jyardog

Any one had an experience with erratic idle problems when engine is at operating temp? The check engine light is off but when my car is at operating temp. the idle raises to 1600 rpm and then will cycle up and down to 1800 rpm about every second, This condition lasts for a while and then will eventually settle at 1600 rpm. Some times the fluctations last for a minute or so and some time just for a few seconds. If you crack the throttle the fluctations will occur again and then settle at 1600 again.
Cold idle is normal and the car runs great other than that. The car is equipped with an auto trans. Anyone got any ideas? Thanks..

zourtney

AH! Yes! -- this just happened to me. First, my car wouldnt hold an idle without giving it gas, then had the erratic idle you mentioned, now it's sluggish as all get-out and won't break 2500rpms. It also dies, or almost dies at stoplights.

Have you had any SES codes? I've been throwing P0138/9, which is rear bank o2 sensor.

Anyway, I highly advise you don't ignore this problem. Can anyone confirm or deny that my symptoms are that of a dead mass air flow sensor??

thanks.

nismo_star

iTrader: (8)

Jyard, you may need a throttle body, the Idle Air Control may be acting up, if now CEL, then possible ECM problem.

Zourtney, P0139/P0138 need two rear oxygen sensors and a updated reprogram for ECM, given your car is 2K, and granted you are under 80K mi, you should be eligible for free replacement and free reprogramming, ask your local dealer or if you know someone at a dealership.

zourtney

Blown rear o2 sensors wouldn't cause the MAF to blow too, would it? (I think it's blown because it wouldnt break 2500rpms...) I plan to go to the dealer tomorrow, but I'm at 96k miles. Does the TSB for this only apply if under 80k miles?

unrealii

iTrader: (8)

No, the o2's can't cause the maf to blow. The car is limiting itself at 2500 rpm's because your o2's are shot. The tsb applies to your car, but since you have more than 80k, you may end up having to pay for it. It is a comon problem on these cars, you may be able to get a goodwill repair out of the dealer.

jyardog

I only have 42K miles on the car and it runs great, all the power you would want. Just this wierd idle problem is the only fault with the car. I've owned two older Maximas over the years and never had a moments problem with either of the older cars, thanks..