Nissan Altima Crank Sensor Recall Being Reviewed
February 28th, 2006 by Dave
The 2002 and early 2003 Nissan Altima’s had a recall to replace the crank position sensor. The problem caused by the sensor would not allow the vehicle to start or would stall it. When I had my 03 3.5 SE I had to replace the sensor, although I never had a problem.
According to this AP article, the government has had 29 more complaints of 03 Altimas that were not originally included in the recall.
Nissan said it would fully cooperate in the investigation.
Recall Info
2002 Nissan Altima Base Recall ID from NHTSA: 03V455000
Recall Date: 11/17/2003
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Potential Units Affected: 630000
Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF FLUX RESIDUE DURING THE SOLDERING PROCESS.
Defect Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE “SERVICE ENGINE SOON” WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON, CREATE A NO START CONDITION, CAUSE REDUCED ENGINE POWER, OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANK POSITION SENSORS. CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR(S), AND IN SOME CASES, THE VARIABLE TIMING CONTROL SENSOR(S). VEHICLES INVOLVED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN, 01V357, ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS NEW CAMPAIGN. THE REPLACEMENT SENSORS USED IN THAT CAMPAIGN ARE ALSO AFFECTED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
Notes: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC., R3021/R3022
they told me they already fixed all the realls on my altima
it wasn’t fixed the crank sensor again help me
I have a promblem with my 2003 Nissan Altima in reference to to engine. I took the car to Nissan West in Ellicott City, MD in Aug. 2006. The car stayed at the dealership until Oct. 2006. The problem WASN”T TAKING CARE OF and THE CAR IS STILL NOT OPERATIONAL AS OF TODAY. Could someone please help me with this problem.
Aaron - You may want to tell the dealership you will call Nissan Consumer Affairs (or actually do it):
Nissan Consumer Affairs
P.O. Box 685003
Franklin TN 37068-5003
(800) NISSAN-1 (or 800-647-7261)
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.,
Eastern / Central Time / Pacific Time
Monday through Friday
On the way to work my 03 Nissan (3.5) just died on he freeway and the did indeed replace the cam positon sensor it took 3 days because they did’t have any in stock! Will it be possible to get reimbersed the 265.00 I paid for the repair?
I have a 2003 Altima service engine light is on and they say it is the crankshaft position sensor needs replaced we have called the dealership and also the Nissan consumer rep. and they say get it fixed and if they do a recall they will reimberse me for the cost. I think they just need to recall it.
I was not notified of the recall on my 2005 Altima until after it quite running on me the other night. I have been told I need the crankshaft sensor replaced but that Nissan is only paying for the ECM to be reprogrammed. From what I have learned the crankshaft sensor can overheat causing a brief interruption in the signal. If the crankshaft has overheated and the ECM does not diagnose the problem quick enough the the car will shut down (this is what happened to me). It apprears to me the problem is the CRANKSHAFT sensor not the ECM!!! They have had this problem on their Altimas since 2002. And are still experiencing the problem. Only now instead of paying for the crankshaft sensor to be replaced (as they did in 2002) they will only reprogram the ECM. Isn’t the illegal????
On 3/20/2008 my car shut off w/o warning of which 3 times were entering city intersections and once on the beltway. I was upset that i stayed in the right lane just in case it would shut off. When I was driving in the city it got worst when I was entering intersections it would shut off in the middle of intersectionsi. I was so frightened I thought i was going to have a heart attack. I lost of pay the next to have it looked at and was told it was the crank sensor which also caused my check engine light. The week prior I was having to my jumped because the car wouldn’t start. I bought a new battery. I want to be reimbursed because I only had this car 1 year. I had one nissan w/345,000 miles and trusted nissan and now i am really affraid. How comfortable can I be to assure that the crank sensor will permant.
I am experiencing the exact thing. The check engine light, car shutting off and want start. I was not notified of the ecm recall on the 2005 nissan altima, until I took my car into the dealer on yesterday. I was told it is my crank sensor also. It is $320 dollars to replace the sensor, but they are going to fix the ecm at no cost. They should replace the crank sensor for free, if they have had this problem since 2002.
I have a 2004 Nissan Altima, and first experienced this problem several months ago. At first, I was having trouble starting it - it would normally turn over immediately, and now I would have to step on the gas. The problem was getting worse - each time I started it, it would take longer for the engine to turn over. I was not in a busy intersection when it shut off completely - I was in the center lane on the Southern State Parkway in LI during rush hour! Since I didn’t know if it was a recall, I had my mechanic take care of it, and although he did put a band-aid on it for a few months, now I am starting to have problems starting it again! Nissan should recall the ’04s as well!
I have an 03 Altima that continues to die on me in the middle of traffic and the dealer states it doesn’t do when they have I’m ready to start a law suit against this car company I will never buy another nissan they should filed for bankruptcy when they were in a financial rut because there cars and repair service is no good.
I HAVE ‘05 ALTIMA, IT STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS THE DAY I GOT THE RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL…. I HAD THE CHIP REPROGRAMMED AND FUNNY THING IS ….IT STILL IT NOT RUNNING RIGHT….. NISSAN NEEDS TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND REPLACE THE CRANK SENSORS… I WILL CALL NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS….THIS IS BS!!!!
