My 1990 s13 cuts off on me whenever its in idle. I have to put the car in neutral and rev the engine while at a stop sign. The rpms drop extremely quick when I let off the gas. When stopped and I don't rev the engine, it bounces on 0 for a second and then dies. This gets really frustrating when I first start that car because if I back out slowly like I should, the car wants to shut off. This doesnt happen every time but it does it way too much. Does anyone know what I can do to diagnose this issue?

I replaced the spark plugs a little while ago so I dont think thats it.
I got it checked at Nissan and they said I needed to get a new wiring system, which would cost me $1700! I'm hoping they just said that to get money from me......and that there is a cheaper solution.

any ideas?

 

check for vacuum leaks
also maf.
check injectors for leaks

 

IT can also be your TPS senser! Throttle Postioning Senser

 

Also o2 sensors and Idle control valve perhaps?

 

yeah the vacuum is what got me check both pipes on either end the smallest crack will effect it.

 

Hey man I just had the same problem. It was my egr. Its behind the head and looks naturally rusted. There are 3 bolts adn make sure they are extremely tight. A tiny space and it will jack up the car. I fixed mine and it idles. It's rarely the MAF.

 

I had a problem like this not too long ago, and it was very annoying. It turned out mine was from a newly developed exhaust leak!!! Check for any possible vacuum leaks and check your maf. Good luck man

 

Thanks A LOT for the replies. I checked for leaks and didnt find anything. I would check the maf but I have no idea what that is. Sorry to sound like an idiot but what is the maf? I'm going to try and check out the egr today when I get a chance. I was able to find some pics of the egr so hopefully I'l be able to find it.

 

could probably be your distrubutor throwing wrong codes? same problem with my car. its fixed

 

MAF is your Mass Air Flow sensor ... if i'm not mistaken it is the thing that looks like a "clip" going from the intake to the airbox.
Un clip it, make sure theres no crap in it, and make sure it is securely clipped back in.

 

Electronics can be really tricky. Like people said. Check the easy stuff first. Throttle Posistion sensor, MAF, EGR. Also you might want to take it to a reputable shop (I never use dealers). When ever I had electrical problems I could find I would take it to the shop and let them diagnos it then fix it myself. Can range anywhere from 30 75 bux. They'll put it on a machine and check it out. Could save you money/headaches in the long run.

You said you changed your spark plugs. Did you check the gap? Did it start doing it after you changed the plugs?

 

jeeeeez people just do a self diagnostic.. its easy get the manual look for the codes. do the self test...and IT WILL TELL U WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOUR CAR lol ..thats how i found my problem...but i dont remember what site lets u get the manual...some 1 help this guy.

 

Usually Autozone can give you a printout of the codes. They did for my 87 camaro I had. Looked like a really long receipt.

Only reason I said have it tested was because he said nothing about a check engine light. Usually if a code is throwin it gives the light.