Questions and Answers

Nissan Sentra Dual Symptoms Q. Hi! First of all, thanks so much for the service you offer! My car has two symptoms. I'm guessing at least one is an engine or transmission problem. Info: Car is a 1994 Nissan Sentra, automatic transmission. About two months ago I got a new (rebuilt) alternator installed after my car completely died out.

Problem 1: Sometimes when I'm driving slow or ready to park, the car will just die out. It starts right up again. This has happened occasionally for the past few years, but recently it has just started dying out frequently, three or four times during an average trip around town.

Problem 2: This past week this problem cropped up: when the car is shifting there seems to be a slipping/surging while trying to get into the next gear. It seems to be when going from first gear into second, and second into third. I'm not sure about third into fourth, but when going steady at 55 mph and above, there is no slipping, it seems fine. However, just today it seems to be having even more trouble, like it couldn't get into the next gear and therefore was riding a little rough.

I hope that describes it enough, I guess I'll have to bring it into a repair shop next week, but I was hoping you could enlighten me a bit as to possibilities so I can be a more informed consumer and not get ripped off.

I really appreciate your help!!!
Sheila

A. 1. This kind of stalling is usually due to a dirty throttle body and Idle Air Control Valve (IACV). I would recommend a cleaning before we go looking for something more serious. I would also like to know the basic engine condition such as distributor cap, rotor and spark plugs are good.

2. Here again I would like to try something cheap and simple. I would recommend replacing the transmission fluid and transmission filter. Not a transmission flush, just whatever comes out with the filter. Often this is just a clogged transmission filter.