I have the same dang problem. Before I took it to the dealer they said they need to fix the recall for stalling which never happened on my car 60,000 miles on it and when they did try to fix recall now its the crankshaftsensor and some other sensor which cost $500 dollars all of sudden gone bad what a freakin quincidence.
Nissan Dealers are doing something when they try to fix this code and is messing up other things like maybe the “Crankshaft sensor” which was probably good with the old code.
In going to fix this has caused three problems
of course Crankshaft sensor and the car now dies out while driving. Plus the annoying Engine Problem Light
I own an 05 altima 2.5. I called nissan and they told me that there was a recall but I wasn’t informed. My wife started having trouble with the car recently and after a little internet research I found out about the sensor issue. I knew it was the problem as I had had the same issue with a Maxima previously. Nissan is giving everyone the shaft on this one. Resetting the ECM only turns out the service engine light. If you replace the sensor and remove one battery post wire you will be doing the same thing. My dealer told me 350.00 but the dealer that sold me the part said 140.00.
I just got my check engine light on yesterday, my car has lost power and it keeps cutting off on me while driving. My diag comp says crankshaft sensor malfunction and speed sensor malfunction. called my dealership and they said if the crankshaft sensor was bad, it was covered under the recall. whats with that.
Guess what guys;
This crankshaft position sensor has gone bad on my car 5 times since I purchased it in 2006. The first time it was repair, NISSAn did cover the cost, but 6 months later the part went bad again! I had to pay $500.00, then 1 month later BAD again, cost to repair $400.00. 6 months later same part bad again! $400.00. Now 7 months later the part is BAD AGAIN!! My NISSAN MAXIMA is a LEMON!! NISSAN would only cover the cost for the first time repair of the recall. I have had to pay out of pocket every time since. I will NEVER buy another NISSAN!!!
I was driving and the check engine light liteup then the car shutting off and wont start finally after 30mins it started. I was not notified of the ecm recall on the 2005 nissan altima, until I took my car into the dealer on yesterday. I was told it is my crank sensor $35.00 part but to install it cost went up to $260.00 dollars to replace the sensor, but they will fix the ecm recall at no cost. They should replace the crank sensor for free, also!!! If they have had this problem since 2002. Who can we write to or call? this is wrong all the way.
I have a 2004 nissan altima and I was recently informed that both the cam and crank shaft sensors needed to be replaced on my vehicle. I’m really upset because the sensor had to be replaced in May 2007, and the warranty has expired. I agree, the dealer should replace the sensors free of charge. Who can we write to or call?
Same here on my 03 Altima S with 70,000 miles. I went into the dealership last weekend, they offered to re-program the ECM, which got rid of the check engine light for 3 days! whoopee! I argued with the service dept. woman, saying I knew the position sensor was a known issue, even saying in a crowded lobby my car stalled in the middle of traffic and was almost t-boned! (some folks waiting for the keys to their brand new rides looked a bit squeamish). They said “let us do the ECM, then if it still happens bring it back in for diagnosis” the kicker is they said there is a minimum charge of $89 for diagnosis. I told her I had already used a reader to check the code, which came out as the sensor. She kept insisting my VIN was not part of the recall.
I have an open file with a phone rep at consumer affairs. I am following up today.
Also, my car is running very sluggish. It idols very rough at stoplights in city traffic. It gets worse gas mileage and does not accelerate like it used to before the check engine light. Anyone else having this?
My daughter has an 03 Altima… Last winter after 2 days of 10 degree weather her car died and wouldnt start… Put it in the garage, added some HEET and it ran OK…
found this 2003 Altima recall: AT EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES, MOISTURE IN THE FUEL TANK COULD FREEZE AND FORM ICE CRYSTALS. THESE ICE CRYSTALS MAY OBSTRUCT THE SUCTION OPENING OF THE FUEL PUMP.
2 months ago I she got the Service Engine Soon light.. Autozone said : Crank Sensor. $30. Easy to replace. Now one month later car is dying again, code says: crank sensor. The part is warranted for 2 years! SO I got another and put it in, disconnected the battery for 20 mins. still have the Service Engine light but car seems to be running OK.
Will be calling Nissan tomorrow.
But DONT PAY $400 TO HAVE THAT PART REPLACED! It’s cheap ($30) and very easy to replace (ONE screw).
so I am on hold weith Nissan…
the hold music?
“Return to Sender” Elvis Presley..
funny in 2 ways… I live in Memphis.
They said there are 3 open recalls for my VIN.
Headlights, Frame and ECM.
Will report on how this turns out.
A supervisor at Nissan Consumer Affairs said he would forward my case to a “regional rep” and they would call me about the situation. I had asked him for a letter from Nissan stating that the crank pos. sensor is a known issue, and that agree to pay for its replacement in full at no charge. We will see how that goes…
Kevin
how or do you know were its at? I look and cant find it,
Nissan wants $250 to change it. and Im not going to pay that, This is a problem with alot cars and needs to be recalled, its unsafe to drive your car when it will stall at any time, mine stalled on the fast lane lastnight, Im not driving it that way no more.
