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Nissan Altima Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • haefrhaefr Member Posts: 600
    "...coolant was always needing to be filled, (no leaks found)..."

    As you surmised, coolant loss has to be accounted for somewhere. If there are no traceable external leaks, the only other alternativie is passage past seals and into one or more combustion chambers. When this happens most of the loss is expelled through the exhaust. Most. But, some percentage is pushed past the piston rings where it mixes with and takes up residence with the motor oil. Since the process is cumulative over time, the contamination of ethylene glycol builds in the oil. The bad news is that ethylene glycol (the working component of antifreeze) is extremely errosive to bearings. Your engine may have been expelling oil past the main bearings, and if left to do so long enough, the excess oil confronting the main bearing seals at the front and rear of the engine may have failed. Free expulsion of motor oil out of the engine results in excess consumption. (Duhhh...) If it's not too late to have a sample drawn of the motor oil in the engine at the time the car was delivered to your take-yer-money-ship, do so (several ounces is sufficient) and send it to one of the oil analysis services* for a printout of the contaminants. You needn't be a gearhead to understand the results - they include a comments section outlining and explaining any problem areas they feel require immediate attention. But, if you're interested in learning more than you thought you'd ever want to know about motor oil and interpreting used oil analysis reports, "bobistheoilguy.com" is a good place to start. If ethylene glycol is present, you may have a basis for binding arbitration or legal action against Nissan. Good luck.

    *The one I use yearly is Blackstone Labs. Google the name for their website. Their basic analysis is well under $30.00; the results are sent as both snail-mail and an email. If they feel the situation warrants, they'll call you - although from your description, it sounds like it's already too late to save that engine.
  • haefrhaefr Member Posts: 600
    "My 95 Altima GXE check engine light is on. I know there is an oil leak but I added oil. There is also loud knocking in the engine. I'm not really sure if the timing sesor needs to be replaced."

    You got trouble. The real question is how much trouble. The term "knocking" is used to describe two entirely different operation maladies. When applied to mistimed ignition, the "knock" sound is explosive detonation when the fuel-air mixture is ignited way prematurely while the piston is nowhere close to completing its compression stroke. If severe enough, it can break pistons. However, the same term is also used to describe the sound made when a connecting rod bearing has failed. In this scenario, the excess clearance between the worn rod bearing and the crankshaft's affected rod journal results in a deep, pounding sound. Pre-ignition knock is generally most pronounced when accelerating or pulling hard. Rod knock is more pronounced when coasting down, steady speed over flat terrain, or idling. If severe enough it can break a crankshaft and even put broken parts through the oil pan (where there weren't openings previously). Given the age of your car, I couldn't hope to hazard a guess by long distance. You could even have both. I can guarantee you one thing, though: it won't go away if you ignore it.
  • haefrhaefr Member Posts: 600
    At the very least, your take-yer-money-ship should have you bring the car in so they can check the on-board diagnistics system for stored fault codes, AND keep the car overnight to see if they can duplicate your hard-starting problem when the engine is bone cold. Sounds like your take-yer-money-ship is better at practicing, "YNAM" (you're not a man), than making an effort to deliver quality service. (BTW, if your car is still under Nissan's factory warranty, you have the RIGHT to have any Nissan dealership attend to warranty matters.)
  • geeman2geeman2 Member Posts: 1
    The knocking can be a problem ... usually means you have a "rod knock" and if its not taken care of the rod can actually shoot up or down causing major problems . I would take it to a mechanic and see what they think .. dont tell them you think its a " rod knock " wait to see if they confirm . it could be as simple as changing bad bearings , but if they are going in that direction might as well get a new crank shaft and piston rings . I estimate about 900 - 1000 $ of work .. or save that $$ and put a down payment on new car .
  • houtx1houtx1 Member Posts: 1
    In the last month or so my car has stalled out on me two times when I slow down to stop or turn. It also has 51000 miles on it any one have a clue before I go to the dealership. $ $ $ $
  • gino45gino45 Member Posts: 52
    I have a 98 Altima that has a small coolant leak. It seems to be leaking from the water pump. The dealer said that it would take over 10hrs to remove and reinstall a new pump. The pump itself only costs $125, but with labor the dealer is asking for $1400!! Is this reasonable? I would like to know if I can change it myself or is this a job that should be tackled by a dealer?
  • bonjelabonjela Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 Altima GXE that the SES light on. I already replaced the spark plugs, fuel filter, spark plug wires, AIR MASS FLOW Sensor, based on recommendation from Nissan authorized workshop and paid $800. However, after 4 days, the light was on again. And now the Nissan Workshop, suggest me to replace INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET, with total cost $820 (incl. 720 for labour). And they still would not guarantee the SES will off after that. They just said there are some water in the cylinders, so the engine too lean. What actually caused the SES light on? Does anyone know how to handle this problems? It costs me too much, now. Please help..... :sick: ..... Thank you.
  • dominicusdominicus Member Posts: 2
    :( This my first posting since joining. I have had a letter from Nissan. Dated December 2005. It is in regards to the 2002 to 2004 Altima and 2004 2005 Maxima. It is in regards to a "possibility of Corrosion and cracking of the rear Sub frame bushings that may occur" This mostly due to cold weather and salt on our roads. Nissan is going to fix this area of the car, but your car is going to need a 4 wheel alignment that the car owner has to pay for. Has anyone heard of this. And should the customer be responsible for the cost of the alignment? Can someone please reply in regards to this matter. Also is their anyone else that got this notice?
  • justtinajusttina Member Posts: 3
    Thanks for the information. I have called multiple times now. I am going to insist they take my car in and run diagnostics . There is still a factory warranty . I have already asked them for written documentation of my calls and complaints. If you have any other suggestions they would be appreciated.
  • nickyjnickyj Member Posts: 1
    Girl,

