:frown: This is a challenge problem. it bothered me for 2 months already.
Please help.

In a cold day when it’s about 35-40 or lower, my son needs to warm up the 97 Altima for 7 to 20 minutes before he can drive it, otherwise 'Just like a manual car - engine will stop if you let clutch go too quickly without giving enough gasoline (RPM) at the right timing.'

I did not change sparks plugs, rotor, caps, and distribution cables before this symptom comes up. But those tune-up procedures did not help any degree.
I also changed temperature sensor, and transmission fluid. I measured Mass sensor, many sensors, readings are same as Haynes book mentioned.
I changed CV joints boots (both outsides) about 5 months ago.

One mechanic test drew and advised me to let it be until it dies. He thinks it’s because of the transmission converter and some components inside the transmission are locked up. The colder the worse. Only when converter got enough pressure build-up and gains temp., it can be freed to run.
Here are my questions:

anyone got similar experience? Is the cause accurate?
Does anyone have transmission data/info? Thanks in advance.

My 96 altima has a very simular problem, on a cold day (less than 60 deg.) my car skips like crazy, as soon as the motor get some heat in it, it levels out and runs like a sewing machine. I too have changed plugs, wires, intake gasket, distributor, and 0-2 sensor. My check enging light is on and shows a EGR valve problem, mine is disconnected for another problem. My car has 226,000 mile on it and I'd drive it anywhere after its warm. I'd like to fix mine also if someone has repaired theirs.

hi, Bracketshark, thanks for input
you sure "have done a hackof good job" to last 226K.

Here is my update:
my son said it's improving, after he tried Premiem Gas. Now, engine will not shock/lock to stall, but still skipping when car slows down at intersections. He thinks it might be related to idle control.? I will keep you posted.
give it a try.

hi, Bracketshark, thanks for input
you sure "have done a hackof good job" to last 226K.

Here is my update:
my son said it's improving, after he tried Premiem Gas. Now, engine will not shock/lock to stall, but still skipping when car slows down at intersections. He thinks it might be related to idle control.? I will keep you posted.
give it a try.


Its possible that the torque convertor is hanging up. Try turning the overdrive button off when slowing down and shifting down one gear this should force it to release. I have 158k on a 98 and have always used regular fuel.

Its possible that the torque convertor is hanging up. Try turning the overdrive button off when slowing down and shifting down one gear this should force it to release. I have 158k on a 98 and have always used regular fuel.
Thank you very much for your suggestion. I have relayed it to my son.

Here is the update:
While running on 93? Oct. gasoline, tried taking off O/D and shift down to 2 and 1, the symptoms stay the same - 'engine skipping like going to die'. No symptom at all after it warm up to working temperature.
He reminded me, symptom starts after the break applied when eng. is cold. RPM stays high (1500) when car stopped and delayed to resume normal. He said the RPM at idle seems not responding timely.
Hope this help to pin point possible cause. Please all words welcome.

Also, Can someone describe how does the idle control (system?) work in Altima?