1999 nissan maxima stals at 2400 RPM

[jaybug624]

I have a 1999 Nissan maxima that had a bad alternator. I replaced that and the battery (the car had no power for 48 hours). Now that it is all put back together i went to start it and it ran a lil ruff and if you hit the gas it will choke and not go over 2400 RPM. I took it for a test drive and if I baby the gas it can get up to 60 MPH but it will not go over 2400 RPM. It will start to choke if you try to get it over 2400 RPM.

I was told you need to reprogram the computer after it loses power for a long period of time.

The car ran fine before the alternator went bad so I have a hard time believing it is another problem but maybe. "Service EngineSoon" light was on before because of an O2 sensor for the past year and it still is on so not sure if a new code came up.

Does anyone have any idea?

[mrdicks95se]

check the voltage readings on the MAF to see if its out or not. if it is, that's your problem. and it's a very expensive item to replace new from the dealer. try to find a used one that obviously works.

[DevonD]

Well if your car thinks something is seriously wrong. not just an oxygen sensor or something it will go into a "limp mode" but from what I have heard and seen the limp mode is usually speed limited too. like 30mph.

Do you know how to pull your engine codes yourself? if you do then pull the code and tell us what it is and we will be able to help you better.

[jaybug624]

So I hooked it up to my computer reader and got two codes.

P0732 - O2 Sensour

P0100 - Mass air flow sensour malfunction.

It looks like it is the mass air flow luckly i found one at a junk yard for $40!

One last thing were is the O2 Sensour at on the 99 maxima?

Thank your for your help!

[DevonD]

yeah your MAF could do something like that. have you looked at it? it may just need a good cleaning. and your car has for sure 3 oxygen sensors. maybe 4 depending on the model and what not.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Definitely worth trying to clean your MAF. Use an alcohol-based electrical contact cleaner, but don't use anything harsh like carb cleaner. Just spray the element, don't touch it or disassemble the MAF. While you're at it, clean the MAF connector with the contact cleaner as well. And be careful with the MAF connector...if the VQ is like the VG, it'll have a VERY VERY EASY TO LOSE tiny metal spring clip securing it. You definitely DON'T want to lose it.

[mrdicks95se]

yeah your MAF could do something like that. have you looked at it? it may just need a good cleaning. and your car has for sure 3 oxygen sensors. maybe 4 depending on the model and what not.

if only matters if it is Cali-spec (4 o2 sensors) or Fed-spec (3 o2 sensors).

It is definitely your MAF. replace it. brand new will cost you $400 from the dealer. $40 for a used one is good. +1 with MinisterofDOOM. spray it but dont touch it. it is very sensitive.

[jltibbs]

Also, if you have an SRI or CAI it could have caused the wires that run into the back of the MAF plug to wiggle loose or break. I went through 4 MAF's before I found that it was the plug itself. After the wires were fixed, never had an issue again. Something to think about and check.