Nissan Repair: Nissan Sentra, nissan sentra, dampner

Question
Hello,

I have a 1990 Nissan Sentra (4 cyl). Although no longer a beauty, as it was when I purchased it, this old car has given me some GREAT motoring years. My problem is:

My Sentra starts up and runs fine, until I come to a stop. Upon stopping the engine it flat out stops (dies). There is NO stuttering or chugging to a stop, it just shuts off - without making a sound. However, it immediately starts right back off and away I go. It appears to be intermittent; doing it only once on a drive to work (when I came to a stop) - and then tonight on my home it did it four times in a row (at stops).

I gave it a "tune up" - changed plugs, wires and air filter. The rotor and cap looked clean, so I gave it a little sanding to make sure. The trip to work was fine (ran smooth), but the trip back (which was smooth) had the four shut downs I noted.

I did not notice my headlamps dimming during these episodes, except when I started it back up for a split second; but again, it started right back up.

I am perplexed! Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks - Tom

Answer
Tom,

The car only dies when you come to a stop?  If this is the case you probably have a idle solenoid or dampner that is going out.  If the car dies while driving down the road I would be checking the coil and distributor.  Email me back and  let me know what you find.