Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
1998 Infiniti QX4FACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Fast Idle Control Device (FICD) System Test: Altima
- Start engine and warm to operating temperature. Check idle speed. See SPECIFICATIONS article. Adjust idle speed if necessary. See ADJUSTMENTS article. Turn A/C switch and blower fan switch on. Idle speed should increase. If idle speed does not increase, go to next step. If idle speed increases, system is functioning properly.
- Ensure A/C compressor functions normally. If compressor is not functioning, repair A/C system as necessary. If compressor is functioning, go to next step.
- Turn ignition off. Disconnect FICD solenoid harness connector. Start engine. Using DVOM, measure voltage between ground and FICD harness connector terminal No. 1 (Yellow/Black wire). Battery voltage should be present. If battery voltage is present, go to next step. If battery voltage is not present, check and repair open or short in Yellow/Black wire. If wire is okay, check fuse, A/C relay, and FICD solenoid. Repair or replace as necessary.
- Check ambient air temperature switch. See A/C-HEATER SYSTEMS article in the AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT section. If ambient air temperature switch is okay, go to next step. If ambient air temperature switch is not okay, replace as necessary. Retest system.
- Ensure engine is still at operating temperature. Turn ignition off. Check continuity between ground and FICD solenoid harness connector terminal No. 2 (Black wire). Continuity should exist. If continuity exists, go to next step. If continuity does not exist, repair open in Black wire.
- Check FICD solenoid. See FAST IDLE CONTROL DEVICE (FICD) SOLENOIDΒ . If FICD solenoid is okay, check PCM terminals and harness connector terminals for pushed-out, damaged, or corroded terminals. Repair or replace as necessary.
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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