Bob I hope you can get that letter and maybe w can start a recall on both senors,
I HAVE A 2003 ALTIMA. I HAVE BEEN HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS EVERYONE ELSE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, STALLING AT INTERSECTIONS, HARD TO START. I TOOK IT TWO DIFFERENT PLACES, BOTH SAID THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WAS BAD.
I TOOK IT TO A SHOP TO GET IT REPAIRED, HE COULD’NT FIND IT. I GOT ON THE INTERNET AND LOOKED IT UP AND DISCOVERED I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE AND THERE WAS A RECALL. I CALLED THE NISSAN RECALL NUMBER THEY TOLD ME MY CAR DIDN’T HAVE ANY OPEN RECALLS. CALLED MY DEALERSHIP. THEY WANT $250.00 TO REPLACE THE PART I CAN GET FROM AUTO ZONE FOR $22.00. THIS IS VERY WRONG. I HAVE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT MY PROBLEM BUT IF I FIX IT MYSELF WILL IT VOID A RECALL IF ONE COMES UP FOR MY CAR?
My check engine light came on and stayed on two weeks. I was told that my gas cap was not tight. I tightened the gas cap and the light went off five days later. Now my car cuts off in the blink of an eye: pulling into a service station to buy gas, sitting at a traffic light at a busy intersection in the middle of Birmingham during rush hour traffic, and turning into my drive way. Not o nly was I terrified; was pissed!!!
I am carrying it into the Nissan service department Monday. I have the Nissan Consumer Affairs info handy as well as the State Attorney General’s info.
Wish me well!!!
I have a 2004 Sentra SE-R with the 2.5 and now my check engine light has come on with the trouble code P0335, which has to do with crank shaft position senor. 2 days ago my car had a hard time starting. The engine has nearly stalled on me a few times, usually when slowing down. Does anyone know where this is located so I can take a look at it. Any guesses if this is a warrenty issue??
i have a 2005 altima and has had the same problem everyone else says on here….the engine light on..car stalling..i have to drive in 2nd gear at times….and car cuts off while your driving in the middle of traffic…..now nissan knows this is their problem and they need to fix it…they will surely call you when you late on your car payment…they need to get it together!!!
Update, 2 weeks later a consumer affairs “regional rep” called me back. My request to have the CPS replaced for free by Nissan was rejected! They stuck to the company line - my car is out of warranty and not part of the recall. I asked again for an explanation about what is different about my car compared to the ones that were recalled. No answer given.
My next course of action is to start making some calls.
Better Business Bereau - Automobile line:
615-725-7413
The gal I spoke to would not let me speak to a regional VP. She also would not provide me with an e-mail address. Anyone know the e-mail address for the VP of Consumer issues at Nissan?
I wrote previously (entry #10 on 4/21/08). I took my car to Nissan in Amityville, NY, where they said they would reprogram the ECM. I called the next day to see when I could pick it up, and they told me I would have to pay them $53.00 for the “replacement of a torn valve on my tire”. They claimed the tire was flat when they went to bring it around to the service area (I dropped it off the night before -ON MY WAY BACK FROM NY TIRE WHERE MY TIRES & VALVES WERE ALL CHECKED! I was furious, so the service mgr, said they would only charge me $23.00. They also (as usual) listed a lot of bogus services they claimed I needed (i.e. oil change - just had one 30 miles ago, etc.) When I got there to pick up my car (after I called Nissan HQ) the charge mysteriously disappeared from the bill!
This is unbelievable! I’m so disgusted with Nissan right now that if I could I would give them my 05 Altima back today and start with anything else. Now, I come on here and see that it’s systemic and I’m even more upset. They are just dodging the issue here and the facts are piling up everyday. More and more people are taking the shaft with no recourse. I for one will not take it. We all paid good money for a product with certain expectations. Running was definitely a given for me. Our car runs when it wants to and shuts off all the same. Nissan should not only be forth coming and make this right, but should also feel embarassed for putting such crap on the road and taking money for it. If I make any headway legally I’ll let everyone know that doesn’t want to take it anymore.
I just
‘/ did the work myself I bought both cam and crank senors at aouto-zone $24 each, the cam sensor is very easy to get to, but the crank sensor was a pain but after a few hrs I got it, took the car to nissan had them do the recall only, they wanted to sell me the sensor job I told them no way I did it myself and saved A few hundred $$, now its been a week and no problems at all, If any one needs pics or to find the sensor post and I can help you out. good luck But Nissan has a big problem here that needs fix big time.
My crank shaft sensor has gone bad too! For Nissan to know this and do nothing is ludacris! However my problem is locating the crank shaft sensor to replace it. I think $300 for a known problem is ridiculous and they are not getting that out of me. I have a 2005 Nissan Altima and would love it if someone can show me where exactly is this sensor located.
Hi there
If the crank shaft sensor is bad the cam shaft sensor will go next why?
because they are the same kind of sensor, nissan knows this, that is why they are selling a second gen sensor, but like I said cost is lower at autozone, the crankshaft senor is the hard one to get to.