    I am having the same problem. It takes me about 10 times before it will start and then black smoke comes from the tail pipe and I hear knocking nosies under the car. I brought it to the shop and they said nothing major was wrong and I needed a tune up and new battery. Once the tune up was done it stopped. Well after a few months it started it again and now my coolant tank is always empty. I changed it at least once every two weeks. My check engine light is also on but they can't find anything else wrong. Well what was your response from them (Nissan)?

    I need help please someone!
  • haefrhaefr Member Posts: 600
    "Well after a few months it started it again and now my coolant tank is always empty."

    If the knocking noises and the smoke are back, AND coolant has to be replenished too frequently, I suspect a blown cylinder head gasket. Major problem$ if your car's out of warranty. (Was this a franchised Nissan take-yer-money-ship's service department that did the initial diagnosis and tune up on your car?)
  • peterdh2000peterdh2000 Member Posts: 54
    Hello folks, any suggestions?

    98 Altima SE, resonating grumbly "whump-whump" from front wheel area of car, varies propotionionally to speed of car regardless of whether clutch or gear is in or out. Gets to its very loudest at 20mph, significant at most other speeds. Just rotated tires, they've got 15-20% left, didn't make any difference. Car tracks straight and true, has faultless, quiet brakes with original pads at 92K and has not experienced reduction in MPG. Ideas?
  • marleaumarleau Member Posts: 2
    I have read a few post about the Altima stalling out on the road.Has anyone recieved any definite answers.My wife drives the Nissan Altima to work which is about a 40 mile round trip.Just recently the car is stalling on the freeway,which is dangerous since she has no power steering.I am not sure if it is a fuel problem or computer.Thank You
  • the4castthe4cast Member Posts: 1
    Hello, we have a 2002 Altima. We love the car, but have noticed some trouble starting some of the time. Thanks for the info. We haven't seen black smoke yet, but we do smell gas once the car starts.
  • haefrhaefr Member Posts: 600
    "We haven't seen black smoke yet, but we do smell gas once the car starts."

    If you mean the odor of raw gasoline, I'd be more suspicious of a leaking fuel injector or other source of gasoline leakage. Your car needs attention NOW to elliminate the possibility of fire.
  • thill1thill1 Member Posts: 1
    I have the same problem as message 1214 car died put in a new battery will crank has fuel weak spark. Will not start...
  • frankc8888frankc8888 Member Posts: 1
    Dear, sir I too received a letter for this particular recall, I brought my car in last week & had it done, an alignement was done on the rear wheels only free of charge, if they are asking you to pay for the alignement they are trying to rip you off. Please call Nissan Canada & let them know about this.
  • has a good, recommended mechanic looked at it? check inside distributor for oil. this problem may not be on the 99's, but it was a problem on my 94.

