2000 GXE 1.8 idle problems

[toyojo2]

I have a nissan sentra GXE 1.8 manual, about a month ago it started to act strange. When I first start it up it will idle ok for about 5 seconds then the idle drops down and it dies. after I restart it it will idle ok but when I begin to accelerate it will bog real bad for 5 to 10 seconds then it will run okOn the interstate no top end power to pass like it use to have. I went to autozone and had the check engine light code read. The obd indicated a lean fuel mixture {no code number}. The guy from auto zone said run premium fuel and that would help. I have replaced TPS problem still occurs. Your help and experience would be appreciated

[nametakennow]

Have you had a dealer run your VIN to see if you're a victim of the ECU foam recall?

I'd start there. There's no reason you should have to run premium in a 1.8.

[NSR_s30]

I'd say the infamous ECM recall...Happened to me at 8k on my car.

[toyojo2]

I have had the vin ran and it has had the ecu foam recall done, the cranksensor recall done, the a-arm fastener recall done, and a cam sensor kit that was installed when the cranksensor was replaced. I bought car used have had it about 8 months was in excellent cond. with 104,000 milesthe problem started about a month ago with the check engine light, then the idle problem when started cold. and loss of high speed acceleration ( what little it has). I have replaced TPS, and am going to check MAF sensor this weekend, any ideas would be appreciated.

[nametakennow]

What code did the SES read?

[toyojo2]

All the recall work done by previous owner. I have had the check engine codes read by auto zone, They always get Lean fuel mixture no number codes. as of today 6/17 the car will start, but bogs at any increase of the throttle. I was lucky that I was almost home when it started acting up. I think it cou;d be the maf. It is recieving 5 volts, but with the engine bogging as the throttle is increased I can't hold a consistant rpm to get a definitive reading. any info appreciated

[nametakennow]

Actually, that sounds eerily familiar.

Is your MAF backwards?

Sounds dumb... don't ask me how I know.

[Twilight sentra tuner]

how would that mess with his car?

c'mon share ur story

[Twilight sentra tuner]

what a/b the fuel pump? maybe thats the problem

[toyojo2]

I have removed the air filter housing a few times to check filter and clean housing. Everything was assembled the same as it was when removed. I have had maf problems on my toyotas, but they either ran or didn't. no 5 weeks to finally let go, and give up the ghost. The strange thing about this problem was my gas mileage has always stayed around 33-35 mpg no fail. Does this sound like a fuel pump. would the pump take weeks to finally fail. The car will start it just runs like sh@#t with no power.

[nametakennow]

Eh, not the backwards MAF then.

If you want to know my story, go in your garage and put your MAF on backwards. Long story short, you'll be throwing a MAF code and sounding like a plunger on crack. It won't hold idle that way either. This is what happens when a bunch of 16yr old kids put an intake on and aren't paying much attention to what they're doing. It was one of my friends who actually put it back on. We still joke about it nearly 4 years later.

Anyway, back to the matter at hand.

Somehow you're not getting enough fuel. Could be an injector or it could be the fuel pump. It sounds slightly like the evap canister, but that wouldn't cause you to bog (I know because mine's bad, so I share all of your symptoms occasionally except the bogging).

[toyojo2]

This problem started about 5 - 6 weeks ago check engine light comes on, Then the idle problem when the vehicle is first stsrted, then the loss of high speed power. the car limped along until 6/17 where it is undrivable currently due to the bogging and unability to freely rev adove 2000 rpms. I have replaced TPS no change, codes read by AZ lean fuel mixture no number code. I have looked for external fuel filter, but mine is in gas tank. checked vaccum hoses, changed plugs, air filter, cleaned filter housing, changed to premium fuel. checked vin for all recalls done on vehicle. What about the EGR valve. could a bad or stopped up EGR valve cause anything like this. a friend had an 87 200 sx that would run for a little while then die. he replaced EGR valve and the vehicle ran ok. any info appreciated

[nametakennow]

If your EGR was acting up, you'd have a code telling you so.

It registers as just in one cylinder, so I'd start by checking that injector. After that I'd check the pump itself, not just the filter.

The inability to rev sounds like the ECU is going into safe mode, which it may be doing when it sees the lean mixture.

[kenmal]

The air intake sensor (connected along the air flow system) ...affects the amount of fuel pumped into the engine as well...Normally..they have to check the OHM value...

The other possible thing is your AAC valve/idle and the connecting system. I am not sure of your car but if you could, u need to clean it (with gasoline)..that affects as well the air/fuel dosage. I truly recommend everyone to do it every 30K or 60K km

Check the plugs again today...is the head black despite changed recently..(but I doubt it in view it is lean in fuel)..but still..

You have 4 injectors....what are the chances 4 injectors are blocked?If one is partially blocked...your car will be vibrating like a cradle...so it does not sound like your sympton.

