Nissan Repair: 1996 Nissan Sentra, nissan sentra, air control valve

Question
I have a 1996 Nissan Sentra. It starts and runs great. But, at least once a week it dies as if it was out of gas. while I’m waiting for the light to change, then it starts right away, but it dies as if it was not getting enough gas, or electricity. After 30 seconds runs as new again. Lately it loses power while driving for just a second but it recovers back to normal
I have changed the gas, air filter, distributor cap, plugs and rotor.I can’t check for code the light doesn’t work. It’s an old car but is all I can afford.
Thanks for any ideas in advance.


Answer
Samuel,

I would think the throttle body needs cleaning and the idle air control valve should be cleaned, checked and replaced if it fails the ohms check.  Get a Haynes Manual and it will show you how and the value it should be reading.  There is a check engine light for your car and if the bulb is burnt out you can get another at Radio Shack for a couple of bucks.  It is a bit of a pain taking the cluster out but you would know what you are dealing with.