Sputters at idle and service engine light is on

Tiny
JIMTEDORA
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 NISSAN ALTIMA
Recently the car started to sputter at idle when warmed up and cold. No problems when driving at any speed just when at idle. I have to tap the gas to keep the car running at red lights. I have replaced the plugs cap and wires thinking I has a dead cylinder or misfire. Now the service engine light is on and the car still has the same issues. I have ordered a fuel pressure regulator and am replacing the fuel filter. Should I consider any other options?
Thursday, March 1st, 2007 AT 2:13 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KIN CHAN
  • MEMBER
  • 453 POSTS
Check engine light will automatically store a diagnostic code in your ECU which at least reflects what area of the system is being affected. Can you get me the codes?
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Thursday, March 1st, 2007 AT 8:29 PM
Tiny
SMOOCHIE5
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My car is doing the same thing as jimtedora. Did you ever get the codes for this? If my check engine light is not on will I be able to get codes to help with this issue? My thing is that it doesn't do this all the time and when it is running good it runs real good. It's like night and day. It's driving me crazy!

LT
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Monday, March 12th, 2007 AT 12:59 PM
Tiny
JIMTEDORA
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I checked the codes and they said - "multiple misfire." Following the repair tree the first thing I tried was a new set of plugs cap and wires, still sputtered. The next thing was to replace the fuel filter and fuel pressure regulator, still sputtered. Finally the reference tree said to replace the intake manifold gasket and that did it. The gasket was the part that cost the least gut required the most work to replace. Thanks for the input.

JIM
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Monday, March 12th, 2007 AT 1:41 PM
Tiny
RANDYCACC
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Jim,

Have you replaced the MAF? That is the mass air filter. It is a problem with most 2001 Maxima's from what I can tell. Check out the maxima. Org website. There is a forum there that will give you all the details of how to replace your MAF. I just replaced mine 2 days ago and it runs better than new. Totally amazing. Let me know how it goes.
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Monday, March 12th, 2007 AT 2:24 PM
Tiny
RANDYCACC
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Jim,
Sorry, I read your post too fast. Still the info might be useful. I was referring to a 2001 Maxima but I see you have an Altima. The website I used was www. Maxima. Org. I wouldn't be surprised if you had the same problem but I don't know how similar the 2001 Altima was to the Maxima. Good luck.
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Monday, March 12th, 2007 AT 2:29 PM

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