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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
98
Nissan Altima, Jerky Ride
Q: I have a '98 Nissan
Altima with a five speed manual transmission. After driving it for about
six weeks I noticed a strong surge at low RPM's (around town speeds) in
all gears. The actual effect is caused, as I am told by Nissan and my
local dealership, by the fuel distribution system. They say as you decelerate,
the fuel distribution system cuts part of the fuel flow off (to meet new
federal emission standards). When accelerating, the fuel system allows
more fuel to be introduced to the engine. It's at this exact time that
the lurking or bucking happens; it's impossible to avoid as the flow of
traffic speeds up and slows down. It's quite consistent and has become
a real safety concern to me with New Hampshire's winter. I feel this lurching
or bucking could cause a loss of control during slippery conditions. I
have taken the car in three times for the same problem and the dealership
and Nissan acknowledge the existence of the condition, but say it's operating
to Nissan specifications... "Your vehicle presents no safety or driveability
concern" (Nissan's spelling, not mine). I'm at the point of probably
taking the car through the New Hampshire Arbitration Board (a.k.a. lemon
law) unless I can find a way to fix this. My question to you is, do you
know of any way to reduce or eliminate this lurching or bucking of the
front wheels?.. Robert
A: I'm
not sure who's jerking you around more, your car or the dealership! This
supposed fuel distribution technology to meet the new federal emissions
standards is by no means new technology! In fact, that technology for
fuel injected vehicles has been around for over 20 years! Any driveability
technician worth his/hers wrench set will tell you that. Do I know of
any way to reduce or eliminate your problem? Would a doctor diagnose your
chest pains over the phone? Unfortunately, it's not that simple; there
are several components that if not functioning properly, or misadjusted,
that could cause your condition. Not to mention the possible engine management
"software" problem. If you cannot have your Altima repaired
properly then Nissan should provide you with one that does.
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