2000 Nissan Altima Rough and vibrating Idle with low rumbli

LDENTONE

MEMBER
2000 NISSAN ALTIMA
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
129,000 MILES

Hi everyone! I have a 2000 Nissan Altima that is giving me some trouble. For a while now the care would idle a little roughly when in drive or if I had the A/C on (which only works sometimes), but I could put it in Neutral and it would idle fine.

Now it seems overnight that it idles VERY roughly (to the point I thought I had a broken motor mount) when I start it up and in low gear. When driving it, the terrible vibrating seems to taper a bit, but when I decelerate, it makes a low rumbling sound. (Best way to describe it.) I have stopped driving it, unless I absolutely HAVE to. It's been 3 years since it's last tune up, I plan on getting that done this week.

Currently my husband is away (he's in the Army) he'll be back in a week, but I don't want to take it in and be taken to the cleaners!

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks in advance.

5 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Is the check engine light on? First thing you need to do is have the codes read, Autozone does it free, Post the results with the code number(s). Even if the service engine light is not on, there should be freeze frame data stored.
If it won't make it to Autozone, buy a cheap scanner, they can be had for 30-40 dollars, a good investment, since they cover all cars sold in the USA from 96 on.
If the light is blinking, it means possible damage to the converter. Service it right away!
It is probably time for a complete tune up, plugs wires and all filters. Then go from there.

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Wednesday, August 6th, 2008 AT 1:19 PM

LDENTONE

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I will take it in to have the codes read today, thanks. It does drive, but I am afraid of breaking down, new to the area. Husband away. Don't know too many people.20 miles out of the nearest town, a little nervous to drive it.

Also, the check engine light is NOT on. Six months ago it was on, after reading the owner's manual, it stated it was most likely an emission control issue that if the light didn't turn off after a few driving trips to take it in to have it serviced. It did in fact turn itself off, so I didn't take it in. It has not come back on since.

Thanks again, I'll post the codes.

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Wednesday, August 6th, 2008 AT 1:30 PM

LDENTONE

MEMBER
4 POSTS

But there were no codes. The guy that ran the test, said that maybe I had a broken motor mount? He said they were hydrolic motor mounts.

When I left the house I had to get gas because I was almost out. I had put a few gallons the other day in it, but I only put in 85 usually I put in supreme. When I left the gas station it got 10 times better? When I start it now, it starts at a hi rev, then kicks down to a regular idle. Same thing at stop lights etc. But whe I am driving, it is is not nearly as bad, but I do still HEAR vibration, I don't ffel it, I hear it that same rumbling sound.

Could it have been bad gas? That could explain the overnight poor running I would suppose.

I am still going to take it in this week for a tune up.

But do you have any ideas? Bad gas, bad motor mount? Now I'm more confused! Gald it is running better. Thanks again for your assistance.
Lynne

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Wednesday, August 6th, 2008 AT 2:57 PM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Even tho were are paying 4:00 dollars a gallon, some jerks still add water! It is possible. Good luck with it, when you go for the tune up, would'nt hurt to have the mounts looked at too!

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Wednesday, August 6th, 2008 AT 3:04 PM

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