1995 Nissan Altima Car dies after shaking

1995 NISSAN ALTIMA
16,200 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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KSC_16625
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  • 1 POST
Our car has started, over the last 2 months, lurching forward and shaking when we are stopped at a light or a sign. The rpm keeps going up and down rapidly, it tends to go away once we start moving, But if we are at a long light it will shut down the entire engine and we will have to turn it back on. Only 4 times has it done this while the car is moving.
We took the car to a mechanic and they change the fuel filter and told us that probably one of the major problems was this air pressure system, but cost $400.
Do you by our descriptipon that this will solve the problem (our mechanic isn't so sure because he really can't pinpoint the problem). Please, i need desperate advice before I invest on sucha pricy part, that might not even solve my problems. thank you.
Nov 15, 2008 at 10:55 AM
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ZACKMAN
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 4,202 POSTS
Before you replace any parts, check some items for me. If you don't know how to do, find someone who can.

Erratic idle can be caused by several problems:
1. Vacuum leak
2. Bad or leaking EGR valve
3. Clogged air filter (unlikely in your case. You filter is clean, right?)
4. Low fuel pressure
5. Head gasket leak
6. Timing chain worn
7. Camshaft lobes worn

Check the first two. Those are the most common.
Nov 15, 2008 at 11:12 PM
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