Car bogs down as though not getting fuel

Question

2001 Nissan Altima GXE

Hey Scotty,

I have the above car with approx 225,000 miles on it. I was driving it a few months ago and it acted like it wasn't getting fuel. I automatically thought the fuel pump was going out and replaced it. That did nothing. (I am NOT a mechanic.) I borrowed a code reader, and the codes it throws are:

P0180 “Fuel Temperature Sensor “A” Circuit.”

https://www.carparts.com/blog/p0325-code-knock-sensor-malfunction-sensor-1-bank-1/&source=gmail&ust=1717801330428000&usg=AOvVaw0QHRc7DcvX2bYe_L2q84W H">P0325 Knock Sensor Malfunction

P0464 Fuel Level Sensor Circuit Intermittent

I took it to a mechanic friend. He said none of those would make it die like it is. He said to try replacing the mass air flow sensor. That did nothing.

I replaced the fuel filter. That did nothing. My mechanic friend replaced the crankshaft sensor. That did nothing. 2 years ago it wouldn't start, so I replaced the distributor. That's where I think the camshaft sensor is, so I have not replaced that. I took it to a certified mechanic shop and they told me at first they couldn't find anything wrong with it. They finally said it was the front catalytic converter, and I should replace the rear one also. They gave me an estimate for $6000. My mechanic friend didn't think that was the problem, but to order one off of ebay and he would replace it. That also did nothing. The spark plug wires had some cracks in them, so I replaced them. That did nothing either. I am at my wits end and wondered if you had any ideas. I would greatly appreciate any insight. I live in Colorado Springs CO.

Thank you for your time,

Gary

MountainManJoe · Accepted Answer

Posted by: @gary-dicegmail-com P0180  “Fuel Temperature Sensor “A” Circuit.” P0464 Fuel Level Sensor Circuit Intermittent if the temp and level sensors are both on the tank, then you could be looking at a wiring harness issue.

Chuck Tobias · Answer

It sounds like the parts cannon was fully loaded on this one. As you found out that rarely if ever produces any results. Doing actual diagnostics rather than guesswork is far preferable.

Has the fuel pressure been checked? If original that fuel pump is 23 years old with a lot of miles on it. Was the MAF sensor tested before being replaced? If the catalytic converter was suspected to be clogged was that checked for excessive back pressure?

Justin Shepherd · Answer

Typically, if the catalytic converter were clogged, you would get a P0420 code and you would need to further troubleshoot the symptoms before replacing anything. Lots of other things can cause that code which are unrelated to the catalytic converter itself. It would also struggle on inclines, when the loads on the engine are greater. It may surge and then struggle, etc.

Clogged catalytic converters always remind me of The scene in Beverly Hills Cop when Eddie Murphy sticks the bananas in the other cops' tailpipe and the car stalls. It's the same general idea.

I would pressure test the fuel pump.

You mentioned you replaced it, was it a brand new, OEM fuel pump, or Chinese aftermarket junk?