Posted on 06/03/2011 6:07:56 AM PDT by Sybeck1
I have a 97 Nissan pickup with close to 200K on it. While I normally use it twice a month or so to go get mulch or such, I am regulated to it this week as my wife’s van is in the shop to go to work, with her driving the other car.
It has been a good truck never in the shop, but now it is throwing an EGR error and not wanting to idle at all. Good it is a 5 speed because I am doing a lot rolling starts now. I can clear the code and it will work ok for a little while.
I know this is a political site, but I was wondering if anyone has dealt with this before. I have a Haynes manual and can find the part. Could it blockage? Will this be something only a shop could fix? Given the little value of the truck now is it pursuing? Any suggestion is helpful.
I had a lot of repair opportunities back in the when I was running 70’s model Ford and Chevy pickups in the eighties, but technology has change a lot from a inline six.
Mike
Mikey is righty.
Buy an American truck.
Could also be stuck open which would cause it not to want to idle. You can test it (or break it free) by reaching under the housing and pushing up on the piston.
Tennessee ain’t in America any more?
My husband has the same truck and it’s still running. We’ve only put basic maintenance into it. That truck is the reason we purchased an 07 Titan, well that and the Titan is the smallest vehicle my husband will allow his wife and children to travel in. As a professional firefighter, he knows that size matters more than airbags around a small car’s perimeter. Why would we ever want to put our money into a product that does not have the quality or resale value of a Nissan (or Toyota, or Honda, or Hyunday, etc.)? Choosing brand names over quality is un-American? Paying for a vehicle that is made by a government owned company is un-American?
Thanks calling Nissan today.
EGR valves failing is pretty common. You can try removing and cleaning it with carb cleaner. You also need to check the lines to make sure they aren’t clogged with carbon. If that doesn’t work, you can replace the EGR valve and/or lines. It is also possible that you have a solenoid stuck/failed somewhere in the vacuum system that not letting vacuum get to the valve to operate it.
If it is your beater truck, you can disconnect the vacuum line from the valve, plug it and run without EGR.
“If it is your beater truck, you can disconnect the vacuum line from the valve, plug it and run without EGR.”
That might be my Saturday project.
I appreciate your point, but the “made in America” import brands are mostly tinker toys assembled, not manufactured, in America.
It is long past time for import tariffs. Tariff all imports - vehicles, parts, you name it. If a factory in Tennessee bolts together a truck from parts made in Tokyo, tariff all those parts as imported.
Likewise tariff Ford, GM Chrysler for the content or vehicles they import.
That will focus like the proverbial laser beam on exactly what is needed to bring jobs back to America.
Manufacturing jobs. Skilled jobs. American jobs.
Jobs coincidentally, which may be needed some day to support a war effort.
After you do, call Advance Auto Parts/Autozone or the like (assuming there is one near you). They should have it for less, and will probably be more helpful with any installation questions you may have.
There are a couple of specialty Nissan truck websites I recommend. You can read their forums for free (and search their posts) but need to register to post up questions.
www.nissanoffroad.com Nissan truck forum centered around 4wd and 2wd Nissan trucks
www.4x4parts.com for Automotive Customizers’ commercial website
If the truck is not idling correctly because the system is plugged, you can plug the system and it’ll work. Is that what you’re saying?
EGR codes + bad idle = EGR valve stuck open
Remove and clean EGR valve (careful not to get solvents on the diaphragm) check with a vacuum pump to verify operation and re-install/replace as required. Cost: $93.00 @ Autozone
Normally I agree with the “Buy made in USA” answer. But the EGR problem is huge for GM products with the 4.3 V-6. They won’t go over 10,000 miles without needing a new EGR valve once the engine is more than 6 years old.
First, I have a little Toyota, so I don't have hands on experience with a Nissan. However, all the EGR systems I have seen have a solenoid that is activated by the engine control module that opens a vacuum circuit to the EGR control valve. The vacuum holds the EGR open so exhaust gas recirculates. If you disconnect the vacuum line and plug it, the EGR valve will stay closed and not recirculate any exhaust gas. Generally, the EGR valves either stick closed and throw a code, or they leak and open the vacuum circuit to the air and cause rough idle. If your valve is leaking, plugging the line will cure the rough idle but will not clear the code. I don't have to get smog tested and my '93 Toyota engine control wasn't smart enough to code on the EGR when my valve starting leaking. So, I plugged the vacuum line, removed all the EGR crap and threw it in the trash.
Gotcha, Thanks!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.