    good luck
  • cruizin3cruizin3 Member Posts: 4
    You too... I bought my 2005 Altima 2.5S in August and have the same issues. I have been to a local Nissan Dealer twice and a 2nd dealer 35 miles away for a second opinion making it 3 alignments. Dealers state that the vehicle is in spec and that they "under warranty" can not go outside of spec while covering under warranty. The warranty on this type of repair is 12 months 12,000 miles "don't wait". Issue still not resolved - escalated to Nissan Customer Care 1-800-Nissan1 one month ago. I have had to do all of the calling back - I am told a specialist will call me this week as we exceed 1 month of trying for a resolution. What good is a car that wants to drive itself into oncoming traffic or into the ditch :lemon: I am still looking for the silver lining of foreign car ownership. Good Luck - I will post again if I can get anywhere..
  • gassygassy Member Posts: 1
    I HAVE 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA AND THERE IS A STRONG GAS SMELL COMING FROM THE VENTS AND DEALERSHIP DENIES SMELLING ANYTHING:( DOES ANYONE ELSE HAS THIS PROBLEM?
  • cruizin3cruizin3 Member Posts: 4
    I have a 2005 Nissan Altima and received a similar letter. It states that my vehicle being an 05 model should not have any issues but is included. I received a sticker which extends the corrosion warranty to 13 years for this issue. It advises to put the sticker on the warranty manual for the car as a reminder. My letter also states that the corrosion could lead to a knocking noise. It states that it will not affect handling characteristics of the vehicle and is safe to drive. I would believe this would not affect the alignment? Letter states if you see any cracking or knocking noises that Nissan will repair the vehicle at no charge to you during this extended warranty period which states 13 years. You would not need an alignment if it were not for the repair. Could confirm with Nissan corporate 1-800-Nissan1. :sick:
  • edvkedvk Member Posts: 8
    Have you or the dealers considered that one of the brake calipers may be dragging and causing the pull?

    Try some experiments, like applying the brakes evenly from a higher speed. Does the pulling stop?

    It could also be a difference in tire pressure from one side to the other?

    Also review some of the discussions about bad struts. This may also indicate a problem.

    Good luck.
  • leostarjleostarj Member Posts: 1
    I have always had a manual transmission, I now own a automatice, with Traction Control system, it snowed bad last night, about 21/2 inches going up an incline my car almost stopped from 30 miles an hour to 15 miles no matter how hard my foot was on the gas pedal, when this happens should I turn my TCS off?????This is a 2006 Altima nissan, or should I change the tires?? Really weirded out over this.Maybe I should sell car and get a manual again. :confuse:
  • atlladyatllady Member Posts: 1
    Hi gassy,
    I have an 05 Altima as well, and just the other day, I smelled a strong fuel odor coming through my vents, I thought it was the car in front of me. I will keep an eye out for it again. Needless to say, I dropped my car off at the dealership today because I have had condesation build up inside the car on the windshield, plus there is a heavy water sloshing coming from my dashboard, along with the faint odor of anti-freeze.
  • ama22ama22 Member Posts: 2
    My Nissan Altima '02 was running fine and then it made a sound and then died. all of the fluids were full and it was maintained every 3000 miles. All anybody could say was that the motor seized and now I need a new one. I contacted Nissan and they said to get it towed to a dealership and see what the problem is at my cost, but the next person at Nissan basically told me to bad. Mileage is at 70K. Can anybody help?
  • ama22ama22 Member Posts: 2
    My Altima '02 died. They said the motor seized. I was never informed about any recalls except for the headlight. Do you have any info on what to do? I replied to message from Dave88 that you also replied to.
  • abillingabilling Member Posts: 1
    Altima would not start one day, dead battery. We jumped it and the engine light came on but started right up. Replaced the battery at Autozone and they scanned a problem code 0340, camshaft position sensor. Car starts fine, runs great but the engine light stays on, scanned the computer again and same error. I have been to dealers, parts stores and no one has a part called a camshaft position sensor just a crankshaft position sensor but that sensor does not return a problem code. I am trying to find out what this camshaft sensor is and where it is located. One dealer said it would be $1200 but would not tell me what the problem was. I disconnected the battery for 30 minutes to try and reset the computer but the light just stayed on. Thanks for all the help and I hope someone can give me some direction
  • nightattacknightattack Member Posts: 16
    I have a '05 2.5S with 22K miles. Has anyone ever noticed a burning smell from the rear of the car; not burnt oil, but a smell of burnt plastic or other material. Also, has anyone noticed cracking sounds from the front suspension or has anyone noticed a hard shift from 1st to 2nd gear on the automatic?
    thanks,
  • marleaumarleau Member Posts: 2
    I finally had the dealer find the problem to the stalling in the 2003 Altima.It seems it was code PO335 which is a open circuit in the crank and cam sensors. They just replaced the sensors and now it runs fine.
  • fernandez1fernandez1 Member Posts: 1
    I own a 2004 Altima and whenever I apply the brakes the stick shift clicks. Any suggestions at to what it might be?
    Joe
  • haefrhaefr Member Posts: 600
    Though you had the car serviced every 3,000 miles, how often did YOU check the engine oil level between oil changes? Something, either mechanically or oil-volume related, interfered with the pressurized supply of lubricating oil to the engine's sliding parts. The shop won't get a real handle on just what went wrong until the engine is disassembled for inspection. If the car's out of warranty, you're likely on the hook to the tune of at least $5,000.00, and probably more. If the oil filter failed in some way that would deprive the engine of oil pressure, you'd have a claim against the filter manufacturer, though. I suggest you be there when the engine is torn down and DEMAND the old oil filter so that you can submit it to the manufacturer for evaluation if the filter is an aftermarket part. If the old filter IS a genuine Nissan filter, you'd still have a claim unless your engine is obviously damaged from sludging or other non-filter related defect.
  • soulovinsoulovin Member Posts: 1
    i just recently bought a used 2002 altima with 95k on it . since purchase i have put 4 k on and had the problem with oil consumption and went for my oil change. but all at once i'm hearing a rattling tick during acceleration . now i have called the local dealer about the 100k powertrain warranty but i was told i must be able to provide all the maintence records since i had purchased the car from mazda and not nissan . i am now working on the follow up with mazda but please if anyone has through this before please contact me .