If you look on the driverside at the engine were the tranny and engine meet behind the stater its about 8inch from there, best way is to find the wires that are connected to it, and follow them, there is a green clip on the wire you need a small flat head push on the lock side and it should come out. for the sensor you need a 10mm rachet, its like a sparkplug. if you need pics post again.
Later
oscar,
could you post the pics of the locations if you have? My car has same problem like other car and called Nissan dealer to get recall(R0712) service. I am pretty sure that they will do reprogram ECM for free, but will be asking $$$$ for changing the sensor.
So I would like to change it by myself. And the visual aid would be greatly helpful.
Thanks!
SAMe dang problems guys 2005 altima S. CrankShaft sensor. but had insurance to cover for 2 sensors that they had to change. Lukily only 200 dollars but still sucks because everyone knows theirs about to go out too. If it hasn’t it WILL GO OUT. LOL. THats the funny part of this whole ordeal. Well Nissan Of mIdland Called it Revolution sensor and Crankshaft sensor then after the change they reprogramed the ECM. I’ve researched it people called the other sensor camshaft sensor weird how they have 2 names for one part. revolutiion or camshaft??? lol o well thank god its fixed now. Other than that no dieing out on the streets and no weird shifts in RPMS HA!
Can someone post pictures so I can locate the crankshaft sensor. Chung how did you get insurance to pay for yours to be changed?
O Yeah forgot one thing they changed everything out and they said things were good then boom ENGINE dies again OMG. Took it back 10miles away from Nissan Of midland TX. they probably changed out the wrong one since they look very familiar HA. Where was Jesus when I need him strike them Highly techs in the Buttocks! SPECIALIZED mechanics my but. HA. This is totally in Nissan’s Fault they should recall this and reinburse people. No one has this kinda money. We already have gas prices to deal with these days. Give us a break!
Ah this might help locate it heres some pictures
http://www.paulstravelpictures.com/Nissan-Altima-Camshaft-Crankshaft-Sensors/
The insurance was covered by Extended warranty because my Manufacture warranty ran out around say 36000 miles 3yrs. Extended warranty covered 100000miles like 60months so i have about 2 yrs left thank god. Have 60 thousand miles on mine. The company on extended warranty depends on your Nissan Dealer and who they contract it out to. Mine was called SecureNet. It could depend on your local nissan dealer who they contract out to also. It might not be Called “Secure Net.”
Oh I”m Also known as AKA MIKE Look UP Fews pages LOL I wasn’t so happy :-\ when i found out these problems either.
Heres the two parts they changed out
these Parts and are recognized by all nissan dealers
crankshaft sensor
(23731-6N21A) $30.32
Revolution sensor not to be confused with Camshaft sensor.
(31935-8E006) $156.80
Thank you for the link to the pictures Chung. I must say, that looks extremely difficult to change. I am not a DIY mechanic at all. Man, this stinks. I want to sell this car, but cannot with this problem existing.
My 2005 Altima started stalling on me about a week ago. Prior to that I had noticed that some days it would be harder to start. I ran a diagnostic on it and learned the crankshaft position sensor was faulty. The part was $22.00 at Auto Zone and took me about 20 minutes to replace. I then took off the negative battery cable to reset the check engine light. Guess what? The freaking thing still stalled and a day later the check engine light was back on for the same reason. I called the dealership and they said the ECM needed to be reset BUT the only opening for an appointment is next week AND from what I’m reading there is no guarantee this will fix the freaking problem! I am totally frustrated with Nissan.
I heard that the sensor has been redesigned and it is made of metal instead of cheap plastic. When you purchase the part from auto part store, did you purchase the redesigned one? or old one? Here is a link
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_change_the_crankshaft_position_sensor_on_a_2003_Nissan_Altima
I just called a Nissan dealer and was told that the part (redesigned) costs $30. With the price, I would get the part from dealer instead of a auto part store.
This is my 2nd (AND LAST) Nissan! After my mechanic replaced the cam (crank?!) shaft sensor (I paid $170.00), I had the same Service Engine light, Starting, and Stalling problems 8 months later, so Nissan re-programmed the ECM, but I was pissed because I had already paid for the job that was included in the recall (but not the 2004’s, so I was never notified). I called Nissan Consumer Affairs, had to wait for a “Regional Specialist” to call me back. I was told to fax them the bill, proof of payment and my car’s title (referencing the file# they gave me) which I did, several weeks ago. I never heard back from them, so I called today, AND THEY SAID THE FILE# I WAS GIVING THEM WAS NOT A VALID FILE#, AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO START ALL OVER AGAIN - EXPLAIN THE STORY, GET A NEW FILE#, AND FAX EVERYTHING IN AGAIN!!!!! Sounds like they are stalling to me! I am going to call the BBB’s automobile line @615-725-7413 to file a formal complaint. After this car goes, I will NEVER buy another Nissan again!!!!!!!!!!
