surging and nearly stalling

[econusf]

I was told my O2 sensor is malfunctioning but the part had to be ordered and I have been busy and let a few weeks go by and yesterday I turned on my car and my engine surged and then was ok when in reverse but then had a hard time accelerating and did not slow when I took my foot off the gas. It also almost stalls at low speeds and kind of jumps when moving from a stop light. If this related to the O2 sensor problem or an entirely new problem. My car is a 2002 Sentra with about 63,000 miles.

[nametakennow]

Which motor? 1.8 or 2.5?

Make sure your recalls are done.

This sounds like a MAF issue. I don't see why anyone told you that your O2 is bad unless you're getting a code for it, and even then that shouldn't cause this stuff. The ECU should recognize a bad O2 and run in open loop mode to prevent these sorts of problems.

[econusf]

It is a 1.8.

I looked at the recalls and the following recall applies to my car. This may be the problem. The check engine light came on a few weeks ago which is when I was told about the O2 sensor. If this isn't it causing the surging about how much will the MAF fix cost me?

On some 2000-2002 model year Nissan Sentra vehicles described above, there is a possibility that the engine may stop running while being driven due to contamination of the Engine Control Module (ECM) by the inner lining material. This may also result in the "Service Engine Soon" light coming on or poor driveability. If the engine stops running while driving, this could result in a crash without warning.

[1990q45er]

I had MAF problems a while back--turned out that the crimps in the MAF plug were ****ed. So luckily just spent $20 on a new connector shell.. check that first before investing in a new MAF.

[nametakennow]

If you have not had the ECU (ECM) foam lining removed, get it done immediately. If your ECU is dead because of it, Nissan should replace the ECU free of charge. They may tell you your car is unaffected by the recall, but you may have the problem anyway, and unfortunately ECUs run $500ish. So, if you're not in the recall range and the foam killed your ECU, you're out $500 . Regardless of whether you're part of the recall, insist that the foam be removed. It's unnecessary, and, as I said, it may kill your ECU even if you're not in the affected VIN range.

I still think this is a MAF issue. Who told you it was your O2 sensor? Did they use a scanner to run the code? If they didn't, they don't know anything about how these cars work and guessed anyway (and incorrectly).

If this is not the foam lining recall, your MAF is busted. Sadly, these pieces aren't cheap either, a few hundred bucks. A dead MAF would explain your SES light.

So, call your dealer and give them your VIN to check for the recall. If you're safe there, run to Autozone and have them scan the code on the ECU (it's a free service). I suspect you'll see a MAF code. Order a new MAF from Nissan, it's a 5 minute install on your own, or an hour and a nasty labor charge if you have Nissan do it.

[econusf]

Well, the car is currently at the dealership and they said there are actually two recalls out on my car:

1. ECM foam removal2. Crank position sensor

They think the surging is from the crank position sensor so they will see if fixing these two items cures the problem or if there are additional problems.

[nametakennow]

Ahh, yeah CPS will do that too. When they fix those you'll be set .

[econusf]

Well the Crank Position Sensor fix didn't cure the revving idle so a diagnostic is being run. The dealer thought it was possibly the MAF (as you said) or a throttle position. The car at this point is basically un-drivable until we figure out what is wrong and this stuff isn't cheap. Is it normal for this stuff to go bad with only 60k miles on the car?

[nametakennow]

It's not normal, but not unheard of either.

It's still good to get those recalls done to save headaches later. You'll be up and running soon.

[mould_jesus]

one important thing to ask: have you been taking good care of the car?

it's a nissan from 2002 with 63k.

like he said it's not unheard of, but it's definitely nowhere near normal. make sure after it's fixed that you take good care of it.

[econusf]

yes, i have been taking good care of the car. I don't drive crazy and it is well maintained.

The car is now fixed. The problem was a throttle position sensor adjustment. It needs an O2 sensor too but that has to be ordered so I will have to go back to have it installed next week.

[nametakennow]

TPS issues are pretty common on all B15 variants, moreso the QG and QR, but even the SR has some. I wouldn't consider this a maintenance issue, just a fluke.

Good to hear that you're back in action!

[econusf]

well, the O2 sensor didn't take care of the ses light so another diagnostic was run and the ECM has to be replaced (which thank god is under warranty until 70k miles). I really hope this takes care of the problem because this is my third time in three weeks at the Nissan dealership. I read somewhere that 2002 Nissan Sentras tend to have engine issues. I wish I would have known that before...

[nametakennow]

Usually the 1.8s are fine. It's the 2.5 that are problem-prone, you just got unlucky.