2002 Nissan Altima 2002 Altima sputters and smells flooded

2002 NISSAN ALTIMA
141,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
VIDMON
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hi,

My 2002 Nissan Altima sputters pretty bad when I am cranking it. After it eventually starts running smoothly, you can smell the oder of gasoline, like the car was flooded. Any ideas what could be causing this, and how I can fix the problem?

Thanks very much!
May 23, 2009 at 8:33 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi vidmon,

Thank you for the donation.

Seems the issue is difficult starting and when that happens, the cylinders might be flooded resulting in the bad gas smell.

During normal operations, does the engine run well?
Is the Check Engine Light showing?
Is it difficult to start only when cold or even when it is hot?

It could possibly be the Engine Coolant Temperature sensor and test would have to be carried out to determine if it is the cause.
May 23, 2009 at 11:50 PM