2002 Automatic Stalling in traffic - Altima Forums.net - The Nissan Altima Enthusiast Talk and Discussion Forums

CinCa0989 · 08-21-2009

Hello,

My sister's automatic 2002 3.5SE was stalling out (didn't actually stall, 1K RPM or below) during traffic. It was a hot day, and she had the AC on. When she turned the AC off, the car seemed to return to normal. The temperature gauge seemed fine.

This has never happened before.

Sounds like a minor issue, but does anyone have any ideas off the top of their heads or has seen this happen before? Could it be something with the idle level, fuel line/injectors, vacuum hoses, etc.?

I'm not in a position to check it out myself, so I'll have to relay ideas to her.

Thanks for your help!

Christian

rvmclain · 08-22-2009

If the car didnt actually cut off and didnt go below 7-800 rpms it is normal for that to happen when there is an extra load on the electrical system. If it is not normal I would listen for a vacuum leak and if thats not it have autozone check the alternator.

CinCa0989 · 08-22-2009

Thanks for the earlier help rvmclain.

So, my sister tried starting the car today, to no avail.

I was thinking it could be the battery/alternator, so I tried jumping it in the hopes of narrowing down possible causes.

Unfortunately, it still did not start. All I heard was the dreaded "clickety-click".

Could it be the starter/ignition? Is there anything else you guys think I could try? Or should I just have her take it to a mechanic?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

rvmclain · 08-22-2009

It could possibly be the ground wire or the battery connectors are corroded. Check any joints in the main battery wires. It sounds like something simple. If you get the car started you can disconnect the negative battery cable and if the car cuts off it is the alternator. Also if the starter is bad you can tap it with a screwdriver or something of that nature and that should rattle the solenoid enough to get it to fire. If that works it is the starter. Hope this helps.