We had the preventative maintenance done on it back in Washington, but now, the engine is sputtering, like it's going to stall. Any ideas on what it could be? I'm stuck in a small town with limited auto services. My husband's in the military and we need to get back to Washington soon. Any ideas on what this could be, and how to fix it? Any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Oh yeah, it's a 2001 Nissan Sentra.
2007-07-21 02:51:58 · 5 answers · asked by qleavitt 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
No, we haven't had the error codes read. The Check Engine light is on, though.
No major repairs in the past. It's drive-able, but sputters a lot...regardless of how fast or slow we're driving.
2007-07-21 03:14:44 · update #1
Is the "check engine" light on? If so, take it to an auto parts store (Auto Zone, Advance Auto Parts, etc). Many of these places will scan the computer for error codes for free. This will help diagnose the problem. If there are no parts stores around, find a repair facility that can scan the codes. Or have your husband ask around if anyone he knows has a code reader.
It could be one or more of several different things...
Clogged fuel filter or failing fuel pump (a tank of bad gas?)
Clogged catalytic converter
Fouled spark plugs or a bad plug wire(s)
One of several sensors under the hood.
It would be helpful if you update your question with more details regarding the symptoms. Here are some examples:
1. Can you drive the car?
2. If so, can it go normal driving speeds?
3. If not, how high can you rev the engine?
4. Is the car making any abnormal noises?
5. How do the fluids (oil, coolant) look?
6. Is there any colored smoke coming out the tailpipe? (White, blue or black) Clouds of white smoke can mean a blown head gasket. Blue smoke is burning oil, etc.
7. How many miles are on the vehicle?
8. Any previous major repairs on the car that you know of?
Thanks for the updates:
A clogged fuel filter would not cause the check engine light. Find someone to read and decipher the computer error codes.
Good luck.
2007-07-21 03:10:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you will have to have a computer diagnostic run on it to find the problem. call the local auto shops and ask if they can run the test on your particular car. if not look up on the net the closest nissan dealership and take your car there (towed if need be) or if thats to far call to other garages in other towns nearby and ask if they can run the test. somebodys got to be able to work on nissans around there they are quite common. also if your hubbs leave is about to run out he needs to call his CO and ask for an extended emergency leave. if this is not granted he may well have to fly back or risk being AWOL. and thats not a good thing. good luck!!
2007-07-21 03:07:46 · answer #2 · answered by snafu 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the check engine light wasn't on before but now is start there. You need to see what the code is. It may be just cleaning the mass air flow sensor or something.
2007-07-21 03:42:02 · answer #3 · answered by Airmech 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just curious, did you have the error codes read? That should give you a good idea of what's wrong. Even though it is a small town, someone there should have an OBD-II reader. good luck.
2007-07-21 03:06:26 · answer #4 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
could be bad gas plugged fuel filter or that its a nissan. it may need to be cussed at in japanese.
2007-07-21 02:57:51 · answer #5 · answered by I race cars 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