ANYONE OUT THERE KNOW A GOOD CLASS ACTION SUIT LAWYER? (Although we’d probably only end up with 10 bucks a piece, while the lawyer gets rich -lol)
I just came back from Carmax, White Marsh in Maryland. They are listed under Nissan dealership conatcts. My car (Altima 2005 2.5S) is about 73,000 miles on it and don’t have extended warranty. So I brought it to there just for reprogramming ECM. And I expect a call from the dealer for changing the sensor like other Altima owners.
I got a call from Nissan tech this afternoon that he fixed the all problems (reprogrammed ECM and changed crankshaft position sensor and repair subframe recall). And he said that I didn’t owe anything. He said that reprogramming ECM and fixing subframe is free under recall. But, the crankshaft position sensor was NOT. So he called Nissan and got approval to fix with their (Nissan) expense. And he changed the sensor. It was nice service that I didn’t expect.
I read many postings that people paid $200~$300 to change the sensor. But, I think that it was one of lucky day. The invoice said that total parts and labors were $943.29. But, again I owed nothing.
I will change camshaft position sensor by myself later. It’s easy to change it. And the part is only $30.
I don’t do extended test. And I will post if something happens.
RECALL SERVICE: ALTIMA 2005 2.5S (Manufactured 04/2004)
R0712 (REPROGRAMMING ECM RECALL)
R5216 (SUBFRAME RECALL)
Nissan Recall Contact: 1-800-647-7261
3 parts that came up through all these discussions:
-CamShaft Sensor probably not the case
-Revolution Sensor or Speed Sensor (had mine changed)
and the infamous:
-Crankshaft sensor a Must Change before it shorts out! If you have old version just to save some trouble.
Finally took car to Nissan. My car was under warranty, but that didn’t mean much. I had to buy crankshaft sensor $41 and pay to have them put it in $89. Then they reprogrammed the ECM under recall. I feel they should have replaced everything especially since this is a known problem. Camshaft is so easy to locate and replace I will take care of that myself. I doubt I will be another Nissan after this, but then again I may have similar issues with another automotive manufacturer.
Same deal here. P0335/P0725…got new crankshaft sensor put in at a local garage but codes showed up again. Took to the dealer and ECM reprogrammed, they said sensor wasn’t seated correctly when other garage put it in and dealer took care of that. The ’service engine soon’ light came on after I left dealer - went to Autozone and got the same codes. Now dealer sez possible ‘intermittent’ problems with the sensor (which they confirmed and tested as OK?). Now dealer wants to do another diagnostic check and tell me to spend a buttload of money on something else. I am totally frustrated and have wasted 2 days! I was told by 2 Nissan dealers this recall (NTB06-051) is just general and not specific to the crankshaft sensor but that’s not what I’ve read!!! Total run-around….shame on Nissan.
I have a 2004 Nissan ALtima and the check engine light came on yesterday. I took it to Advance Auto and they said it was the camshaft position sensor. Is there a recall on 2004 Altimas for this or not? Is it safe to drive back and forth to work until I get the money to fix it if it is not on recall.
Lindie,
I don’t think that it is safe to drive with bad crankshaft/camshaft position sensor becuase the engine could stop anytime and anywhere. Some stated that their engines just cutted off while driving on highway. I am sorry that the sensor itself is NOT on recall, only reprogramming ECU. So you have to repair it with your own expense.
You may keep the invoice in case of Nissan makes recall for bad sensor. So that you can ask the reimbursement.
I had a 2005 Nissan Altima that was involved in an accident. My relative who was driving said that it seemed to have stalled before impact. He dismissed it, thought maybe the brakes weren’t working. After the insurance deemed it a total loss, they didn’t cover the balance. A week later I received in the mail the recall notice of the
ECM which could stall the vehicle which could result in an accident. Then I remembered the comment by my relative who said the car seemed to have stalled before impact. I then called Consumer Affairs, who gave me a case number and said they would look into it, that was three weeks ago. They leave messages, I call them back and I have to leave a message, just playing phone tag. I don’t think they intend on doing anything in regards to this. I was a loyal nissan buyer, after this I will never buy another nissan product.
Let me join the chorus. My experience almost is almost exactly that of Bob’s. 2003 Altima. Stalled in parking garage, then again at low speeds on the way home. Sluggish to start. Stalled on the way to the dealership. . . only subject to the ECM recall. . . must pay for diagnostics and repairs to crank sensor. . .
What I want to have clarified is this, are the ECM recall, engine stalling, and crank sensor issues related? If so, how can we get Nissan to expand the recall? This is a dangerous problem!!!
Has anyone else had a an issue with burning oil? I still have the Check Engine light on, but the other day I saw the Oil light pop on. I checked my oil and it was very low. It has been about 2,000 miles since my last oil change. I am not sure if this is related to the sensors or not. I put in a couple quarts and have been driving the car sparingly. I am still getting very poor acceleration. I am very pessimistic that a mechanic, dealership or indie, would be able to remedy all these issues, at least not for cheap.
Man, the problems with this car are getting worse.
RarJ, I have been told by a independent mechanic that the ECM recall and the crank sensor recall (or service bulletin as Nissan calls them) are related. Going in to the dealership and have them re program the ECM without replacing the sensor first is pointless. The senor malfunction is cuasing the ECM (the control module, think of a computer chip) to malfunction. Going in to get the ECm re programed is just like re-booting your computer (ok, that is a bit too simplified). It does not address the core problem - i.e the stalling that is very, very dangerous.
