zmax26

Hey all, I got my 03 Max 2 weeks ago with only 12k miles and a few times I've noticed that when I'm stopped with the car in drive the car tends to have a very very slight rough idle. It doesn't even register on the tach but I can feel it. Is this a problem anyone else has encountered or am I just being too particular? My previous car had a very smooth running engine (3L inline 6) which was in my 03 330ci. Overall I am pleased with the car but I'm curious to know if this is a problem or if it's normal.

Thanks.

Catalyst

I've had the same thing for the year that I've had my 02. Dealership kept telling me that the idle was within spec, but it seems a bit low to me. If I increase the RPMs to around 1,000, the issue goes away. Can anyone help?

DAP

Within the last several weeks I have also noticed the same problem on my 03 with 16K. Like zmax26 said, it doesn't even register on the tach. Maybe it is normal.

tsk808

It happens a lot on accords as well... If you had any changes that affected timing chains, etc. then it could be that it's off by a tooth. But considering such low mi. cars I doubt it's that. A more uncommon problem could be motor mounts....

However, I don't know how "normal" this is considering that you never noticed it before. Still, I and many people experience the same thing.

TitanMax03

I also feel like i experience the "rough idle" in my 03 6spd. RPMs fall lil under 500 and rumble shimmies a lil.

Also, i feel like my clutch is maybe making a noise when depressed. It seems like a small creetchy noise when pressing down but not loud. I can kind of feel the clutch makin a noise not really hearing it unless car stopped and very quiet.... Any1 know what the hells wrong?? Thanks!

zmax26

I'm guessing you guys also get the "rattle" noise on cold start ups....

Catalyst

yep. Do you think changing spark plugs might help? It isn't life or death, but is certainly annoying.

zmax26

I would be inclined to say it's more of an oil circulation issue rather then spark plug related since it only happens during cold start ups (after the oil has time to drain into the pan). If it was a plug issue then it would happen all the time.

TheBigDu

iTrader: (1)

This has been discussed several times on here. There is a TSB out for this issue; it's a bad VTC sprocket or something. Check it out: http://maxima.theowensfamily.com/tsb/NTB03-060.pdf

As far as the idle, I have the exact same issue. Maybe it's an early sign of the MAF getting dirty/going bad?

jimmycapp

The oem nissan filters have a check valve built in that keeps the timing chain tensioners pressurized while the engine is off. That could be your cold start noise. Also there is a TSB out for a sprocket that makes noise.

zmax26

Thanks for the link...its tough looking through every page since the search is disabled. A MAF going bad at 12k miles though?

zmax26

I'm assuming you are talking about oil filters. Just switched over to a wix filter and it still occurs.

If I bring it in for the TSB, is the replacement part the same or is it a newer designed sprocket to keep this from happending again.

Thanks