Car dies when I hit brake and clutch?

Question

I have a 2002 Nissan Sentra and I've had this problem since I got it. It dies when I come to a stop sign and hit the brake and clutch. It was under warranty when I bought it and had it in to the dealer about 10 times and they weren't able to find or correct the problem. It happens at random, sometimes It will go days or weeks without it happening and other times it happens 5 or 6 times in a day. My questions are a) has anyone ever heard or dealt with a problem like this b) what was the solution and c) Even though my warranty has expired is the dealership still responsible to fix it because it was a preexisting condition. Any help would be appreciated.

It happens whether I hit the brake or clutch first.
It didnt start happening till 4 months after I got it.
It happens no matter how much fuel I have

It usually happens at moderate temps
I have had my idle adjusted

Answer 1

Sometimes the power brake booster can spring a leak. When it does, it leaks air into the engine that the computer can't measure. This often will cause the engine to stall out when you hit the brakes.

Answer 2

It could be the way you are using your brake and clutch together.

If you have a tachometer, watch your engine speed as you brake. Normally with a manual transmission you brake first and use the clutch to disengage the transmission before the engine RPM decreases significantly.

You may need to adjust the idle speed. If there are certain conditions that seem to be common when the engine dies, you might see if it happens during hot weather, cold weather, etc.

It also could indicate a vacuum leak.

If the warranty has expired you have no legal hold on your dealer, but many dealers might see what they can do just to keep your good will. It never hurts to ask.

I have the problem occasionally with my Isuzu Amigo, but it usually is a problem I have on a very hot day, and I attribute it to the effect of heat on my fuel flow. I could be wrong. The car usually runs pretty well, so I don't worry about it.

Answer 3

I don't know what's causing the problem, but you could do this workaround, which is the way I've driven a standard all my life.

When I come up to a stop, say at 15mph thereabouts, I just push the shifter into neutral. If you have to you can push the clutch in for a sec to do it, but I've found mine usually pop right out of gear, or I can tap the gas to get it to go, depending on my speed.

From my perspective, it saves wear on the throwout bearing, so I drive that way.

Once you get into that habit, it becomes automatic.

Answer 4

I had that happen in my Honda. Try changing out the fuel strainer. Does it happen when you're kinda low on fuel? That's a big sign that your fuel strainer needs changing. The fuel strainer is a little screen that well, stains your fuel and when it gets clogged and you break it stops the flow of fuel completely.

Have it checked out!!

~Sarahybethy

Answer 5

i would say its a fuel delivery problem, but not sure, you should not have accepted the vehicle if they coiuld not fix it under the warranty. now that you have waited you have brought major pain and headache to yourself. good luck

Answer 6

I have seen a similar problem and the problem was in the neutral safety switch or the circuit that it is on.

Answer 7

get a driving lesson on manual transmissions.
clutch then brake. or
trade it in for an automatic transmission car

Answer 8

NO WONDER...you;re doing it wrong....

First CLUTCH, then HIT THE BRAKE...you are doing the reverse!