If you own a Nissan Altima, you know that it offers the sedan feel with loss of power. This power can be harnessed by practicing preventive maintenance measures like replacing the valve cover gasket once you have driven 100,000 miles. This preventive maintenance can help to keep your Nissan Altima performing at top level.
Prepare to perform maintenance on your Nissan Altima. Purchase your materials from your local automotive parts store. This process does not require that parts specific to the Nissan Altima are used. Once you have purchased the parts, allow your engine to cool and raise the hood.
Disconnect the battery terminal. Remove the right side vent screen top extension. Disconnect the ignition coil with power transistor and its wiring and brackets.
Remove the spark plug wires, valve cover bolts and the valve cover. Unplug the electrical connections from the intake manifold runner control actuator. Unfasten the actuator retaining the screws. Disconnect the left hand side coil wires and spark plug wires.
Remove the heated positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve. Remove the heated oxygen sensor plug and the Differential Pressure Feedback EGR (DPFE) sensor. Disconnect the ignition coil with power transistor and its wiring and bracket. Remove the valve cover bolts, the valve cover and the old valve cover gasket. Clean the valve cover seating area with automotive engine cleaner, and place the new gasket in the gasket seating area.
Replace the parts that were removed and disconnected by reversing the steps. Replace the valve cover gasket and tighten the bolts, in sequence, ensuring not to over tighten. Put back the ignition coil with power transistor and its wiring and bracket, the heated positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve, the heated oxygen sensor plug and the Differential Pressure Feedback EGR (DPFE) sensor.
Check the oil stick to determine the oil level, and fill the oil container to make sure that the car has enough oil in it. Start the car and let it idle for a while. The maintenance is now complete on your Nissan Altima.
