YACT: engine idling problem

[caboob]

As an adjunct to my other thread deciding between getting a Maxima and a Passat. I thought I would explore fixing the problem on my current car, a 91 Stanza.

Whenever the car is idling, the engine stalls as soon as I turn on the AC. Please chime in with any diagnosis? I thought that may some idle sensor or what may have to be replaced.

 

There are several possibilities, to start off, first locate the A/C compressor and try turning the center clutch assembly by hand, it should rotate freely, if it does not, then your A/C compressor has seized.
Next, check for trouble codes, use this, if none are found, suspect the AIS *automatic idle speed* motor, this will be found on top or near the intake manifold, remove it and clean it's internals thoroughly, reinstall and test.

If you continue to have problems, PM me.

 

[Quixfire]

Don?t listen to Roger. Quickly go to Autozone or some other generic auto parts chain store and have them check for codes. Then buy any parts they recommend and install them on your car. Don?t forget to buy several bottles of liquid mechanic and pour it into your fuel tank or engine depending on the instructions.

Do it that doesn?t fix your problem change all the maintenance items you haven?t changed yet, plugs, wires, cap & rotor, fuel filter, and fluids including your blinker fluid. If you problem still persists take a large heavy object and start hitting any sensor or control device you can find on the engine, if the car runs better after hitting a certain part, then change it or at least keep a large heavy object in your car for when it acts up. If the car runs worst after hitting a part, stop hitting it.

If all this advice fails and you still can't get your car to operate problem. Wash and wax the vehicle, clean out all your personal items and stick a for sale sign in the window. When a person offers you more money than it is really worth, take the cash, sign the title, and buy yourself a newer car.

Or you can listen to Roger and ignore my advice; it?s your choice. 🙂

 

[Mr N8]

Originally posted by: Quixfire
Don?t listen to Roger. Quickly go to Autozone or some other generic auto parts chain store and have them check for codes. Then buy any parts they recommend and install them on your car. Don?t forget to buy several bottles of liquid mechanic and pour it into your fuel tank or engine depending on the instructions.

Do it that doesn?t fix your problem change all the maintenance items you haven?t changed yet, plugs, wires, cap & rotor, fuel filter, and fluids including your blinker fluid. If you problem still persists take a large heavy object and start hitting any sensor or control device you can find on the engine, if the car runs better after hitting a certain part, then change it or at least keep a large heavy object in your car for when it acts up. If the car runs worst after hitting a part, stop hitting it.

If all this advice fails and you still can get your car to operate problem. Wash and wax the vehicle, clean out all your personal items and stick a for sale sign in the window. When a person offers you more money than it is really worth, take the cash, sign the title, and buy yourself a newer car.

Or you can listen to Roger and ignore my advice; it?s your choice. 🙂

😀

A true ATOT mechanic.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Hey, things work when you threaten thier lives!

 

What have I done, I should not have corrupted you Quix.

 

[CrackRabbit]

I have no clue about Nissans, but my Chrysler did this when the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor got accidentaly disconnected.
Is it idling rough otherwise? If so it might be your problem, check it and the vacuum lines going to it.
Otherwise just listen to Roger or Quix 🙂


CrackRabbit

 

[caboob]

It is rough idling. The AC works when the car is in motion. If I stop at a light, engine stalls upon which I must turn off the AC and engine has an easier time of starting up.

Thanks Roger, I give it a go though it seems that Quix's suggestion sounds more expedient right now. lol.

 

[TechnoKid]

It'll cost you about $5, but go to NAPA autoparts and buy a bottle of Redline Fuel system cleaner, the SI-1, perhaps your injectors need a good cleaning if your engine idles rough. or you can buy bottle a chevrom complete fuel system cleaner.

 

[Quixfire]

Originally posted by: TechnoKid
It'll cost you about $5, but go to NAPA autoparts and buy a bottle of Redline Fuel system cleaner, the SI-1, perhaps your injectors need a good cleaning if your engine idles rough. or you can buy bottle a chevrom complete fuel system cleaner.

You didn't read my post did you TechnoKid. 😉

 

[Kipper]

Originally posted by: caboob
As an adjunct to my other thread deciding between getting a Maxima and a Passat. I thought I would explore fixing the problem on my current car, a 91 Stanza.

Whenever the car is idling, the engine stalls as soon as I turn on the AC. Please chime in with any diagnosis? I thought that may some idle sensor or what may have to be replaced.

Sensor issue? More specifically, coolant sensor/thermostat issue?

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: MadCowDisease

Originally posted by: caboob
As an adjunct to my other thread deciding between getting a Maxima and a Passat. I thought I would explore fixing the problem on my current car, a 91 Stanza.

