Nissan Almera '02 rough idling

MMcNally · 13-07-2014 02:58PM #1

Hi there,

I have a '02 Nissan Almera 1.5 petrol and over the last few days it has started idling a little rough. Engine management light has come on also. I've checked the air filter and cleaned the MAF sensor using a contact cleaner, but that did nothing. I'm going to check spark plugs next.

I don't have the fault code for it - I'm waiting for a code reader to come in the post, but I'm just wondering would anyone have ideas on what it might be? I've read that the timing chain is a common thing to go in these, does it sound like a timing chain issue?

Thanks in advance!

Max Moment · 13-07-2014 06:23PM

Could be a dodgy ignition coil or blocked injector. When you get the code reader and if it gives you misfire on a cylinder, reset mil and then swap around coils. If misfire moves to another cylinder it's the coil

JohnBoy26 · 14-07-2014 02:16AM

yes that sounds like a stretched timing chain but it could also be a number of other issues. Take it to a garage and get it checked out.

toyotaavensis · 14-07-2014 01:00PM

You should hear a rattle if it is the chain. Also sometimes the rev meter needle wobbles when the chain is stretched.

MMcNally · 15-07-2014 07:12PM

Max Moment wrote: »

Could be a dodgy ignition coil or blocked injector. When you get the code reader and if it gives you misfire on a cylinder, reset mil and then swap around coils. If misfire moves to another cylinder it's the coil

Code reader gave an error of cylinder three misfiring. Swapped the coil packs on 2 and 3, will see when the error comes back if it moves to cylinder 2

MMcNally · 17-07-2014 01:30PM

MMcNally wrote: »

Code reader gave an error of cylinder three misfiring. Swapped the coil packs on 2 and 3, will see when the error comes back if it moves to cylinder 2

Error code was still reading cylinder 3 misfire. Took out spark plug (with a lot of effort!) and it turned out someone had put a bigger one into it than what should have been in it. The end of the plug was well mashed and eaten away. Good news is it was a cheaper fix than changing the coil pack! She's running nice and smooth again now.

Stella Virgo · 17-07-2014 02:08PM

MMcNally wrote: »

Error code was still reading cylinder 3 misfire. Took out spark plug (with a lot of effort!) and it turned out someone had put a bigger one into it than what should have been in it. The end of the plug was well mashed and eaten away. Good news is it was a cheaper fix than changing the coil pack! She's running nice and smooth again now.

holy crap.....hope the piston slamming into the plug didnt cause that damage......:eek: cos u may soon need a new piston as well .....

Nissan Almera '02 rough idling

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