Bob, good news for me is that the local dealership heard me loud and clear and replaced the crank sensor yesterday, at NO CHARGE. And, I did get the service tech to admit that the problems are connected after I put him on the spot, in front of the waiting room full of customers. Still makes me mad that they lied about it initially–both locally and at the corporate level. Now, while I feel victorious, I hope to follow-up and see if Nissan will expand that crank sensor recall. These small, relatively cheap fixes can remedy a potentially dangerous situation and Nissan ought to buck up!!!
I took my car back for the recall issue, and that was Monday of last week, I didn’t have any problems with my Altima and this morning I go to start my car, after Nissan had checked it out and now my car doesn’t start, I jump it and it’s good but my car key won’t even come out of the ignition, I’m going to get rid of this car when I’m able to.
Keith, my car would not start the day aftyer my ECM was re programmed about 9 months ago. I had to do a high rev start, basicaly flooring the gas pedal while holding the key while the engine cranked. It finally turned over and the motor roared! It did not sound good for the engine, but that is what the mechanic told me to do, and I did not encounter the not starting issue anymore. It reminded me of my grandpa working on old Ford pickups that would not start.
Also, this past weekend I had a mechanic friend show me exactly where the crank position senor is loacted. I was amazed at how easy it was to access. It is right on top the engine, jsut to the right of the black Nissan plastic cover. And the sensor just snaps loose with your fingers. Mine had oil running all through it. He showed me where the single bolt is keep the coupler in place for the other half of the sensor. I cannot believe Nissan would not repalce this cheapo little part for me when I had my car in for 3 other recalls.
Anyway, my mechanic friend is going to tune up my Altima (new spark cplugs, new timing chain, fuel filter) to get it prepped to sell. 99 Honda Accord here I come!
I took my 05 altima in on saturday for the ECM recall and now here it is on Wednesday and my car would not start this morning at all. All the lights come on, radio, etc., but it wouldnt start up. Going to try and give it a jump soon. Maybe that will get it going, but it will be heading back to the dealer so they can figure out whats going on.
Is there a recall on 2004 Nissan Altima’s Crankshaft Position Sensor? Can this problem lead to more car problems with my Altima. Nissan Altima 2.5
My 2004 Nissan Altima is having trouble starting. I have to give it gas for it to start. This problem started happening than the check engine late came on. I took my Altime to a automotive store so that the could check why the check engine light was on. They siad that it was my crankshaft position sensor. Is this easy to fix. Where is it located. Can this problem lead to more issues with my Altima? Is it best to trade in the Altime to avoid future issues?
Martin,
There are two sensors. One is called “Crankshaft position sensor” and other is called “Camshaft position sensor”. Both sensors are same (just called differently). Camshaft sensor is easy to find and replace by yourself. But, the crankshaft sensor is little hard (it locates between driver’s firewall and engine) to find but can be replaced also. If you spend some time on the net, you should find info about the location. It will cost $30~$40 at local dealership. Make sure to have *updated* version, which is made of round metal instead of plastic.
If your Altima is under the recall for reprogramming ECM, then take it to a dealer and have them do recall job also.
It’s cheap part to replace, but if it has problem, the engine could stop wihout warning while you are driving.
Yesterday I had the same problem on my ‘06 Altima, I was driving 70 on the interstate and the car lost all power for 1-2 seconds, then picked back up to normal. Scanned it and got P0335 and P0725. After a LOT of research on the net last night this problem seems to be VERY common with 02-03 Nissans, and even the 04-05s. I haven’t heard of it much on the ’06s. but I am going to the dealer today. Hopefully they will replace the crankshaft sensor, we will see. If they wont do it for free I will do it myself.
Hi,
I have a 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5SL. About 7 months ago my car stopped on me in the parking lot of a supermarket after getting it towed to the mechanic I was told that I needed to replace my CAM sensor it cost me $500. Last friday without any warning while at a light service engine light and brake lights came on and then the car just shut off and wouldn’t start for about 10 minutes. I had planned to do a tune-up in a couple of days so I thought that was what the problem was. Yesterday while a a light the same thing happened this time it took longer to start the car. After taking it to another mechanic I was told it was the Crank sensor, and not tune-up related this cost me $200. After reading these comments I realize that I am not the only one expericing these problems. Nissan really needs to do something about this, I take a major highway to work with traffic at 60-70 mph and to have a car just stop on can be very deadly. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS BEFORE A LIFE IS LOST AS A RESULT OF THIS.
I just found out that my 2005 needs a new crank sensor (of course that was after I bought a new battery (plus interest), new spark plugs, new filter, blah, blah, blah. It doesn’t appear that it’s just 2003’s that have a problem. It’s tough with the economy the way it is, then to have to figure out which to pay, the mortgage or the car repair.
After reading the other blogs, seems Nissan needs to compensate owners for their trouble.
