jonnywaka:
I have a Nissan Altima 2002 now, have driven it for 18 months. Nice car and have had no major issues except for nromal servicing and change of a few sensors here and there.
But for a week or two now, Sometimes the car refuses to start (especially when i have driven fast through a rough road) , with onboard lights, and other lights flickering and sound coming from under the hood as if there is sparking (but i have inspected it day and night and notice no sparks). Car did not through up any code (did a scan with a handheld maxiscan tool). In fact there is no error code in the car. When ever this happens, I just remove the battery heads, for a minute or 2 and place it back, car starts fine. once it starts, car runs fine and drives smoothly without any issues. Pleasurable car to drive.
Let me quickly say that I started to notice this issue after I gave the car a thorough wash at the car wash, including engine wash. Could this be the cause?

Any advice or ideas on what to do will be appreciated.

FullDepth1:
Yeah. i own a 2006. bought it With the Hope that Major issues on the 02-05 had been rectified. But apparently, Car still has issues.
I have been able to get through many of the issues, except ONE ! Grinding/Rattling sound in the Passenger side of the Engine.

Obviously, it seems to be coming from the Timing Chain Bay. But this sound only comes up after 30mins of driving (When Car gets HOT). Embarrassing Sound.

My mechanics couldnt diagnose it, I have changed OIL(S) and OIL FILTERS, Pump, Top Cover, bla bla... I vexed and kept driving it that way Biko... , now i wanna change the Timing Chain Tensioner or Adjuster.

The No Start thingy was basically from the Crankshaft sensor. Changed it, and worked on the brake pedal switch... plenty issh jare. Im a walking mechanic.

But in all, the car is fast. And most of the issues i have encountered, I Solved myself... Was tired of paying Mechanics.


Only hoping to fix that Grinding/ Rattling sound now

DelePhd:
I also use a Nissan Altima 2002.

It began with frequent exhaustion of water in the radiator which makes me put water everyday or else the car will over heat. I reported this to a mechanic who said that the problem was the radiator that I should change it to a double cell radiator. I did that a day after. I noticed that the problem persist. The same mechanic said the gasket was blown and he advised me to replace the gasket and surface the cylinder. I also did that but the problem did not abate.

I therefore took it to another mechanic and he said that he was very sure it was the water pump. He assured me that the car will not overheat again once the water pump is replaced. I dedicated a day to take it to this new mechanic. He replaced the water pump and poured coolant and water (50/50) into the radiator. I drove it from Gbagada to Anthony before I noticed a leakage and the coolant had badly poured on the ground. When I opened the bonnet I noticed that one hose that takes coolant from the radiator to the engine was leaking. At this point the car was over heating. I took it there the following morning and the hose was fixed. I decided to test drive with A/C on. I noticed the car was still over heating. I did the same without the A/C on, the car was still overheating. I took it back to the mechanic. He checked the fans, they were working. He told me he has no idea what else could be the problem.

I took it to a third mechanic telling him the previous things that had been replaced. He didn't bother to do any serious fact finding again but concluded to my surprise that the engine block was bad and advised I buy a new engine. I called the first mechanic who open the engine to replace the gasket and he told that there was nothing wrong with the engine block.

At this point I'm so confused. I need help.

kayswag100:
I own a Nissan Altima '06 and have driven it for a year and 2 months.
Most expensive repair was d changing of a bad timing belt that cost me N1200 only.

Suntemi:
I have 2002 Altima, most times, the engine goes off while driving. I almost had an accident one day because when that happens, I find it very hard to put the car to stop, brake will not just work. I will have to always put the gear in neutral and try starting the engine again. This can get very serious if I'm on high speed. I've really not been using the car for sometimes now because of this issue.

I googled some things up. I was told to change the Camshaft and Crankshaft Sensor but while searching, I discover Nissan has an updated sensors different from the ones that do come with the car. Someone pointed me to a link on Amazon where I can get the updated sensors http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00KBAQHII/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1436683507&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=B00KBAQHII# I really don't know if these sensors will solve my issue. This new sensors according to comments I saw online are all-metal sensors not the regular all-plastic type.

