My 1995 2.0 SRi Primera ran faultlessly for 150,000 miles until 2 months ago when the ignition failed. My local auto electrician bypassed the immobiliser, which got it running again. However, ever since the engine has hesitated very badly when cold (the car is barely driveable) and also less so when warm and under load (i.e. accelerating or above 85 mph, or driving up-hill). Local mechanics/autolelectricians have been unable to trace the
problem. In despair, I eventually took it to my local Nissan dealer. Their diagnostics indicated a faulty knock sensor, for which they wanted £150 +VAT + labour to fit. I got one for £17 from a breakers. However(not surprisingly) this did not cure the problem. Nor did replacing the lambda sensor. I assume the problem is related to the initial ignition failure, though it has been suggested to me that the problem may be the 'pressure isolation valve' in the fuel injection.
The laatest thing my local mechanic has done is to fit some sheilding to prevent the ingnition causing interference with the ECU. This gas imprived things considerably, but not completely and I can't help thinking it's curing the symptoms rather than the root cause of the problem.
One final diagnostic clue. When driving at nightI've noticed the headlights flicker intermittently and their is initially (i.e when engine is cold again ?) a ticking noise (like a sticking relay ?) from behind the dashboard.
Sorry about the long post, but it's been a drawn out saga.It's coming to the point where I feel like scrapping the car, but it runs like new at the times when it's not playing up.
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I suspect that you have a power supply problem to the ECU. As the lights are flickering check carefully the engine earth and chassis earth, this may have caused the original problem.
Andrew
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Simplicate and add lightness!!
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Andrew,
Thanks for the response. I agree it a problem with the power supply to the ECU would give the symptoms I've described. However I believe the garage have checked the earthing (though I'll check back with them). Actually, the guy who fitted the knock sensor said he found a loose earth to the alternator which he tightened up.
If it turns out the earthing is OK, anyone got any ideas what else could cause voltage fluctuations in the ECU feed and lighting citcuit. I tried just putting a voltmeter across the battery (with engine cold i.e. when hesitation is at worst) - this showed a steady 14.5 volts. I wouldn't know where else to check.
Alan
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