Altima sputtering in drive, ck engine light came on, car is running hot

SOURCE: i have an 03 nissan altima engine makes loud clicking noise

1st check the the oil level and the vehicle's oil type.(owners manuel) 5w30-10w30
10w 30 is a thicker oil and could possibly be causing this.(Moves more freely through the engine heats the oil)

SOURCE: 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5S, Check Engine Light Problem.

this problem could be caused by the mass air flow censor, i had the same problem with my car. it is really pricey at the dealer so you might want to check elsewhere for this part. I found one at a scrap yard for 85% less that the dealer and i also got life time warranty, the dealer does not offer any warranty on this part.

SOURCE: 1997 Nissan Altima - engine sputters, car stalls when stops

i belive its a injector failing..theres good trouble shooting tips from: Nissanclub.com, about high speed stumbles and missfires (loosing power) they have the omh ratings to test the injectors as well as the comments on replacing them.. good tip info >but of course change the plugs,wires,cap,rotor first..found my nissan really like eating plugs up..(max of 2 years service life) ngk iridum last the best for 7.99 each there affordable..

SOURCE: Very Rough Idle and sometimes cuts off while idling

sounds like bad Idle Air control valve Not Cheap

SOURCE: High Idle

I have a 2001 Nissan Altima and mine did the same thing. We replaced the intake gasket. It costs around $5.50, but it requires several different kinds of tools. We spent over $100 in special sockets, etc. But once you replace that gasket, it will idle better.