Fuel System Won't Start Not applicable Not applicable
Q: First, I parked my car on a slight hill with the nose of the car pointed down. (The same thing happened last year at this same time, but the mechanic couldn't figure out what was wrong.)
Anyway, the car sat like that overnight. When I went to move it back, the car just wouldn't start. It made the noise it usually makes when starting, like it was going to start, but then instead of doing so it just kind of got lower until it almost stopped.
I went out every 2 hours during roughly 10 hours and try to start it and the same things happened.
I thought maybe it was out of gas (didn't really think so, since it had run on less before, but was trying to troubleshoot). Now car has 1/2 a tank and still having same problems.
Let it sit overnight again without bothering it at all, it is sitting on flat ground. Even went and looked at oil, etc. to be sure all of that was normal.
Still doing the same thing this morning.
PLEASE HELP!
Possibilities I am thinking of are fuel filter, fuel pump, possibly small to-do with air filter, and/or spark plugs. But I don't know as much about those things as I would like to.
A: You have the capacity yo learn , do so .
Vapor lock is a possibility . Off hand , I would suggest that the ignition coil has gone bad . The computer sends a signal out to the distributor to make the coil provide the voltage needed to fire the plugs . If the coil is bad , no spark will happen . Your car does not use points or anything like them . It is all computer controlled . One place to start is to get a diagnostic done on the computer . All that is needed is the tool and power to the computer . If there are error codes stored in the computer , these can be extracted by the diagnostic device . It would not hurt to have the fuel pressure checked , but try not to look for big problems , get the little ones first . I realize that the computer is not a little thing , but the fuel pump is still a little low on the list . One last idea , check the battery . If it is low on water , the engine may not start . If it is old and weak , same thing .
All Part Groups Other Not applicable Not applicable
Q: I'm trying to replace my axcel and took the old one off with no problem and am having difficulty putting the new one on help been at this for 7 hours....need scamatics!
A: Snap ring on the axle shaft is giving you fits! Try replacing the "Keeper Ring" because by now it is seriously out of shape and won't let you snap the axle back in place.
Thanks,
Dwayne
Heating / Cooling System Malfunction Happens always Always
Q: Blower motor does not work on any of the speed settings except for high. What controls the speeds? I'm assuming that high speed is straight 12V and therefore bypasses the speed control.
A: Blower motor resistor, 9 times out of 10. Inexpensive :)
And 12 volts(actually battery voltage) for high speed, for the lower speeds the 'blower motor resistor' reduces current to blower.
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Malfunction When driving Not applicable
Q: 1. - The front left wheel has play when you move it from side to side with your hands. While the car is in park if you turn the steering wheel from sid to side, an audible knocking sound can be heard.
2. - When driving, when taking a left curve, the stering wheel tends to pull to the right in a jerky way.
A: Sounds like a left front wheel bearing problem. There should not be play side to side. Ed
Q: The engine won't turn over at all. It is like when your battery goes dead but everything else on the vehicle works. Headlights, radio, turn signals. The car also has a brand new battery and will not start after you jump it. Sometimes it will start. But not very often and it is kind of draggy.
A: Either the brand new battery is defective, or the charging system is not working... check the alternator charge output.... Ed
Electrical / Lighting Systems Other When driving Always
Q: no lights (tail, reverse& brakes)headlights do work though, no interior lights, no dash lights, no heat, speedometer not functioning, wipers don't work either. We've checked every SINGLE FUSE IN THE CAR. there are four unidentified relays next to the fuse box, would those possibly be responsible for these problems?
A: there is more fuses in the engine compartment, near the battery.....i think you have 2-4 MAIN fuses out there!
Q: 1.6 manual trans. Whenever I shift to 5th gear, it pops out and makes a lot noise. It is as if something is pushing or pulling the gear out..
Thanks Dan
A: Dan,
Your manual transmission maybe low on oil.
You can check it by first locating the speedometer cable coming out on the left side of the firewall.
Next ,the speedometer cable will lead into your transmission into what is called the speedometer drive gear. To remove this ,you'll need a 10mm wrench which has this bolt holding the backing plate on the drive gear.
