I have a 97 nissan sentra. About 3 months ago while I was sitting at a red light, the engine died and would not start (seemed flooded) after about 3 green light cycles, it started and away I went. Did it again about a month later. It got more frequent, but no set pattern. I took it to the mechanic. They hooked it for 3 days and nothing. I picked it up, did it again. Took it back to mech and he adjusted the idle. The next day even worse. He kept it for 3 more days and decided it was the throttle sensor ?. I have had my car for 7 day and 200 miles waiting for the part and nothing has happened. I must mention that the check engine light has come on, but that did not coincide with the car dying. My question is should I spend the money to have the sensor replaced (not cheap) not knowing if that is the problem? Thanks
Don’t start throwing parts at it.
When the CEL comes on, a code is set. Get the code read and post just the numbers back here.
Hi, I am back. I had the car tested at Autozone and the code came back P0120 (Throttle position) sensor is bad. The mechanic finally figured that out and has the part. But my question is what does a bad throttle position sensor do to the car and it that what is causing my car to die periodically? The check engine light came back on about a week ago but the car hasn’t died once. Thanks
what does a bad throttle position sensor do to the car and it that what is causing my car to die periodically?
It tells your car’s computer how far you have pressed down on the throttle. Then the computer tells the injectors and spark plugs what to do. That is kind of important. 
Sounds like you may need to replace the mechanic! He should have found this if Autozone could.
I am asking the question again. Do I spend the money to replace the throttle position sensor assuming that is what was causing the car to die? The check engine light has been on for over a week now, but the car hasn’t died once. Somebody, are the 2 related? Thanks