    its a rattling tick that sounds almost like a diesel motor during acceleration at around 2000 rpm

    sorry its a 2.5 sl
  • paulwesleypaulwesley Member Posts: 2
    2003 Nissan Altima 2.5, 48,800 miles. No detectible problems with the engine, but the "service engine soon" light came on recently. Strangely, at the time time, the tail lights aren't coming on when I turn on the headlights. The brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights all work properly, as do all of the other electronic components in the vehicle. My (independent) mechanic tells me that Nissan has not yet released the software needed for him to run a diagnostic on the car, but he suspects that these two issues are related somehow. Without trying to quote him, I think he mentioned something about the O2 sensor doing something to cause the tail light outtage. Has anyone had a similar experience? I'm taking my car to the clean...err...DEALER day after tomorrow so that that they can diagnose it. Hello/Good-bye tax refund!
    -Paul
    PS...this is my first posting, so I hope I did it right!
  • nashynashy Member Posts: 1
    I have the same problem with my 1997 altima. We check and is no code. If you find the answer please e-mail me mine is driving me crazy.
  • pettus762pettus762 Member Posts: 2
    I have Nissan Altima 2002 2.5SE that stalled while I was driving. Sometime it paused and kept going but sometime it just stopped. I took it to the car dealer 3 days ago. They couldn't find any thing wrong with the car and they recommended to have the chamber cleaned. I agreed. However, the car stalled on me again yesterday. I called the dealer and set up an appointment with them next Monday. You mentioned that you found the true problem with your car. Could you please share the information with me? At least the dealer has some idea what to fix.

    Thank you,
    Sue
  • pettus762pettus762 Member Posts: 2
    I have Nissan Altima 2002 2.5SE that stalled while I was driving. Sometime it paused and kept going but sometime it just stopped. I took it to the car dealer 3 days ago. They couldn't find any thing wrong with the car and they recommended to have the chamber cleaned. I agreed. However, the car stalled on me again yesterday. I called the dealer and set up an appointment with them next Monday. You mentioned that you found the true problem with your car. Could you please share the information with me? At least the dealer has some idea what to fix.

    Thank you,
    Sue
  • lxgwlxgw Member Posts: 6
    Thx for this info!

    Actually the problem is not only about 1/5-1/4 fuel left when the Empty light turns on, it's also related to the on-board computer which gives wrong 'dte' (distance to empty) infomation. As definately a bug/defect and they just do not want to address.
  • lxgwlxgw Member Posts: 6
    thank u GMCTRUCK

    you are right in certain sense. I came to notice this problem when i was driving on I-90 in North Dakota. With that huge distance between one gas station to another, it's terrible to see the light is on and you have at least another 50miles before you can get gas. I stopped and call AAA for roadside service. And next thing you can imagine is how furious i was when i arrived the next gas station.

    What you suggest is useful, although not a fix at all. I guess that's one of the many reasons the mechanics from the dealership address us as 'u americans'.

    I discuss w/ my felloew in auto industry. our guess is the design of the 20-gallon tank is very flat on the bottom. But we probably could never verify this through Nissan.

    anyway, thx for ur advice; and it is my suggestion to others too.
  • jsmith24jsmith24 Member Posts: 1
    Hi all,

    I have a 2001 Altima with an instrument cluster problem. It started after a few days of rain...the speedo, tach, odometer and such will just stop working intermittently while driving. It will usually start working properly after the car sits for a while, then do the same thing. It doesn't appear to affect the car's operation at all, but it's a pain. Any ideas?