After removing this ,firmly grasp the drive gear and pull it straight up.
Look at the drive gear which will be plastic and white in color and check for the presence of oil. The "full" mark will be at the top the gear. Consult with your local dealer or your owner's manual on what type of oil your transmission takes. If the fluid level is good, your transmission may need new sychronizers.
Good Luck!
Jason
Drive Train / Driveline Malfunction When accelerating Not applicable
Q: Sometimes the auto trans won't upshift to high gear.
The only workaround is to slow down and begin to accelerate again. And this only works some of the time.
What do you suggest?
A: You can try and flush the transmission fluid and change the filter.... Add a good quality additive but usually once the transmission is at this point.... big bucks for a rebuild or used replacement..... Try the Parts-Finder...
Heating / Cooling System Malfunction Happens always When warm
Q: 1992 Nissan Sentra/1.6/manual/AC.
Cooling fans will not shut off when engine cools. Fans come on ok at correct temp. I have checked coolant temp sensor (300 to 2400 ohms), sensor voltage (5 volts), fan relay (contacts close when coil voltage is applied.
If car is allowed to cool way down, fan resets to off ok. It seems that the temp range for the system has increased.
Nissan dealer worked on it for 2 hours and cannot find the problem, suspect wire harness. Any help!!!
A: I have found Nissans to run better at cooler temeratures. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise.
If it runs ok...fine. As long as the fan doesn't stay on and comes on at the proper temperature, I wouldn't spend a fortune trying to fix it.
Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction Happens sometimes Not applicable
Q: The daylight beams are not working sometimes when I start the engine and when this is happening the high beam on the left side is not working too. Changed light bulbs, checked the fuses and everything looks fine. Doesn't have other electrical problems. Cleaned the battery contacts but same thing. Sometimes is working fine, but not for long. What do you think about this? Thanks, Radu
A: Check the headlight control unit located under the dash, where on that vehicle I dont know. That controls all headlight functions
Q: I would like to swap my engine which is a 1.6L, with a 2.0L. I would like to know if I can do it, and where can i get a SR20DET engine?
A: Fast way to check is to find out if this car ever came with the engine as an option...you can locate it through the auto recyclers section of our site.....Ed
Q: The auto choke revs the engine up to 2000r.p.m and it takes a very long while before it comes back again to the desired r.p.m
A: That looks like it's the computer on the car.
All newer cars have sensors that sense how cold the motor is sometimes they get rusted and misread how cold the motor is and rev high to try to warm the motor up.
Q: The car ejects white smoke by the tailpipe, but just a few times in random days.
Sometimes I can accelerate and the car and will not get that white smoke, but a few times it make big smoke curtains when accelerating from stop.
I checked the emissions of the car and they are OK. What could make those sudden smoke curtains??
A: Valve seal leaks allow oil under deceleration to enter the cyclinders and burn. Ed
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Making Noise When braking Not applicable
Q: I just purchased this car last week, has a rebuilt motor w/ 20k on it. When I start out it feels and sounds like something is loose underneath. This happens when I start off and when I'm close to stopping. If you could give me an idea of what may be the problem. I would appreciate it. Thanks, Carolyn
A: Are you talking a rattle, or clunk, or scrapping sound or? Ed
Electrical / Lighting Systems Won't Start When starting Always
Q: It makes a sound like when you hit a metal with another metal. when we try to jump it up with another car it will make the same sound and all the ligths come on and off continously.
A: It's hard to tell what's happening by your description. This metal on metal sound does it happen when you try to start the car?Is the noise a constant grind or is it a pop pop pop?
If it is a long grinding sound,it could be that the flywheel and/or starter teeth are worn and are not engaging when you try to start it. If it is a on and off sound it could be major engine damage. When you try to start it have you looked to see if the engine spins? If it is spinning I don't think that the starter is the problem. Also try to pinpoint where the sound is coming from. Have someone try to start it while some one else listens to try and find where it is the loudest.
Q: I have a Nissan Sentra and when at idle or driving I have a constant drip of oil from the right hand side of the engine.
Thinking that the oil pan gasket went bad, I went ahead and replaced both the gasket and pan (it had been hit a few times and had dents). That didn't resolve it.
