95 Maxima Engine Stumbles, Dies (intermittent)

[Svenfran]

95 Nissan Maxima SE, 5-speed, 170K miles, owned since new.

I am a new member, former auto tech (way back). My 95 Max is experiencing its first driveability problem at 170K. At part throttle, especially when coming out of decel, it stumbles (dead miss) then picks up keeps going normally. Also, it has died a couple times when coming down to idle (for example when stopping at an intersection)l. Restart takes a few seconds. Checked the DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes), and they show 13 (Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor circuit), 34 (Knock Sensor), and 98 (Engine Coolant Temp. Sensor). Checked the temp sensor circuit (voltage and ground coming to the temp sensor) and it is good. The temp sensor itself is bad (open, i.e., infinite resistance across the contacts), so I am replacing it today.

QUESTION: Could this cause the engine symptom? If not, any ideas what could? I found a good discussion of the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor possibly causing this at zerothread/278866 so I may clean it as instructed. Nothing has ever been done to this engine with the air/fuel system except regular fuel, air filter, and spark plug replacements. Thanks for any help.

If anyone needs info on the standard maintenance of this car, I can help, but regular maintenance and a few minor repair items are basically all I have had to do to it in 17OK miles and nearly 13 years. Great car! Thanks,

Svenfran

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Yes my 95 (158,000) will also be a teenager in 2008 and I hope I cantake it to adulthood

You appear to be on the right track. The symptoms you describeappear to be the MAF but the more of the manual I read the moreI realize how these sensors are affecting the engine and any ofthem could cause the problems you have.

Next year I hope to just replace some of these sensors asmaintenance items.

[gripnotdrift]

gas cap

[NutriaforBreakfast]

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/maxima/1995/st.pdf

Try this and work your way back to the correction extension

[Svenfran]

Thanks, Gripnotdrift. Can you elaborate, please (did replacing the gas cap solve a similar symptom on your car; what is the underlying cause)? I know these things are not clearcut, but any info I can piece together will help. Thanks,

Svenfran

[coolhand]

I replied to simular threads like this one and people have ignore my suggestions on this. Check the wire harness for the MAF. I work on three maximas ( two 95's and 01) with the problem you have and they replaced the MAF sensor and still had the same problem. The 01 was taken to the dealer and they found some broken wires going to the MAF sensor. One of the 95s was doing the same thing until he gave up in it and the other we repalce the MAF with a new to the same results. If you can change the MAF sensor with one you know that works ( a buddy that has max close to the same year) would be great. If not a new one is around $250 range and that is a lot of money to find out that MAF is not the problem.

[Svenfran]

Thanks, Coolhand. Hope I don't have to go there (chasing down MAF wiring troubles), but this is a good hint if the quick and easy coolant sensor replacement (that I know needs doing) doesn't fix the symptom. I'll report back as soon as I can get the repair done and get some drive time. The problem is quite intermittent and might not do it in two or three drives, then it comes back.

Svenfran