2001 Maxima I reset the airbag light, now car won't start!

[mastindanes]

Ok, here is a little break down of all I've done to this car in the last 4 weeks. First I had to replace the idle air control valve. No problems there, car ran great afterwards. The airbag light has been flashing for 3 years or so. I reset the airbag light by turning the key from the off to on position 3-4 times. The light went off. It started and ran for about an hour. I was out and driving it, and it started dying when I slowed down. Now when I try to start the car, it won't start unless I am giving it gas, the minute I let off the gas, it dies again!!! It wasn't doing this before I reset the light. Any ideas? It is a 2001 Nissan Maxima SE 3.0 liter

[loystock]

Welcome to NICO.

I don't think the Airbag reset has anything to do with your current problem. Any maintenance history. Is the CEL on? Better get a free OBD II scan from Autozone and the likes. Have you replaced the air filter?

Most likely problem has to do with fuel delivery - pump, filter or even fuel pressure regulator. I believe in the 01 Maxima, the fuel filter is housed together with the fuel pump. You need to hook up a Fuel Pressure Gauge between the fuel rail and fuel filter to see if fuel pressure is normal - 43 PSI with Ignition ON, engine off (5 seconds limit); 34 PSI with engine running. Also, with Ignition ON, you should be able to hear the fuel pump humming from behind the rear pax seat

It's also possible that the replacement IACV has failed or you have air/vacuum leak. Any reason why you replaced the IACV? Take note that a shorted IACV could fry the ECU.

Another possibility is a malfunctioning MAF or coolant temp sensor. Disconnect the MAF sensor and then start the car. If the car started, then problem is with MAF sensor or related harness/connector. Try this one first before doing the rest of the diagnostic above.

[mastindanes]

The reason I had to replace the idle air control was I sent it to garage, they replaced idle air control 1st time. Drove it for about 6 months, computer burned up. I ordered another computer, took it to nissan, had them flash the new computer. I then took off the idle air control valve, since it was under warranty, got a new one. Replaced all gaskets, when placing new iacv. Relearned the idle. Ran great, reset airbag light , started messing up. I called the mechanic and told him what was happening, he told me to pull off the connector to the aivc and put some dielectric grease in the fittings. I did that yesterday, relearned the idle once again, and now it seems to be doing good. I hate this maxima, has been nothing but a money pit. 1st it was the ox. sensors, then radiator, the the aicv, then computer, then aicv again! Thanks for the reply.

[loystock]

Good. I always apply dielectric grease on any connector I have disturbed. I always have a tube or two of dielectric grease in my tool box. Helps a lot in preventing oxidation/corrosion.