Would I be safe to assume that the front main seal is bad?
Knowing that the oil pan is sealed up fine, I looked and the drip seems to be coming from behind the crankshaft pulley.
Electrical / Lighting Systems Other Not applicable Not applicable
Q: I recently purchased a 1990 Nissan Sentra. The adapters for the stereo wiring hookup were cut off and i do not know which wire is for what. How could i find this information?
A: go to a junkyard and look at another 1990 Nissan Sentra, cut off the stereo hookups(ask first)then buy a stereo wire harness from an auto parts store or radio shack plug the harness into the wiring adapter to find out what wire is what. You could return the stereo wire harness once you're done with it. It is easier than it sounds
Q: I recently changed the clamps to the battery terminals and it started right up and I drove it around the complex and then shut it off.
Now it will not start. It wants to but just won't.
Before this happened I drove it to the gas station shut it off and filled it up and then went down the road to Target went in the store for ten minutes came out and the car would not start. Any suggestions would be very helpful.
I am trying to fix it myself before I have to go to a mechanic.
Could it be the distributor cap, alternator, or the battery cables. Thanks, Bridget
A: Fuel pump is very possible. Need to check for what your losing.. Spark or Fuel.
jesse7779@hotmail.com
Ignition System Won't Start When starting Not applicable
Q: After driving on an errand for 20 minutes and then parking for 30 minutes, I tried to restart the car. I heard one thump or thud and then after that nothing but the solenoid clicking.
I tried to start it several times, but I got nothing but the clicking solenoid. Then I checked the headlights. They were either not being lit or were too dim to see. The only electricity I could get was a flicker from the domelight inside the car.
(There is no radio to check.) Is this just a dead battery? I have absolutely had no problems starting the car until now.
A: I assume by now that you have tried replacing the battery. If so, and that was the difficulty (I personally doubt it, from your description above) then you will not be looking back here for help. If it was not, and you look back here for help, a couple of questions:
Was it a "thump/thud" exactly like you posted above, or possibly a "pop/bang"?
Was there any unusual smell? If so, could you please do your best to describe it? (Yes, I know, smells are hard to describe, as are tastes...)
If you replaced the battery, prior to try to start the car, did you notice if there was sufficient power to other systems (Overhead light, dash, etc.)?
Upon trying to start the car, was there any further sounds/smells?
Please repost if you still need help on these questions, and any other small or seemingly unimportant irregularities you may have noticed at that time or in the last 3 months...
As both a mechanic and a computer/network tech (and I am sure any others of such vocations will silently chuckle to themselves and agree wholeheartedly), without seeing the actual vehicle/system, all I have to go on is what you have observed and can tell me. The greater the volume of info you can give me, the more specific I can be in return...
Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction Happens always When warm
Q: My wife has a 1990 nissan sentra which has a shifter lockout which sometimes works sometimes you have to press the manual override button on the front of the auto shifter ,,,also the heat and temp guage work for a bit then both drop to 0 ,,,,,i have replaced the electrical side of the ignition switch assembly but the problem persists ,,,,,,there is a relay in the fuse box which does seem to run both these items,,,,,,if i tap on the relay when the guages quit and the shift lockout fails to work ,,,the guages come right up and the shift lockout works properly,,,,,,,,,,,,,Did nissan put one relay in the fuse box to operate both of these circuits???,,,,,there are 4 relays in the fuse box,,,,only one seemed to operate both these items,,,its part number is #3m1u.....below this number it says 25230,,,,and below that number c9980.....can you tell me if this is the problem,,,,it appears to be the culprit....
A: yo...... ther is what is called a voltage stabalizer ... behind the speedohead .. guage assy ... it has three wires yellow ... white .. black .... this controls the fuel and temp ..... belive me . i now nissan senior specialist .....
Q: I just bought this nissan at an auction, I have fuel and it looks and smells like it is making it to the carburator, I have spark to the plugs also, but I can't get it to fire. I wonder if the fire isn't quite enough, because even tho I have it, it seems weak. I also wonder if there is safety switches that may need checked.