Similar story for me, I have an ‘05 Altima 2.5S that has stalled out at speed on the highway 3 times. After the first two instances (second one VERY scary) I took the car in and had them do the ECM re-program recall. The car seemed to run fine for a couple months. Yesterday while driving during 100 degree heat on the freeway the car lost all power while I was driving with my whole family at 65 mph in the center lane of the freeway. This was during heavy traffic and it is a miracle that we did not get hit! The car wouldn’t start for 3-4 minutes so we were stuck in the middle of the freeway with cars whizzing by on both sides. FINALLY it starts and runs very roughly, but well enough to get off the road. It stalled again, and we were stranded for an hour waiting for the car and the sensor to cool down. I had friends come and take my family home while I drove the 70 miles back home in the right lane, expecting it to stall at any time.
I will be visiting Nissan on Tuesday after the long weekend. I am hoping that they will do the right thing and replace the sensor, but I have a feeling I’ll have to fight for it like everyone else. Truth is, I really don’t want this car anymore - I have lost all trust in Nissan after seeing the way in which they have handled this obvious safety issue with their products. Guess I should have bought another Subaru or Honda…. Live and learn! Nissan won’t get another chance at my money.
I have a 2003 Nisan Altima and the same thing happened to me. Before my car was out of warranty, I would go outside and the car would not start. I would call Nissan and tell them the problem. They would tell me to bring it in. After I pumped the brakes, the car would start. One day I took the car in and the technician said the problem may be that I wasn’t letting the car warm up. I told him that it happened several times and I didnt think it was the problem. It happened again and they said I must have flooded the car. I told them it would not start again and I did pump the gas to make it start. I then received the recall note in 2006. My car would stop while I was driving. I went to Nissan and they fixed the recall, which was resetting the ESM and also they fixed another engine recall that I never got a note from Nissan on. The car after the fix would still sometimes not start when cranked. It is now 2008 and I was driving and the check engine light came on. I went to Nissan and they told me the crank shaft sensor needed to be replaced. I asked them didnt they fix it with the recall. They told me the only reset the ECM. They also said it would be 55 for the part and 450 to replace it. I mentioned all the information and others that I have read on the blog with the same issue. They tried to explain the problem, which did not make sense. If this is a known problem, they need to fix it. The service rep had the nerve to ask me if I was thinking of buying another car because he coould refer me to someone in the used car dept. I told him I would never buy another Nissan again. I have had Chevrolet, and Chrysler cars, longer than the years I have had this one, and never had any problems service wise. I would not recommend anyone buying a Nissan Vehicle.
I had my 2005 Altima go dead after the recall was performed (ECM) the next day and it cost me $400.95. Nissan refuses to reimburse and I have hired a lawyer.
My code was P2135 TP/Throttle assembly. They replaced the Throttle body assembly. What sensor is this part?
I bought my 2005 Nissan brand new, it ran great up until a few weeks ago when it started stallilng out at stop signs, red lights, going through a drive thru, etc… My check engine light was not on, so mechanics had a hard time diagnosing the problem. Everytime it would stall out it would start right back up, but it worried me because I didn’t know what was wrong with it, and was scared that it would stall out in the middle of an intersection while making a left, or stall out on the interstate or something. As time progressed it got harder and harder to restart it and keep it started. Finally the check engine light came on and I took it to yet another mechanic. He said the code showed it was the crank shaft position sensor and that it had been involved in a recall, he advised me to take it to the dealer. My car was hardly drivable at this point without stalling out, and couldn’t make the trip to the dealership, it wouldn’t restart and wouldn’t keep going, I ended up having to call a tow truck. When I got to the dealership I was informed they only reprogram the ECM for free and that I have to pay for the crank shaft position sensor, which is over $200.00. Reading the recall it sounds like the sensor is the problem with overheating, and that causes a problem with the ECM- I am baffled as to why they are not paying for my sensor. I argued with the guy at the dealership and he said that was what they were told from Nissan, so I called Nissan, and the representive said that if I feel it is not fair, I can submit a claim for review, which I intend to do first thing Monday morning- but it sounds like I’m still going to have to fork out the money for the sensor. This has got to be the most improperly handled recall I have seen. They made a defective part, risked the safety of me and my son, and then make me pay for the defective part!
Here is a copy and paste of the recall for 2005 Nissan Altimas
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
NISSAN / ALTIMA 2002 2005-2006
NISSAN / SENTRA 2002 2005-2006
Recall Number: 07V527000
Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE, THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CAN OVERHEAT CAUSING A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.
Consequence:
IF THE INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL FROM THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR IS SO BRIEF THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) LOGIC DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT A LOW SPEED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM FREE OF CHARGE. CERTAIN MY 2006 ALTIMAS WHICH HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY REMEDIED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 06V223 (NISSAN R0606) ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL SINCE THE REPROGRAMMING FOR 06V223 ALSO INCLUDED THIS REPROGRAMMING. THE RECALL BEGAON ON DECEMBER 31, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Notes:
THIS IS AN EXPANSION OF A PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN (06V223). CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
same problem as everyone else….what a croc that a company like Nissan can do this and nothing is done about it. I guess its going to take someone “important” dying before anything is done. I too was a loyal Nissan customer….never again!!!