I'm tired of giving this car to different mechanics. I need someone that can help me solve this issue once and for all. Thanks

Suntemi:
I have 2002 Altima, most times, the engine goes off while driving. I almost had an accident one day because when that happens, I find it very hard to put the car to stop, brake will not just work. I will have to always put the gear in neutral and try starting the engine again. This can get very serious if I'm on high speed. I've really not been using the car for sometimes now because of this issue.

I googled some things up. I was told to change the Camshaft and Crankshaft Sensor but while searching, I discover Nissan has an updated sensors different from the ones that do come with the car. Someone pointed me to a link on Amazon where I can get the updated sensors http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00KBAQHII/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1436683507&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=B00KBAQHII# I really don't know if these sensors will solve my issue. This new sensors according to comments I saw online are all-metal sensors not the regular all-plastic type.

I'm tired of giving this car to different mechanics. I need someone that can help me solve this issue once and for all. Thanks

Costee:

Couldn't be. The VQ engine in your Altima has a timing chain. Confirm from your mechanic what "belt" was changed. Needless to say, even the replacement of a timing belt cannot be that low.

boldx:
Owing a Nissan Altima is like giving your mechanic your ATM card. But the good side of this bitter-sweet experience is that it gives you the opportunity to learn how to be a mechanic. The moment u sell the car, you have peace.

kayswag100:


It is! D belt cut got worn out and was replaced @ 1200.

Only if I'm calling d belt d wrong name.

When d belt had issues, all warning lights were on, battery wasn't charging and Steering was hard, temperature was high too.

D mechanic changed d belt in my presence for N1200 and issue was resolved instantly!

Costee:

I'm afraid despite your online search you've not adopted the right attitude. Your SES light should be on with all you've said, yet you've ignored it. Scan and come back with the results.

Suntemi:


While I appreciate the fact that you are trying to help I feel you are a little rude for concluding I don't have the right attitude. You don't have an idea what I've tried before. Thanks anyway.

kayswag100:


Sir, I would like to totally disagree! All cars have their issues.

This car is what I've driven for over a year without any major issue; safe for regular oil and fuel filter change.

Ehen!! I forgot. Brake pad change is regular for me o. I can't stand that squeaky noise worn break pads make

Guys, how often do u change break pads for city driving on d Same car?

jonnywaka:
that is the serpentine belt. It turns the alternator, the ac compressor, the water pump and the power steering oil pump. Good thing with this car is that that belt is a single long belt. Yes you right the belt is 1200 to 1500 and your mechanic can fix it free if you are regular with him or for less than 500.
This car uses a timing chain not belt. It hardly cut and give problem except for the tensioner.

kayswag100:


Oh. I c. So that's what it's called? Learnt smth new. D belt was sooooo long!!

Btw, is it normal to change brake pads like every three months? Esp. for city driving?

DonX001:
How often do you guys your servicing/maintenance, and what are the things you service/change?

jonnywaka:
There are some sensors the Nissan Altima 2002. - 2006 is notorious for, they are:
the Camshaft position sensor,
the Crankshaft position sensor,
the engine speed sensor and
the MAF sensor.
If you have this car and you have money get a good mechanic to guide you to buy these sensors and have them in your car all the time.
These sensors can go bad anytime and usually dont give any warning before going bad. Once they go bad you change them, your can will go normal again.

kaeforum:
From the responses av gathered the the Altima is a PROBLEM CAR.

kaeforum:
From the responses av gathered the the Altima is a PROBLEM CAR. That would explain its cheap price compared to its peers and the fact that it has practically no second hand value.

Una dey try o. Why should I invest my hard earned cash in acquiring a headache.

salvo583:
chai!! all dis altima wahala thread on nairaland deh fear me oo . I use a 2008 model tho, what problem is it generally known for?