My car keeps stopping when I'm driving it and I turn it off and on again and its goes fine. Whats wrong?

Question

I asked this question a few weeks ago and took someones advice and changed the ignition switch but the problem continues to happen. Its an automatic 2002 nissan pulsar sedan and it will just cut out whilst i'm driving and the warning lights will come on and i have to turn it off and on to get it going again. It seems to happen mostly when im braking though it does occasionally slip when i'm accelerating. Any suggestions as to what's causing it?

Answer 1

On Pulsars, the fuel pump, the fuel filter and the fuel gauge sender unit are in one unit within the petrol tank. All are accessible by removing the rear seat and a cover over the fuel tank.

I think you should get the fuel pump and filter checked, or replaced, after your mechanic's verification.

One thing you can do quickly, is check you hear the fuel pump run briefly (it is just a whirring sound from behind you and a click from in front of you) when you turn on the ignition. NOTE it doesn't happen at EVERY turnon, however, and just because you hear it run initially does not guarantee it will continue to function!

As it begins failing, it will typically stop running, the engine stops. The action of turning off and on will often make it run again for a time. Or hitting the bottom of the tank with a (rubber) hammer. But once it starts this behaviour, it will eventually stop for good.

These pumps thrive on your maintaining fairly high fuel level in your tank, as they are cooled by the fuel. When they are becoming exposed, they run warmer.

It's not a big job to fit a new pump, but best done by an experienced mechanic.

I have a 2001 Pulsar.

Answer 2

It is most likly due for a service they program them to play up them if you can get your hands on a gregorys car manual for it in the electrical section there is a bit on which two pins to short together in the socect your mechanis plugs the test unit into normaly rhs of the steering columb. or low water level sensor maybe

Answer 3

take it to the dealer and get the codes read.

have you had the cam and crank sensors replaced?

Answer 4

Could be a bit of dirt in the carbi, mine used to do that but it wouldnt start again straight away, apparently their are leather or kapok type beads in the carbi and some are better than others, I had a leather one, but had let the car get really close to running out of petrol and it happened after that, maybe take it in for a tuneup, could event be something simple like dirty points, the mechanic should know whats wrong pretty much straight up, hope this helps, goodluck and take care! :)

Answer 5

most likely a vacuum leak, but if any kind of codes popout it is a misfire