I have a 2005 Altima as well, we have experienced the same as everyone else. My car ran fine, until we got the recall letter in the mail. We took it to Downtown Nissan here in Nashville, TN. They done the recall work on it, never told us what the recall was for or anything. About a month later my Check Engine Light came on, we took it to our Mechanic and he put it on the machine and pulled up the CrankShaft Sensor and Speedometer Sensor Malufunctioning codes.(P0335 and P0725) We called Downtown Nissan and told them what it was doing, and they told us to bring it in for testing, I told the man that we already knew the codes it was pulling up, and he smarted off at me and told me that my mechanic’s equipment wasn’t as good as their’s was i needed to bring it in. Well we had been told that if we had to bring it back in after the recall that it would be 100.00 unless it was their fault. (which we all know it wasn’t going to be their fault, even if it was) My husband went to pick it back up and was charged 95.00 plus 18.99 for shop supplies, he asked for what shop supplies was he charged for and the man told him for like oil, or washer fluid, my husband asked if they did any of that to my car, and the man told him no, but they still had to charge him for it, long story short it cost us 125.00 for that. They told us that our Crankshaft sensor was bad and it would cost another 270.00 to fix it. He told the man no, that our mechanic would do it. The man made sure to write on the paperwork, that we REFUSED SERVICE STATED OWN MECHANIC WOULD FIX PROBLEM. So our mechanic ordered the part from Downtown Nissan (better price cause he is a Mechanic, lol) replaced the part, this was a friday night! Saturday drove over 200 miles in the car, everything was great. Sunday drove good. Monday didn’t go anywhere in it. Tuesday husband ran to store in it came home, let it set for a about an hour, got back in and the Check Engine Light came back on, I took it back to the mechanic Tuesday night he scanned it again, same 2 codes. Cleared them out, and I will be damned if I wasn’t in the car today (Wednesday 10-1) and the damn Check Engine Light came on AGAIN. Called mechanic said he is going to look into the Spendometer Sensor Malfunction thing.
But are any of you other people out there experiencing the “Buring More Gas” issue since all this has been going on with our 05 Nissan’s? I was able to go 200 miles and only use 1/4 tank of gas. The day the Check Engine Light came on, I only went about 40 and used 1/4 tank of gas. With the way gas prices are right now this is plum crazy!!
Jennifer, you may be aware of this, but make sure your mechanic replaced the Crankshaft sensor, and not the Camshaft sensor. They are the same part and are interchangeable. I bought the sensor and took it to my mechanic and he replaced it, when I was paying him he commented on how easy it was. I had done my reseach and know the cam sensor is easy, but the crank sensor is harder so we looked under the hood and he pointed out the cam sensor and said that is what he replaced. So we took the new sensor out, moved it to the cranks sensor and put the old cam sensor back in. Several thousand miles now and no more codes.
PS-I agree with all others, Nissan DEFINATLY needs to take care of this issue. I will never own another Nissan.
hello everyone i am having the same problem with my 2003 nissan altima. It started stalling and i had the cam shaft sensor replaced by my mechanic and the check engine light came back on and it continued to stall and cut off. So i took it to nissan and ask about the recall and of course my car they claimed didnt have the recall. But they told me my cam shaft sensor needed to be replaced and i had advise him that it just had been then they told me it had grease on it and they cleaned it so it should be good to go. It stalled again that day i took it back and they advise me i would have to replace the cam shaft sensor and i told them to go head 250.00 but they called me that same day and advise me that they replaced the cam shaft sensor and it was still stalling so it could be the wiring or the crankshaft sensor and they will call me and let me no i will keep u posted.
2004 nissan altima when you give it gas it will only go 5 miles an hour. Any one know what this could be it has been in the shop a week and they have not found out what the problem is.
Well….like everybody else, my 05 altima stopped working about 2 weeks ago. It left me in the middle of the highway on a little traffic jam. after that, i had to take the bus to college and work because my car would not turn on at all. The thing is that i called my mechanic, he checked it, and it said that the problem was caused by the camshaft and crankshaft sensor. Dealer refuses service….now what?
ps. Service Engine light was on.
Same as everyone, my 05 altima turned off on me while getting to a stop sign, it wouldnt turn back on. after about an hour or so i got it to work. Later on that week, i had the same problem. By the following week, it was almost pointless to try to do anything because the car either wouldnt start or it would turn off on me. I took the car to my mechanic, he said the problem was the camshaft and the crankshaft sensors. I read about the recall as i was looking “how to install Crankshaft”, i was never notified by nissan… It looks like my problem is linked to everyone elses. is there a way to get it fixed through nissan or is it gonna have to b done via our own mechanic (or in this case by me)
@ Bob posted 7/9/08
If your oil is burning up and your engine is sluggish, I’m about 100% sure its your catalytic converter. The catalytic converter falls apart on the inside and over heats burning up your oil. It can also get sucked into the engine thus the poor acceleration. I’d take it to the dealer asap and see if it’s still under warranty. Mine was and they had to replace the converter and put in an entirely new engine for free. But now my crankshaft sensor is messed up but I know how to fix it thanks to the posts.