Rough Idle- 2010 Nissan Altima V6

[The Critic]

8,600 miles on the Altima V6.

Noticed that during cold start-up, in Park, there is a noticeably rough idle that is felt by moderate vibrations. When revved up to about 1300 rpm, the idle smooths out completely.

The car only sees 2-3 mile trips. I can count the number of times that it has been on the highway since we bought it 18 months ago.

I am inclined to believe that this rough idle is possibly related to carbon deposits. I remember on DI engines, rough idle on a cold start was a characteristic of excessive carbon deposits. I might try a bottle of Amsoil PI and see what happens.

Any ideas?

 

[chrome]

How about giving it a good run on the highway, using the full rev range and recheck for the rough idle the next day?

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: chrome
How about giving it a good run on the highway, using the full rev range and recheck for the rough idle the next day?


If I floored that car around here I would probably get a very large speeding ticket...

 

[Quest]

Back to the dealership I'd go.

Q.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Quest
Back to the dealership I'd go.

Q.


The last time I mentioned it during a service they did an idle air volume relearn but also said there was nothing wrong, but I don't remember it being this noticeable. If the cleaner doesn't solve it I'll make an appointment.

 

[Scott_Tucker]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: chrome
How about giving it a good run on the highway, using the full rev range and recheck for the rough idle the next day?


If I floored that car around here I would probably get a very large speeding ticket...


Go to highway 17 between Mt Herman Road and Scotts Valley Drive, its very straight and safe.

 

[ahoier]

Originally Posted By: Quest
Back to the dealership I'd go.

Q.
lol that was my first thought too seeing the thread title.....

And yea, give the Fuel Injector Cleaner a try.....I'd opt for Berryman's B-12 CHEMTOOL at 1 oz. per gallon of fuel, if the tank holds more than 15 gallons, add the whole can.

Can be got at Walmart or near any parts store for 2.97 or something in that range.

 

[chubbs1]

I would try the fuel system cleaner too, whichever one you prefer to use. I have a 2.5S (which I know is kind of comparing apples to oranges) but it is very particular about oils. I ran the smoothest ever on Castrol Syntec (3qts. of 5w30 and 2qts of 5w40). I had a used oil analysis done at around 15K with Mobil 1 0w30AFE and had very good results. So the rattling of my Altima did not seem to be caused by any mechanical related issues.

I had a PC done with the used oil analysis and it was wearing amazingly well.
>=25microns 1. So my fears of a "lemon" were calmed.

I really think you should give Castrol a try...and trust me I never thought I would tell anyone that.

Are you using a WIX filter by any chance??

 

[MrCritical]

Sounds like dirty injectors...

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: chubbs1


I really think you should give Castrol a try...and trust me I never thought I would tell anyone that.

Are you using a WIX filter by any chance??

I have cases of a SynPower 5w30 that I need to use up first. The Altima has a Pureone filter on it.

 

[ryansride2017]

Although it has received plenty of awards over the years, I've never been too impressed with the VQ series of engines....mainly due to their rough idle. Our's is noisy/rough as well...but it pulls good though.

 

[javacontour]

My MIL has a 2008 or 2009 Maxima with the same engine and it's buttery smooth at about 60K miles. Maybe you should drive the Altima more so it gets some use.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Are you still using 87 in it?

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: asiancivicmaniac
Are you still using 87 in it?


Yup, that is all that the "boss" approves of. Plus it is what Nissan Calla for in the manual.

 

[Digital2k2]

I wonder if the dealer would bump the idle up 50 to 75 rpm's for you. The VQ40DE in my frontier vibrated the whole truck before I got a superchips cortex and raised it 75rpm's.

 

[JHZR2]

Italian tune-up... Use those fake gears that they set up for you.

I'm assuming it is a 60degree v6, right? All v6 engines seem to me to be a little rough.

Don't think FI cleaner will help if DI. Might be interesting to try the BG system...

 

[R2d2]

That V6 is not direct injected. That car needs to be driven more.

 

[EricF]

I'd drop a bottle of Techron or SI-1 in and go head out to the freeway for an hour. You don't need to speed.. just get the motor humming up.

 

[JHZR2]

+1 some cleaner since not DI, and some hard use. This is one of the issues with today's overpowered cars...

 

[Grambo]

Im very familiar with the VQ35, First are there any codes? A rough idle can be coming from alot of things. First I would get some Mass Air Flow cleaner at your local Parts Store, and spray it down BE CAREFUL WITH IT VERY AS IT IS DELICATE! see if that helps they tend to get dirty and the air metered coming in is not in parameter and it runs a little rich. Is it only at IDLE? when was the last time you AT models you should be looking at 638-675 rpms fully warmed up.