97 QX4 Engine Stuttering!! Help!!

[cbaccam23]

Hello,

Earlier today while I was driving to work, my engine started stuttering out of nowhere. Luckily I was able to pull over into a strip mall before it was undriveable. Everytime I started it up, it would idle between 500-1000rpm's. Anybody have any idea what the problem could be? I'm thinking/hoping its nothing more then spark plugs... Any suggestions would be great! Thanks!

[Towncivilian]

How many miles do you have on your QX4? Was the service engine soon light illuminated or blinking? Have you changed the fuel filter within the past two years?

[cbaccam23]

How many miles do you have on your QX4? Was the service engine soon light illuminated or blinking? Have you changed the fuel filter within the past two years?

almost 115k miles

dont believe I've changed the fuel filter within the past 2 years.

[Towncivilian]

Have you had the timing belt and spark plugs serviced around 105k miles? If not, I would get those serviced as well as the fuel filter and go from there.

[cbaccam23]

Have you had the timing belt and spark plugs serviced around 105k miles? If not, I would get those serviced as well as the fuel filter and go from there.

I should be able to get the plugs and filter fixed fairly quick. Hopefully that can at least get it without stuttering so I can get the car home w/o having it towed.

[cbaccam23]

So I tried to drive the car home and the engine was still stuttering and wouldnt go over 30mph/2000rpms. Any other suggestions?

[Towncivilian]

Try cleaning your MAF sensor. Use MAF sensor cleaner only.

[cbaccam23]

I had the distributor cap cleaned out and that did the trick...for a while. Engine started stuttering again. Gonna replace the cap/rotor and see what happens!

[Conquest]

My 95 Pathfinder did this ...turned out to be a vac leak. Well, it was actually a disconnected hose but , same effect.

[cbaccam23]

Actually had to replace the whole distributor.