend. Thank you for the reply. This problem has been going on for awhile. At one time the "service engine" did come on but went off. While the problem continues the "service engine light has not come back on. After the engine light came on and went back off. I changed the oil and bought a new battery. Did disconnecting the battery erase the codes? Thank you again for helping me. Pete

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Thursday, October 26th, 2017 AT 11:11 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

Disconnecting the battery would erase the memory (fault code) of the ECM and if problem does not recur, it would not show again. However, there are some fault codes that do not trigger MIL but would be recorded by the ECM.

Getting a scan done is still a good idea.

Try cleaning the AAC and throttle body to see if it makes any difference. By the way before you start with anything, ensure there are no breaks in the intake hose from the air cleaner to the throttle housing. Any air leak can cause havoc with the idling system.

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Thursday, October 26th, 2017 AT 7:09 PM

PETELG18