1995 Nissan Altima Has Rough Idle

Troubleshooting Common Causes of Rough Idle in Your 1995 Nissan Altima and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
21% chance it's the
Spark Plugs
0%
15% chance it's the
Ignition Coil
0%
64% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 1995 Nissan Altima has rough idle are a vacuum leak, an issue with the spark plugs, or a problem with the ignition coil.
  • Spark Plugs: Worn or fouled spark plugs can lead to misfires, poor fuel economy, and difficulty starting the engine.
  • Ignition Coil: A faulty ignition coil can cause misfires, rough idling, and difficulty starting the engine due to inadequate spark delivery to the spark plugs.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 1995 Nissan Altima has rough idle?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

Here are a few common symptoms of worn-out brake pads:

  1. Low brake pad warning light is on: Not all vehicles are equipped with this system, but if yours is, this dashboard indicator light will likely be the first signal it’s time to replace your brake pads.
  2. Brakes start to squeal regularly: This is often one of the first signs of worn brake pads and is caused by a metallic piece built into brake pads for this exact purpose. This part contacts the brake rotor to make a squealing or whining noise when the pads are low.
  3. Brakes make loud grinding noise: If not addressed early enough, your brake pads may get so worn that the metal backing plate of the pad grinds against the metal rotor.
  4. Brake pads look thin: You may be able to visually check your brake pad thickness to determine if they need replacement.

Customers with drum brake systems often specify they have lost braking power, or that the vehicle's brakes are making noise. This is because brake drums do not dissipate heat very well, so the heat from hard braking will cause stress fractures. These fractures make can make noise on the brake shoes as the drum revolves around the shoes. Lastly, the brake shoes may not be problematic, but may cause a grinding noise while stopping. This would indicate the shoes have no braking material left, and the brake shoes must be changed before the vehicle can be safely driven.

Learn more about brake shoe symptoms

Most often, a brake system inspection will just be a routine portion of manufacturer specified maintenance, and will be performed at mileage intervals. In those cases, there will likely be no symptoms. However, when a brake system makes a funny noise, causes vibration, is hard to use, will not slow the vehicle, prevents the vehicle from driving, makes the vehicle pull to one side, or leaks brake fluid, the vehicle will need a visit dedicated to the inspection of the brake system.

What are the initial diagnostic steps to take for a rough idle in a 1995 Nissan Altima?

When faced with a rough idle in your 1995 Nissan Altima, begin your diagnostic journey by checking the spark plugs, as worn or faulty plugs can significantly impact engine performance. Next, inspect the air filter; a dirty or clogged filter can restrict airflow, exacerbating idle issues. Following this, examine the fuel system, focusing on the fuel filter and injectors for any clogs that might hinder fuel delivery. It's also crucial to assess the Idle Air Control Valve (IACV), which regulates engine idle speed; ensure it operates correctly and clean or replace it if necessary. Additionally, check for vacuum leaks by inspecting hoses and connections, as any leaks can disrupt engine performance. Finally, utilize an OBD-II scanner to retrieve error codes from the vehicle's computer, providing insights into potential underlying problems. By systematically addressing these areas, you can effectively diagnose and resolve the rough idle issue in your Altima, ensuring a smoother driving experience.

What are the common causes of a rough idle in a 1995 Nissan Altima?

When dealing with a rough idle in a 1995 Nissan Altima, it's essential to consider several common problems that could be affecting your vehicle's performance. One of the primary culprits is a dirty or clogged air filter, which can significantly restrict airflow to the engine, leading to an uneven idle. Additionally, faulty spark plugs are notorious for causing misfires; if they are worn out, they can disrupt the combustion process, resulting in a rough idle. Another factor to investigate is the presence of vacuum leaks, which can disturb the air-fuel mixture and cause instability in engine performance. Fuel system issues, such as a clogged fuel filter or malfunctioning fuel injectors, can also contribute to rough idling by affecting the delivery of fuel to the engine. Furthermore, problems within the ignition system, including a malfunctioning ignition coil or distributor, can lead to similar symptoms. Lastly, keep an eye on engine sensors like the mass airflow sensor or oxygen sensor, as their failure can alter the air-fuel ratio, exacerbating the rough idle issue. By systematically checking these components, DIYers can effectively diagnose and address the rough idle in their Nissan Altima.

How urgent is it to address the rough idle in a 1995 Nissan Altima?

Addressing a rough idle in your 1995 Nissan Altima is crucial for maintaining the vehicle's performance and preventing further complications. A rough idle can indicate various underlying issues, such as dirty fuel injectors or a malfunctioning oxygen sensor, which, if left unresolved, may lead to decreased fuel efficiency and engine misfires. Ignoring these symptoms not only risks the health of your engine but can also result in costly repairs down the line. Moreover, a rough idle can be a precursor to more serious problems that could compromise your vehicle's safety and reliability. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize this issue and conduct regular maintenance to ensure your Altima runs smoothly and efficiently, ultimately extending its lifespan and enhancing your driving experience.

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