    If it's a cluster problem, how do I take it out?

    Thanks,

    Jack
  • fooffoof Member Posts: 1
    I'm having the same problem with my 03 Altima - can you please help & tell me how you fixed your problem? Thanks!
  • awacspilotawacspilot Member Posts: 1
    The warranty has expired and now the heater does not blow hot air when the engine is at idle. It works ok when above about 1200 RPM. Has anyone had a similar problem and if so, what was done to fix it?
  • paulwesleypaulwesley Member Posts: 2
    Resolved! (I'm replying to my own missive) The connector pin had somehow fallen apart, causing my tail lights to go out....this was replaced, and problem solved. The service engine soon light was resolved by replacing a missing fuse. The fuse was probably reinstalled in the wrong hole while I was checking them for the tailight problem! Ok...I feel stupid now, but had to share this with anyone interested. Sometimes, the most perplexing problems have the simplest answers!
  • bigdaddy10bigdaddy10 Member Posts: 1
    My step-son just had the same problem with his 96 Nissan and I am just beginning the search on what it might be. It has stalled twice, but would eventually start later but this time it will just turn over and will not start. If someone would, please send some advice on where to start. THANKS!
  • mellinvgmellinvg Member Posts: 1
    I had a similar problem on my Altima 2000.

    Turns out it was a leak in my cooling system and my radiator was nearly empty - good job I noticed the heat gage.

    When I refilled the radiator, the heater started working again

    mellinvg
  • cruizin3cruizin3 Member Posts: 4
    Thanks for the input. Pull issue was noticed between 5-6K miles. 1st alignment was done at 8K miles. Dragging brake was inquired on but latest Nissan dealer after 4th alignment ruled this out. Tire psi is equal among tires and at rec psi. I will look into struts. Nissan no longer acknowledges my issue at 14K miles / returns my calls etc. :sick:
  • financfinanc Member Posts: 6
    I have had a similar problem. There was a slight pull
    with my 2005 Altima S since I purchased it. I did not pay much attention because it was not very bad. But it did develop a vibration later. I took a long trip when the car was about 8 months old. The vibration got worse. I took it back to the service when I returned home and surprise !!!. All tires were worn very badly and I just exceeded 12K mileage. They came up with a $1000 estimate that included changing only one of the tires and a bunch of things that they wanted to do. They told me that it was
    not safe to drive the car. After fruitless
    discussions on how such a new car car be unsafe to drive and how it can not be under warranty, I purchased a new set of tires and had them aligned for 400+. The local service is quite unhappy that I had the
    work done somewhere else rather than paying them a lot of money and I don't think they will treat me well if I go back for any warranty covered issues. But the thing is I still have that slight pull. It seems to be a design
    feature of the car... No more Nissans.
  • nissanaltima22nissanaltima22 Member Posts: 1
    i had the exact same problem and i brought it to Mechanics but they had no clue either so I brought it to the Local Nissan Dealership and its an air pocket in the cooling system that leaks into the heater. So they told me they had to go inside and Suck out the air pocket and reseal it. now my heater works even when I stop at a red light. They told only nissan have the special tools to get it out. Hopefully i was helpful to you if you need anymore questions i can ask my advisor exactly what its called.
  • joebro04joebro04 Member Posts: 1
    My mother is having the same problem with her 93 Altima. We've replaced the fuel filter, fuel pump, and coil. Still having the same problem. Has anyone found a solution yet?
  • captainjackscaptainjacks Member Posts: 2
    Dear All,

    I own a 1998 Nissan Altima. Yesterday I lost my car key and more importantly, my fob (the remote door lock thingy) when I went to ski in PA (had a few reallly bad falls).

    I am now using the spare key. My question is: how do I get a new fob? Do I have to go to a dealer? How much should I expect to pay? I am a poor graduate student and this sort of puts me in the lurch. Is there a cheap way out?

    Thanks in advance to all those who reply.
  • captainjackscaptainjacks Member Posts: 2
    Dear All,

    I own a 1998 Nissan Altima. Yesterday I lost my car key and more importantly, my fob (the remote door lock thingy) when I went to ski in PA (had a few reallly bad falls).

    I am now using the spare key. My question is: how do I get a new fob? Do I have to go to a dealer? How much should I expect to pay? I am a poor graduate student and this sort of puts me in the lurch. Is there a cheap way out?

    Thanks in advance to all those who reply.
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