It sounds like the mass airflow sensor may be sending an incorrect voltage input to the ECM, causing improper fuel control. If you can't monitor the voltage output try disconnecting this sensor and then driving the vehicle to check for a difference. An erratic EGR valve could also cause surging. Nissan also had a technical service bulletin addressing this condition, in where a poor connection at a splice point for the ground to 3 sensors...I believe they were the Throttle Position Sensor, Engine Coolant Temp sensor, and EGR temp sensor. The harness runs under the air cleaner, parallel alongside and to the left of the valve cover. Locating this splice and soldering the wires within the crimp has cured rough and fluctuating idles.
If there are no codes and the fuel pressure and volume are good, then you have a mechanical problem. Has anyone checked to see if there is an exhaust restriction? If that is OK I'm thinking you should take a hard look at the distributor (mechanically). Also check the distributor rotor and cap. The rotor buttons on those motors can drive you nuts. Let me know how it goes. The only other thing would be a tensioner problem on the timing chain. You would have to pull the front cover off the motor to check for chain looseness.
I would suspect the mass air flow sensor. It is located on the passenger side of the throttle body (under the air cleaner). These are very poorly made and fail often without throwing any codes. Here's a link of the part. Some emission parts for the 1997 pickup are different depending on the month of manufacture so make sure you get the correct part.
http://www.aipelectronics.com/index.php/mass-air-flow-sensor-meter-1996-2004-nissan-pickup-frontier-and-xterra.html?Tracker_ChannelID=28&Tracker_CustomerID=319&Tracker_variantid=419611&gclid=CLPJs_Wr4b4CFVJefgodmIUANQ
SOURCE: engine seems to cut out
it is not tring to die it has a rev governer and is keeping the engine from over reving letting you only go so fast
SOURCE: 1997 Nissan Altima with idle jump
The description sounds like a technical Service Bulletin Nissan came out with on your car. It fits your description to a "T".
However, the codes you are getting are not what the service bulletin reports. The code they say it sets is DTC 0400 which relates to an irregular EGR operation, causing a problem where it will not maintain an idle or Will idle roughly. There is not a recall campaign on this item.
As far as misfire problems: Nissan had a service bulletin out on problem ECM's which caused this problem. Check with your local dealer. This may possibly be covered under warranty.
The reference number is NTB97-026 The bulletin was issued March,12,1997 There was no recall on this item.
Good luck to both of you.
SOURCE: 1997 Nissan Hardbody has rough idle/surges/stalls
the 2001 altima is what i have and I had the same problem as you. turned out to be a bad head gasket factory used cheap ones for a few years before they found the problem. one way to test this is to get a can of carborator cleaner and spray it around the area where the head meets the block under the intake problem should be around the 4th cylinder or close to driver side. if the head gasket is bad the rough idle will smooth out while you are spraying the head.
SOURCE: 1997 Nissan Hardbody has rough idle/surges/stalls
ok i have the same truck my timing was off 3 teeth but mine wouldn't kick out of high idle is y mine was surging but know with timing right no vacuum leaks i cant get it below 1400 but when a vacuum turns on it almost kills my engine any thoughts i know i got a vacuum line mixed up idk were though
SOURCE: Loss of power at 2400 rpm's
Can any one help please!!! my 84 300zx AE gradually looses its power whether it's in driving or parking mode. It will restart easily every time. Before the engine looses its power, I step on the gas (while driving/parking), the engine will roar very smoothly and normally. But once it start to loose its power, even when stepping on the gas, it still gradually dies. I have replaced fuel filter but did not help.
Laredo 4WD
TSi 4WD
Limited 4WD
Orvis 4WD
Standard Engine
4.0L 185 hp I6
4.0L 185 hp I6
4.0L 185 hp I6
4.0L 185 hp I6
Horsepower
185 @ 4600 RPM
185 @ 4600 RPM
185 @ 4600 RPM
185 @ 4600 RPM
Torque (lb-ft)
220 @ 2400 RPM
220 @ 2400 RPM
220 @ 2400 RPM
220 @ 2400 RPM
Rear-Wheel Drive Trims
Laredo 2WD
TSi 2WD
Limited 2WD
Standard Engine
4.0L 185 hp I6
4.0L 185 hp I6
4.0L 185 hp I6
Horsepower
185 @ 4600 RPM
185 @ 4600 RPM
185 @ 4600 RPM
Torque (lb-ft)
220 @ 2400 RPM
220 @ 2400 RPM
220 @ 2400 RPM
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