My '97 SE's steering wheel vibrates when idling after it is warmed up. The tach reads between 550-600 rpm. I have 66000 miles on it, and all maintenance has been done. I only run 91 or 93 octane in it, and only use Mobil 1 5 w-30. Knock sensor was replaced after I got the dreaded 0304 code (no code now). It doesn't do it with the AC on or when the car is idling fast. I don't have any drivability or performance problems. Idle is steady, it just has a vibration coming through the steering wheel. Could this be engine mounts or something? And what is up with this electronic controlled engine mount thing that my car supposedly has? The mount closest to the driver's front wheel does seem to have a wire going to it. How does that work? Any way to troubleshoot that? My '96 GXE (RIP) did the same thing. I would think a car the caliber of the Maxima would idle silky smooth (kinda like the commercial with the wine glasses on the hood). Any ideas will be appreciated.

Dave

 

nm

 

Thanks for the post. I forgot to mention that I already cleaned the throttle body and the IACV. Still having the vibration. Same thing as in my '96, in which I had never cleaned them. Could it be from my K&N filter (too much oil or something)? Anyone else had this vibration (you'd know it if you do)?

 

YOur idle at 550 - 600, is that in drive? Or are you Auto tranny? If your manual tranny, it's low, if your Auto it's just a touch low in drive. You should be at 600 - 650 in Drive. Manual tranny you could be up around 700.

Clean your throttle body first, that may bring your idle up slightely.
You can find directions with pics here www.motorvate.ca

If that doesn't smooth things out, search this board for idle speed adjustment. Bring it up to the correct speed and your vibrations will go away.

 

It's the sixth link down in the menu.

 

I appreciate the posts. Forgot to mention I'm an auto. I think I will bump the idle up slightly. Just read the link you sent. Wish I had known it would be that easy a while ago! I'll do it when the weather here clears up. I was just wondering if it was caused by something going wrong that I may have overlooked. Or possibly something to do with those engine mounts, which I know nothing about.

Dave

 

had the same problem and replaced the plugs after that the vibration went away. good luck....

 

I had exactly the same problem, went to the dealership, they adjusted the idle on my ECU, and now everything is fine... (knock on wood)



97 SE, 77,000miles

 

Changed the plugs to the stock NGK's, and the vibration is gone! I had Bosch Platinum's with about 11,000 miles on them in it. Dealership parts guy told me Nissan only recommends the NGK's, something about lower amps or something like that (some technical reason with amps, resistance, and stuff). Worked great. Idles smooth enough for the wine glasses on the hood thing. He also told me (unrelated) to watch out for aftermarket oil filters, like Fram, because they are the reason a lot of people bring in their Nissans with a knock in the top of the engine. Something about the anti-drainback valve not keeping oil in the top of the engine. He said if you can't get to a dealership, that WIX is probably the best substitute for OEM. Damn, I had just changed my oil and filter, too. If he would have looked under my car, he would have seen that orange filter there. Just some info for thought.

Dave

 

I might have missed it in your posts, but if I did see that you were running Bosch plugs, I would have told you to stick to NGKs.

Fram is garbage. Ever since they were purchased by AlliedSignal, their filter have been doodoo. Stick with OE Nissan filters, Purolator PureOne or Ford MotorCraft filters.

 

What are your thought on a Mobil 1 filter?? Just asking because until now I had no idea that the Bosch Platinum +4 were not recommended.

 

And if you're changing your oil regularly, I don't see the need to spend the extra moolah on Mobil 1 filters. Especially for me, since I rack up 3000 miles (city and highway) in less than two months. I also don't use Mobil 1 or other sythetic motor oils...also because of my high mileage driving. I use Mobil non-synthetic 5W30.