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NissanSwan
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| Posted: May 24 2013 at 8:53pm | IP Logged
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Gentleman,
I am new here, but hope to make this a regular place to hang my hat (and
harangues).
I am about to purchase a 99 Frontier 160,xxx miles... auto, 2.4... bedliner,
pickup shell, white... blah blah... it's in decent shape save the idle issue.
Because of the great low price, I don't want to let this derail me from buying
this tomorrow, but I was hopeful for some feedback in any case. I am
mechanically inclined (not an expert) as it relates to Wranglers.
The details:
He, a youngish well-dressed hispanic man, pulled up in the frontier to the
waffle house and as he parked, I immediately noticed the rough idle. We
made an intro and I popped the hood first thing.. and sure enough... the
engine was bobbing around... did this for about 2 mins before resuming a
more normal idle and then it went from normal to rough seemingly
randomly.
He said a mechanic had checked for vacuum leaks and found none. He
pointed to a sensor near the EGR valve and said that mechanic was sure it
was that. I wonder what sensor this is... black and rectangular.
I drove it and have to admit, loved the ride... It drove well aside from the stop
lights. The same idle issue was present. However, It did not die. Test drive
continues, I floored it a couple times checking for tranny or compression
issues... checked the brakes, the standard stuff... brought it back to waffle
house... and then asked about the AC... he said when you turn it on it blows
cold a bit and then creates a hideous sound from under the hood near the
compressor pulley... He demonstrated and yes it was obnoxious. It
appeared to put more than normal strain on the engine as well.
My questions/diagnosis/plan is this.... Buy the truck, remove as much of
the carb stuff as I can and clean it all out... I'm new to this but have done it
on several jeeps... I'll figure that out... clean out the carbon.. test the EGR by
blowing through it... reassemble. If still not better, replace one or more
sensors, run sea foam.... hopefully this takes care of that idle issue...
The AC issue is not something I am familar with (my jeeps never had AC). Is
it the clutch or the compressor? Is this a do it yourself job? I want to get the
AC running. I am in Georgia. Anyone who can give me diagnostic tips or
service tips, I would GREATLY appreciate that...
Could the AC issue be related to the idle?
Thank you so much for any help and ideas. I'm new to Nissan and I really am
grateful for any help/feedback.
Andrew
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NissanSwan
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| Posted: May 26 2013 at 11:28am | IP Logged
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More specifically now... I own this beast of a 4 banger and need to make it
purr... 99 xe 2.4 frontier Auto 161xxx
The truck squeals initially at startup for half a second then stops, the idle is
then bouncing from high to low, high to low, high to low. If I engage the
A/C, it only takes 30 seconds for the compressor (clutch or bearing I
assume) to start really whining.
I'm trying to take apart the throttle body now, and I'm not sure what sensor
is what. Are there any diagrams that could help? I know I'm in the right
area, just need a little supplemental material to help me with this.
Thanks in advance,
Andrew
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frontierguy
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| Posted: May 26 2013 at 7:36pm | IP Logged
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For the squealing, I would start by installing Genuine
Nissan belts. For the idle concern, it sounds like the EGR
valve may be sticking open(apply compressed air to the vac
hose to close valve to verify), or it may have a
dirty/defective MAFS. Try cleaning w/ approved
cleaner(possible w/o removing) and be sure to use a Genuine
Nissan oil impregnated air filter. This model was also
known for dirt/moisture entering the dist. Remove cap,
rotor, inspection plate to check.
__________________
'10 Altima SL
Traded 08 Frontier for 16 Frontier SV CC Long box, quite an upgrade. I do miss the 6 speed and Dynomax ex.
Nissan Technician 25 + years
2011 John Deere X720SE
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NissanSwan
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| Posted: May 26 2013 at 9:56pm | IP Logged
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Thanks frontier guy. Here's what I got.
The squeal at start is still there. I'm sure it's an old/sh*tty belt as you
suggest.
Upon removing the air intake components, I found the bottom of the air
filter housing almost melted through right above and just behind the
mafs. The mafs looks like dog meat as well. Very melted on the
outside. Given the issues, I'd say it has to be that sensor. Nissan
wanted 418.27 ... So I got one on amazon for 50$... At least I'll know
the issue (and it's certainly not hard to get at) if it's a bad part. I don't
get why the "real deal" costs 10 times more. Maybe I'll find out.
Re: the AC... It's blowing cold and squeakless after I blasted the
compressor clutch with WD... Very short term fix for sure.
I really like this truck/engine. It was so poorly cared for in recent years.
Detailing it has been a dream. Not a spec of rust, the years of filth
have been getting washed away. It's really a cozy vehicle.
That said, my biggest concern is the auto trans. It's hard to diagnose
while mafs is whacked but I'm guessing it has 3-10k left (hoping). Can I
turn this into a manual? If not, Rebuild my current trans? Buy a
reman? Get a new one? What seems to be the most cost effective
way to deal with a slipping auto trans on this model? Thank you for
your response. Happy Memorial Day. It's my birthday!! ;)
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NissanSwan
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| Posted: Jun 06 2013 at 6:47pm | IP Logged
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Frontier guy, thanks for being the one to help out.
The cheap MAFS sensor I bought on Amazon, did not work out at all. It
had poor physical specifications for proper install, had to make a gasket
just to see, but still caused my engine to run far WORSE. I put the old
one back in and it runs medium again. Does idle engine
sputtering/very low idle half the time at stop lights.
I ordered a new EGR because it seems likely the problem. I was just
reading about the fast idle control solenoid in the Haynes manual. It
says the engine won't throw a code (mine hasn't) and that the idle will
be affected when u engage the AC... Mine drops 3-400 rpms every
time I do that.
You think that sucker is bad?
Thanks,
Andrew
Btw, got a great result running seafoam thru the brake booster
vaccuum line. It def cleaned the idle up. Whatever it still is keeps it off
tho.
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Nissan Frontier Forums : Problems / Technical
Topic: About to buy a 99 Frontier....