A: I would check ingnition timing for poss chain problem
Q: My 89 Nissan Sentra recently started to give me problems. First, when I start up the car it will be fine then after a few seconds it will start to die down but won't completely die out. Then the car starts putt puttin real bad when I accelerate.
I checked the cat converter and it was fine. I also replaced the fuel filter.
Frustrated, I decided to change my spark plugs.
Come to find out 3 out of 4 of the wires were bad. I went to the nearest auto store and got new wires.
I put them back exactly how they were and now the thing won't start.
What am I doing wrong? Jimmy
A: The wires may not be connected to the distributor all of the way, they need to be snug in the slots, and double check the wire set up, if necessary swap wires and see if that helps
Q: I'm currently replacing my engine ga16 with a ga15 everything has woked ok except for the fuel pump on the ga15.This pump works off the cam or distributer.My old one doesn't.the problem is my old head doesnt have this opening and the ga15 does,is there a blocking plate for this.I'm currently using intake from ga16 so as to keep emmission same.Any help would be appreciated.
A: Just get a freeze plug from the Auto Parts, or get the expansion plug, it works.
Heating / Cooling System Malfunction When driving When warm
Q: what i need is a diagram of how to take the heater core out, i have a book but for some reason it just wont come out. any suggestions
Thanks
jane
A: IF YOU PICKED UP A MANUAL AND THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR REMOVAL AND REPLACE ARE NOT THERE YOU COULD CONTACT THE COMPANY HAYNES AUTO MANUALS TEND TO LEAVE SOME INFO OUT CHILTONS AUTO MANUALS TEND TO HAVE MORE DETAILED INFO. IF YOU CAN'T LOCATE ONE TRY YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY THEY SHOULD HAVE A COPY OR,TALK TO A REPUTIBLE REPAIR SHOP AND ASK IF YOU COULD GET INFORMATION ON REMOVAL(YOU MIGHT HAVE TO PAY A SMALL CHARGE)
Electrical / Lighting Systems Chugging When accelerating Not applicable
Q: My car seems to bog down under load... For example, when accelerating or climbing a hill.
I don't know what it could be. I have replaced the O2 sensor, the coolant temp sensor and the fuel filter. Do you have any ideas to fix this?
A: I would make sure the catalytic convertor is not plugged....... Ed
Q: I think that my car's catalytic converter is plugged up because I'm not getting any power from it.
It used to run well but now it's getting less and less power.
If it really is plugged up, what can I do to get more power?? Just change the catalyctic converter??
Q: Basically I'm looking for the location of the coolant temperature sensor that sends it's readings to the ECU. NOT the fan switch sensor or the dash gauge sensor. I know it needs to be replaced but i have NO clue where it's located on the block????
A: Should be close to area where top radiator hose attaches to engine. Resembles a large spark plug with 2 wire connector.
Q: I have the throttle body setup. Seems to be dumping excessive ammounts of fuel all the time. I have to Feather the pedal to get it to go and cant go over half throttle or it bogs down. There is a new O2 sensor, punched out cat, new plugs. Is it the computer or throttle body. Is there and other cars that can swap parts to this engine( computer, throttle bady, engine).
A: While there are other cars that you can get parts from , like the computer , I think you are looking in the wrong area . I had a similar problem with a '86 Reliant . Problem was a bit of trash got stuck in the fuel injector . This keeps the valve open and allows excess fuel in , thus causing problems that you mention . The only other likely canidate is a faulty injector . This injector sits in the top of the throttle body and sprays fuel down the throat of the throttle body . It should be fairly easy to replace .
Q: The engine has some knocking noise especially when I start it. I just found out that since the last oil change. Now after ~1000 mile I checked the oil level...and it was way law.
I could put 1/2 gallon before get to minimum.
I wonder how much could it hurt the engine?
Also no leaking can be seen. The parkong lot is dry. What's going on?
A: Is there a smell of oil around the engine compartment . Is the bottom of the car coated with oil . There is a leak of some kind , either external to the engine that yo have not found , inspite of as dry parking lot , or it is burning the oil . Is your exhaust smoke of a blue color ? Does the exhaust smell of oil ? Yoou need to get this fixed asap . The damage , in part has already happened . The knocking is trying to tell you something .
