1997 Nissan Altima Steering Wheel Vibrates when stopped at

PGDORIA

MEMBER
1997 NISSAN ALTIMA
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
220,000 MILES

Hi,

in Sept 2008 I replaced my MAF. Ever since then I noticed that my cars steering wheel vibrates when I am stopped at a red light (it begins a few seconds after the car is stopped).

When I a stopped the RPM gauge is just under half way between 0 and 1 (say 0.4)

I have replaced 2 of the 3 motor mts - the front one underneath the grill and upper mt that is underneath the air filter. The other lower mt that is closest to the driver is ok according to my mechanic.

Also, when I am stopped and the steering wheel is vibrating, if I put the car in Park, the vibration stops?

1. Any suggestions on what could be the cause and trouble shooting ideas or tests that could be done?

2. Is there a diagnostic test to run to see if the idle or timing is off?

3. Why would the vibration stop when I put the car in Park?

Thank you.

5 Replies

ZACKMAN

MECHANIC
4,202 POSTS

[quote]
1. any suggestions on what could be the cause and trouble shooting ideas or tests that could be done??

2. Is there a diagnostic test to run to see if the idle or timing is off??

3. Why would the vibration stop when I put the car in Park?? [quote]

***
1. You answered your own question with a question #2.

2. If you are idling at 400 rpm, your idle is too low. You should be at 600 - 700 rpm (automatic)..

3. Because your engine automatically adjust its idle speed at Park or Neutral higher. You just need to adjust to idle time (at "Drive") and try to get as close to 700 rpm as you can.

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Tuesday, January 27th, 2009 AT 8:22 PM

PGDORIA

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi,

thank you for the detailed answer. Your assistance and website provides an invaluable service!

I need to inform you that I made a mistake with the RPM. It is between 600 - 700 and not 400 as I stated in my question - Sorry. Also, my mechanic made a mistake saying my 1997 Nissan Altima has 3 motor mts, when it has 4 (two lower and two upper mts.)

Today, I went and found the mechanic who replaced all 4 of the mts in 2003. He showed me where the 4th mt is (the upper mt on the passenger side) and said there is a slight crack in the middle of it. He also said the car engine, steering wheel, and hood vibrates too much and that I should replace this mt and the other lower mt located near the driver/passenger (this mt broke and was replaced in 9/07). If you did not know, Nissan's have a very bad history/reputation for mts wearing/breaking frequently - especially this version (which is the 1st version) of the Altima. I usually have to replace them every 2 years and was lucky that I only had to replace that one mt in 9/07 since 2003.

The upper mt on the driver side and lower mt near the radiator were replaced on Monday, 1/26/09.

Before I read your reply, this mechanic aslo said the RPM is just where it needs to be - as you stated in your reply.

I am going to replace the remaining two motor mts this on Wed, 1/28/09, so all 4 will be new.

If that does not fix it, I will shoot you another question.

Thanks again.

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Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 AT 1:38 AM

ZACKMAN