Q: excessive gas consumption, loud noise, check engine light is on

asked by on May 03, 2017

I have a 98 Nissan Altima that is making a loud noise, there is excessive fuel consumption, check engine light is on, car hesitates to start and when pressing the gas pedal, hesitation on acceleration, and car dies while driving. Could it be a problem with the mass airflow sensor? If so, does that explain the loud noise that's coming from the engine? What could the problem be and how much would it cost to fix it?

Check Engine Light is on Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Faults with the mass air flow sensor do not cause noise. The noise could be due to exhaust leaks, or internal faults in exhaust components such as the muffler or resonator if equipped. Belt driven accessories can be the source of abnormal noises as well. With regard to the excessive fuel consumption and the acceleration issue, inasmuch as the check engine light is on, the very first priority is to obtain any and all codes that have set and track those down (that is, perform the required diagnostics) because often faulty components implicated in those codes will be the cause of the problems you are having. Once all codes are investigated, any found faults repaired, and all codes cleared, if trouble remains a more specific diagnostic is performed tied to the operating fault. If you want to get the process started, just request a check engine light diagnostic and a certified mechanic will be dispatched right to your door. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What does it mean if the Low Tire Pressure Light on the dash comes on?
Your car is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). It checks that each of your tires has the right amount of air. If it notices a drop in pressure, it will turn on the Low Tire Pressure Light...
Wheel shaking
Hi there. It sounds like your tire may be what's called "cupping". That's when cup like patterns are worn into the tire causing it to vibrate and shake the car. I would inspect the tire for cupping and if they...
1998 Toyota Corolla won't accelerate
A low fluid level will cause the transmission to not go into a drive gear fully. The differential seals from the transaxle can leak, and cause fluid level to drop. If these seals are leaking, they will need to be...
Seal leaking
A rear main seal leaking on this engine is very common. The transmission must be removed to change it. I have seen this also occur from a failing PCV valve. It is it not functioning too much crankcase pressure can...
The cooling fan won't turn and car over heats
The radiator fan consists of the fan motor powered by the fan relay in the engine compartment relay box. The cooling fan relay is controlled by the fan control module behind the glove box. This control module will turn on...
Loud popping noise where header and exhaust meet
Hi there - the "combustion bang" you hear taking place at the header flange probably indicates a leak at the donut gasket as you suspect. Unburned, or still burning, fuel catches some fresh oxygen at the flange, and ignites, producing...
Found one black pipe detached when I opened the hood.
Hi there. The black pipe on your engine is the air intake tube. There are two different tubes. On tube goes to the air box where the engine air filter sits in. The other tube goes to a resonating chamber...
Engine shaking
Shaking or vibrating may be caused by many different things such as faulty spark plugs, poor fuel pressure or misfires. Other things such as a faulty idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement) may cause the engine idle to drop below the...
Car Wont go into gear
Hello. I'm sure this is been done but ensure that the clutch release bearing and a whole clutch kit was installed when you replaced the clutch. A complete couch job consists of a pressure plate, a flywheel, a clutch disc...

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Catalytic Converter
Common signs include reduced engine performance, rattling sounds, and the Check Engine Light turning on.
P3473 OBD-II Trouble Code: Cylinder 10 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit/Open
P3473 means a cylinder was deactivated during certain driving conditions due to low oil pressure, faulty cylinder, or restricted oil passage.
P0680 OBD-II Trouble Code: Cylinder 10 Glow Plug Circuit
P0680 means the system reference voltage allowed by the vehicle’s ECM has exceeded 10% of the allowed variance due to a defective plug, or module.