Fuel pump...in my experience...it either works or not...Since we are at it...fuel-filter should be changed at least every 60K km.

The problem started suddenly...so it does not sound like it switches and sensors are plugged in at the wrong direction...or messed up by someone.However...I do know that "sensors" connection can be loose /oxidised..and that can affect the engine performance..Check it with the engine running.

[toyojo2]

UPDATE: I borrowed a obdII code reader flashed P0101 replaced maf sensor. vehicle now runs good and revs freely, but it has developed another problem. After it is warm and at idle for a couple minutes it will just die. When driven it will die when you disengage clutch at a stop. everything is fine except the issue of dieing. I have adjusted the TPS, after it flashed P0505 idle control system malfunction.. now no more check engine lights, but it dies after warmed up. any help would be appreciated.

[Sliver01GXE]

I have a 01 GXE and i am going trough the same problems. I replaced the MAF and mine is also dieing randomly. I tried adjusting the trottle cables but that really didn't work. So if anyone does know please let me know.

[nametakennow]

Any SES light/error code?

[toyojo2]

I think my problem is possibly in the throttle body. a stopped up idle port or circuit. I am going to remove TB and clean it . I removed air intake piping to visually inspect inside of TB it was was very clean no carbon, but I am going to remove any way and clean it.

[nametakennow]

I haven't heard this gripe from 1.8 owners before, but it's been awhile since I've spent much time looking:

There's the infamous purge valve stuck open issue too. I hear about it on 2.0s all the time (and I'm currently a victim of it). It usually happens at 50-60k miles, but can happen later. However, it usually includes a code as well for the evap system, and, unfortunately, it's the same code as a bad gas cap, so Nissan dealers are retarded about it.

[toyojo2]

Since we spoke last I bought a couple feet of various sizes rubber hose and started replacing vaccum hoses, checked egr piping for carbon build up(it was clean), replaced MAF sensor, adjusted TPS, and throttle cables per haynes manual, changed air filter, checked plugs (clean). while car is warming up used OBD II code reader to check basic diagnostics, O2 sensors ok, egr system ok, no ses codes. I am getting ready to remove Throttle Body to clean it, and inspect and clean all small orifices. THIS PROBLEM is not going to whip my ***. When I finally do find the problem I will post a trouble shooting thread of what to look for first then proceed from there.

Any additional ideas appreciated

[william689]

I got exectly same problem. After I changed MAF sensor last week, it seems back to normal. Since then, the nightmare begins, after it is warm and at idle for a couple minutes, or turning on the road, or braking at stop sign, revs trop below 500rpm, and it will just die.

Techs, give your advices!!!

[toyojo2]

after cleaning throttle body and reinstall drivability about the same, but got 2 more obd codes1. P04462. P1490 I know the 0446 has something to do with EVAP system and I think It could be that EVAP purge valve.The P 1490 I have no Idea what it could be, any imput would be nice

[nametakennow]

P0446Evaporative Emission Control System Vent Control Circuit Malfunction

P1490 Vacuum Cut Valve Bypass Valve (Circuit)

The first is not a purge valve issue, it's electrical.

The second I don't know.

[william689]

Some update:

1. Had it checked by mechanic, no any leaking, fuel pressure is normal.

2. Disconnect the IAC, the car run fine. open IAC, it's very clean. clean it anyway, no help. The mechanic tell me IAC need be changed.

3. Took this trash to Nissan dealer, no more recall found. They said maybe some reprograming need be done after change MAF. They need run diagnostic to tell.

What can I do next? Change the IAC or have it be diagnosticated? I just want it be fixed with minimum spending and sell it.

Any suggestions appreciated!

[nametakennow]

There's no programming after changing the MAF. Forget the dealer.

[toyojo2]

I found my evap cannister. It is located on the passenger side rear of the car after removing the guard around it I found a large rectangular cannisterwith 3 selenoids or actuators on the various hoses attached to the cannister. Could any of these electrical devices malfunction and possibly through a p0446 obd code. This cannister is located behind the driver side rear wheel. If anybody has had to deal with something like this please any help appreciated

[nametakennow]

It says the circuit, so I guess if there's something electrical back there it could be the issue.

Get the FSM from the link in my signature and it should tell you what's what.

[toyojo2]

In my Haynes manual (not very informative for 2000+ sentras) when I looked up the code p0446 and it said evap system. I went to the evap emissons section and the first thing listed under how to check evap cannister it said if you have unresolved idle issues this could be the problem. Going to download FSM and investigate. thanks nametakennow

You also live in Ga don't you

[nametakennow]

The canister is a common problem, specifically the purge valve. In fact, this is the first time I've seen someone with an issue that's not the purge valve.

Yep, smack dab in the middle of Atlanta.

[toyojo2]

Do the FSM's that you have a link to have a schematic on the evap system.I have never seen a more complex evap system. My haynes manual only lists pre 2000 info.