A: HAVE YOU CHECKED THE GAUGE FUSES FOR THE VEHICLE THERE MIGHT BE AN INLINE FUSE THAT IS BLOWN OR IF YOU HAVE RECENTLY HAD WORK DONE AT A REPAIR SHOP THEY MIGHT HAVE LEFT SOMETHING UNHOOKED UNDER THE HOOD CHECK AND SEE IF YOU HAVE ANY LOOSE WIRING HARNESSES
Q: The fuel gauage and temperature gauge are not working. I have checked the fuses. I need the wiring diagram. I've also checked the plug on the back of the instrument cluster.
A: I need a diagram for the fireing system, for my 1988 nissan sentra, not geting any fire,have check the coild and it's ok,can you help me,thank you,Forever
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Malfunction When driving Always
Q: The steering is stiff and will not self-center.
I recently replaced the front struts and coil springs on my 1987 Nissan Sentra (3-door hatchback).
However, on disassembly, I failed to note the
orientation of the top plate that receives the springs.
There is a little pointer stamped on the top of this plate, and it would make sense that there is a specific position for this.
I have replaced the bearings on which the struts turn, but that didn't do much good.
It is not the power steering as the power steering is working.
What should I do at this point?
A: When the strut assembly is assembled, but not yet installed in the car, the upper mounting plate must still be free to turn easily....
Check to see if you have a spacer ring on the wrong side of the bearing... Ed
Q: I recently failed emissions. I rebuilt the carb, but didn't replace the air/fuel sensor or the other sensors attached to the carb. I went back to emissions and failed again. The car doesn't smoke or burn oil but it has a high hydrocarbon and CO count. What should I do?
A: No simple answers for this..if the car is not burning the amount of gas it is getting, you have high hydrocarbons....Ed
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Other When driving Always
Q: My Problem...
1987, front wheel drive, 5 spd.
When driving the car I hit a culvert in the ground on a corner and I believe I bent the Tierod, and now the right tire when it is straight. The left tire is turned about 5 degrees to the left and as your driving the wheel spins but drags slightly sideways on the road. The steeringwheel is turned a 1/4 of the way around instead of being straight, but the car drives straight. It pulls to the left hard, no rattling, no knocking. Left and right axle and joints seem to be fine. So my question is do you believe that this problem is my tierod? What should I do to fix it? So I don't have to send it to a shop. Thanx
A: Find what part is bent (probably tie rod) and replace it. You will still need to have it aligned. Ed
Q: I don't know if you can help me, but I got in an accident in my 1987 Nissan Sentra Hatchback and it started leaking all the anti freeze out the bottom. I recently got under the car, thinking it was ruined, and discovered that the anti freeze was leaking out the bottom of where you are supposed to put it in. About 2 inches down from the opening you put it in. I was just curious if I CAN fix this, and how much it would cost.
Paige
A:
This is a simple fix. Take your car to the nearest radiator shop they will either fix it or they can install a new one.
Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction Not applicable Not applicable
Q: My gas and temp gauges just don't work. What can I do about getting it fixed?
A: check the fuse designated for that item,if that is not it youmay need to disassemble your dash assembley and check the connections to see if they are recieving electricity
Q: Sentra Stalls when braking. Mechanic called it quits on this car, after installing new plugs.
I have replaced a broken PVC vacumn line and valve. Replace a few other broken lines.
Car still stalling at stops. Car starts okay and runs on interstate fine.
any suggestions ?
Thanks
Jon
A: Jon,
Start your car while parked.
Next depress the brake pedal and listen for a drop in your idle speed.If this is the case,your power brake booster maybe leaking,causing the vehicle to stall.
Good luck..
gator_wrench@yahoo.com
Electrical / Lighting Systems Other Happens always Always
Q: I have a 1986 Nissan Sentra Wagon and the Sensor light is always on. It does not affect the function of the car, I just do not know what the light is for.
A: Normally this means that the oxygen sensor is in need of replacement. Replace the O2 Sensor located in the exhaust manifold and have your computer reset.
OR take the car to a specialist and have the codes read.
This way to the live technicians