Whenever the car is idling, the engine stalls as soon as I turn on the AC. Please chime in with any diagnosis? I thought that may some idle sensor or what may have to be replaced.

Sensor issue? More specifically, coolant sensor/thermostat issue?

No, it's highly unlikely that it's an ECT (Engine Coolant Temp) sensor problem. Also highly unlikely that it's a thermostat problem. It displays classic symptoms of a malfunctioning idle controller. The engine is either idling too low or the FI brain is not properly compensating for engine load.

ZV

 

[caboob]

The FI was replaced at 90K (currently at 135K) so idle malfunctioning controller is probable. what might this thing look like?

 

[Quixfire]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: MadCowDisease

Originally posted by: caboob
As an adjunct to my other thread deciding between getting a Maxima and a Passat. I thought I would explore fixing the problem on my current car, a 91 Stanza.

Whenever the car is idling, the engine stalls as soon as I turn on the AC. Please chime in with any diagnosis? I thought that may some idle sensor or what may have to be replaced.

Sensor issue? More specifically, coolant sensor/thermostat issue?

No, it's highly unlikely that it's an ECT (Engine Coolant Temp) sensor problem. Also highly unlikely that it's a thermostat problem. It displays classic symptoms of a malfunctioning idle controller. The engine is either idling too low or the FI brain is not properly compensating for engine load.

ZV

Actually Zen it?s more typical of a vacuum leak. These older import engines have quite a lot of vacuum lines, some of them running underneath the intake manifold. I would start looking for loose or broken vacuum lines before replacing an idle air control device.

 

[caboob]

Originally posted by: Quixfire
Actually Zen it?s more typical of a vacuum leak. These older import engines have quite a lot of vacuum lines, some of them running underneath the intake manifold. I would start looking for loose or broken vacuum lines before replacing an idle air control device.

OK, I'll check for loose/broken vacuum lines.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: Quixfire

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: MadCowDisease

Originally posted by: caboob
As an adjunct to my other thread deciding between getting a Maxima and a Passat. I thought I would explore fixing the problem on my current car, a 91 Stanza.

Whenever the car is idling, the engine stalls as soon as I turn on the AC. Please chime in with any diagnosis? I thought that may some idle sensor or what may have to be replaced.

Sensor issue? More specifically, coolant sensor/thermostat issue?

No, it's highly unlikely that it's an ECT (Engine Coolant Temp) sensor problem. Also highly unlikely that it's a thermostat problem. It displays classic symptoms of a malfunctioning idle controller. The engine is either idling too low or the FI brain is not properly compensating for engine load.

ZV

Actually Zen it?s more typical of a vacuum leak. These older import engines have quite a lot of vacuum lines, some of them running underneath the intake manifold. I would start looking for loose or broken vacuum lines before replacing an idle air control device.

Sorry, should have been more specific. On both the older FI systems I've had to mess with, the IAC is vacuum controlled. Took it for granted that the vacuum lines would be checked as part of the IAC check. 😱

I've trouble-shot a BOSCH D-Jetronic and an early BOSCH Motronic (ML 3.1). Bloody pain. I'm just glad that the electrical componants were OK in both.

ZV

 

[Quixfire]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: Quixfire

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: MadCowDisease

Originally posted by: caboob
As an adjunct to my other thread deciding between getting a Maxima and a Passat. I thought I would explore fixing the problem on my current car, a 91 Stanza.

Whenever the car is idling, the engine stalls as soon as I turn on the AC. Please chime in with any diagnosis? I thought that may some idle sensor or what may have to be replaced.

Sensor issue? More specifically, coolant sensor/thermostat issue?

No, it's highly unlikely that it's an ECT (Engine Coolant Temp) sensor problem. Also highly unlikely that it's a thermostat problem. It displays classic symptoms of a malfunctioning idle controller. The engine is either idling too low or the FI brain is not properly compensating for engine load.

ZV

Actually Zen it?s more typical of a vacuum leak. These older import engines have quite a lot of vacuum lines, some of them running underneath the intake manifold. I would start looking for loose or broken vacuum lines before replacing an idle air control device.

Sorry, should have been more specific. On both the older FI systems I've had to mess with, the IAC is vacuum controlled. Took it for granted that the vacuum lines would be checked as part of the IAC check. 😱

I've trouble-shot a BOSCH D-Jetronic and an early BOSCH Motronic (ML 3.1). Bloody pain. I'm just glad that the electrical componants were OK in both.

ZV

Great, now both those systems are stuck in my head.