2005 Nissan Altima car cannot start after changing aftermar

Tiny
SWAT518
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 83,000 MILES
Hello professionalist,

I changed after-market header(exhaust manifold) for my car, after done the job but without put back the o2 sensor in the header, I started the car, at the first time, the car started less than 1 sec. Then stalled, I tried two more times but cannot started(even push the accelerate pedal), and the engine shaking badly. I searched in forum and asked, no one had experienced stall after changing the header. Even using the same brand header with me(I use 02+sentra megan racing header)

the following are the possible processes that I made mistake:
-- I forgot clean up the header when I installed it, but it looked clean inside.
-- I loosen drive belt and removed alternator, but put back no difference. (The alternator off the connection about 4 days)
-- I put the new header on when I removed the old header
-- I hammered the bolt connected with header and CAT pipe couple times, not so hard. But broken the header mount bracket with connect to the engine bay. (It might not be the reason for the start)
Do you have any idea what would be the problem?
THANK YOU!
TONY
Sunday, October 24th, 2010 AT 1:11 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Hi swat518, Welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation

Do below to determine if its fuel or spark problem, then get back with me with some testing results

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine at least 3/16 away from ground -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/COP/coil packs, coil's resistances, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it.
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Sunday, October 24th, 2010 AT 7:25 PM
Tiny
SWAT518
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Thanks for the reply.
Before I checking all the stuff you suggested. May I ask a question? Before changing the header, my car was running awesome. I am not professional on car but I cannot imagine the relation between header and spark, fuel related stuff or even coil related stuff.
Is changing header can let those stuff you mentioned goes wrong?
Thanks!
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Sunday, October 24th, 2010 AT 8:28 PM
Tiny
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Changing exhaust manifold should not cause the engine not to start-unless there's something is accidentally disconnected-the engine will start without an exhaust manifold-Backtrack all you have touched before getting to the exhaust manifold
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Sunday, October 24th, 2010 AT 8:48 PM
Tiny
SWAT518
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For removing the header, the following are what I did:
- removed the coolant reservoir
- lift the IPDM
- turned the drive belt tensioner and loosen the belt
- disconnected and removed the alternator
- remove header (each step went very well until the last bolt connected the header and cat pipe, I hammed it and broken the mount bracket, is that should the case disconnected something? I hammed not so heavy)

I am so sure I didn't touch anything else when removed the header.
Because I am not so sure I can check all the things you told correctly, and I am not willing to tow the car let mechanism fix it. I hope I can do it my own, so I wish to find the most possible reason.
Thanks
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Sunday, October 24th, 2010 AT 9:25 PM
Tiny
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Double check the IPDM (intelligent power distribution module) connection and fuses and relays in it. Lifting it up could have loosen the connections.
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Sunday, October 24th, 2010 AT 9:56 PM
Tiny
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OK Thanks, I will send u the feedback tomorrow.
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Sunday, October 24th, 2010 AT 10:03 PM
Tiny
SWAT518
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Hi, I checked my IPDM, the connections on the board are fine, and nothing wrong for the wires through eyeball. I dont have the equipment to check the electrical malfunction.
I get a reply from somebody else, said without the primary o2 sensor, the car cannot start. I did not put back my primary o2 sensor because I have to lengthen it. Is that might be the case?
Thanks
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Monday, October 25th, 2010 AT 1:17 PM
Tiny
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Put back the oxygen sensor and see what happens w/o it the computer is lost how to give fuel or not
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Monday, October 25th, 2010 AT 1:28 PM

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