1996 Altima GXE Idling issues

[LONDONDERRY]

Greetings, For tha past 6-8 months I have been trying to trouble shoot this idling issue. While the car is drive and moving it runs okay. However, after about 30-40 minutes of use, the car idles terrible, when I come to a complete stop with the car still in D. Also, it seems as though the colder the air temperature, now that winter is approaching, the worst the idle becomes. A few times I thought the car was going to stall out, until I gave it some gase I don't have any ECU codes and the EGR, air intake valve gasket and distributor have all been replaced during the last 12 months. The car has been tuned 10 months ago and I periodically clean out the throttle body. I run 93 octane and use mobile one oil.

I's stumped on this issue. Any suggestions would be appricated.

Thanks

[NISTECH]

Couple of things. Read the thread on the 99 alty with idle problems. It applies to your year as well. Also take a look in your spark plug wells and see if any moisture or oil is in there. If oil you need a valve cover gasket o-ring strip in there. If moisture you need to blow the water out and wipe down you wire ends.

Also check the connectivitiy of your coolant temp sensor see if there is any corrosion or a loose connection on it.

[LONDONDERRY]

The coolant temp sensor is the one towards the back of the engine in the middle right? I looked at it and its just hangin there, there is a bracket on it but I can't determine where it mounts to. About 1 year ago I have a local shop replace the intake gasket, so they must have over securing the sensor bracket. Where does it mount to?

Thanks

[NISTECH]

no the coolant temp is toward the right fender on the back side , right near the first runner on the intakre manifold. If memory serves its a red connector on the altima. Not sure what your talking about in the middle. if its underneath I am thinking its the knock sensor your talking about.

[ka24dety]

1-the intake gaskets are known to leak on these.Check for a vacuum leak there and any other vac sources.

2-I beleive there is a vac switch for the egr.check that.make sure it doesnt get stuck.check power and gorund. etc

3-unplug the idle air control valve while its running like crap.If it smoothes out after unplugging it.Its that.

4-clean mass airflow sensor with maf cleaner.If its smoothes out then replace maf.

5-check 2 connector terminal at battery for poor connection/corrosion.

[ExtremeDriver]

I had a similar problem...If your timing is not set for 93 octane ,you're waisting your $$$ and your idling would be bad. I switched from 91 V-Power to 89 Octane and that solve my problem. You might wanna try it.

[Rev_D21]

I had a similar problem...If your timing is not set for 93 octane ,you're waisting your $$$ and your idling would be bad. I switched from 91 V-Power to 89 Octane and that solve my problem. You might wanna try it.

On a low compression engine timing makes no difference for 93 vs. 87. I ran 93 in my KA24DE, I also ran 87 in my KA24DE. No difference in performance. No timing changes needed unless your timing is way off to begin with. The 87 vs. 93 debate has gone on for years.

Check your IAC located towards the passenger side of the engine on the back side of the intake manifold. It's no fun to get to but pretty common problem for the first gen Alts.