Stalling Sentra

Yup!

First thing I'd check would be the fuel filter...

The fuel filter on this car is in the gas tank. Not very easy to get to or to check. There is no external filter. The surprising thing to me is that there are no codes set at all. I would have expected some kind of code since the car is stalling very badly now. I am at a loss with this one.

check the ignition switch. if you have a loaded key ring, it can prevent the contacts returning to the full "run" position, and over time, the contacts burn out. very common problem on hondas and when it happens, you get stalling and no codes. something to check for...

Could be a failing fuel pump, too. Neither the pump nor filter will set codes.

Have you checked the fuel pressure yet ?

I did notice one thing. The car idles smoothly for a few seconds and then stalls or runs rough for seconds and then stalls. I noticed that the EGR valve pulls open at the same time that the rough idle starts. I disconnected and plugged the EGR vacuum hose and there was no difference so it is not the EGR itself that is causing the problem. It looks though as if it is some other vacuum operated system that is causing the problem when the vacuum builds up in the intake. I did have a problem code some time ago that was suggesting an air leak in the EVAP system. I checked out the hoses and replaced the gas cap as the book suggested to no avail. I just lived with the check engine light for a while. Since I have been having this idle and surging problem though, that code has not appeared again. I did nothing to fix it. I did try clamping off the EVAP hoses and the car still stalled so I doubt that this is the cause.

A few years ago, my now-deceased partner started having similar problems with his Ford custom van. The dealership took the van and replaced his fuel pumps and a number of other things. When they got through, he had spent several thousand on repairs and transportation...Then if failed again.. And they replaced some more parts, etc etc.

Finally, somebody got the idea to blow out the fuel lines. And that did the trick. The lines were almost blocked with a rubbery looking substance.

There IS a moral to this story, and I think everybody knows what it is...If not, just make one up.

Would a fuel pressure test not have found this problem?

I doubt it's the filter. A fuel volume issue would show up under heavy load before it would at idle.

Sounds to me like a stuck open EGR valve or other vacuum leak. Good luck, Ben

I sort of fixed it. The MAF sensor was dirty. I checked the voltage readings and they hardly changed over the rev range. I bought the cleaner and gave it a good dousing and it improved tremendously. I still get a little hesitation now and again so I will try another cleaning later.

Sentras are notorious for bad cop coils.

Should have, fuel pressure and deliverability. Some mechanics are quick to "flat rate", however, and will replace a lot of parts to avoid diagnosis.

This van had a main and an auxiliary fuel tank. The source of the crap was never really identified.