'99 maxima stalls when leaving stop, how to determine model SE, GXE, GLE?

[sanddan]

Thank you for reading my first post.

I purchased a 1999 maxima for my teenage son for his first car. automatic transmission. It hesitates and even stalls when leaving a stop or shifting from reverse to drive then stalls. There is no check engine light on dash, no codes when I test with my code tester. I used CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor cleaner to clean the mass air flow sensor and still has same stall characteristics.

Also, the car does not have any emblems that indicate the trim package. I has the stock wheels on it, Aluminum mag type with 205/65/15 tires. no sunroof, cloth interior. no bose stereo system.

Thanks for any help and direction.

[loystock]

Welcome to NICO.

Most likely you have a GXE. A GLE has standard leather seats while SE has a spoiler and a fancy instrument panel. It is a 4th Gen Maxima (95-99)

So you cleaned the MAF sensor and you still have the same stalling problem. In addition to cleaning the MAF sensor, also clean its connector. Check and replace the air filter if dirty. Clean the TB (Throttle Body). Spray carb cleaner on a rag and use it to wipe the throttle plate and body (do not spray directly into assembly). Make sure you don't have any vacuum leak. You can also use the carb cleaner and spray it on vacuum fittings.

The problem may also be related to insufficient fuel delivery pressure - due to failing pump (in fuel tank, accessible from rear seat, pax side) or dirty fuel filter (on firewall, beside brake booster). The fuel pump delivers 34 PSI with engine running thru the fuel pressure regulator (43 PSI with Ignition ON, Eng OFF with auto shutdown after 5 secs). You need a fuel pressure gauge T-eed between the fuel filter and fuel rail. Make sure the fuel line is empty before you break the fuel line - FIRE HAZARD. Pull out the Fuel Pump fuse (Fuse box, near steering column) with the engine running until car dies. Crank at least once to ensure line is empty. Pull out the fuel and blow air thru it - there must little or no resistance at all. Otherwise, replace filter.

You may need to clean the IACV (Idle Air Control Valve) and check the EGR operation and clean it as well as the tubing. A lot of "How To's" are in the Maxima/I30/I35 FAQ 'sticky' within this forum, linked below.

zerothread/219453

The transmission fluid may also have dirty fluid and filter giving you the shifting issues. So check the fluid for correct level and color (pinkish red). A pan drop is strongly recommended with filter replacement followed by a flush. There are numerous postings in this forum on how to do a pan drop and manually flush the ATF, if you want to do it yourself.

[sanddan]

Thank you loystock, I will tackle one at a time. also for the model identifying.

[loystock]

Make sure the battery connection is clean and tight (no corrosion). Battery voltage must be >12.5VDC (engine off) and alternator charging voltage must be > 13.8VDC (engine e running, spec is 14.1-14.7VDC). A weak battery can stress the alternator while a failing alternator can cause a lot of weird problems.

Again, it's possible that the MAF sensor has an internal failure (cold solder, loose connection, cracked board) which in some cases does not turn on the CEL. However, a short/open circuit in the MAF sensor will always turn on the CEL.

[sanddan]

Thank you loystock, I will tackle one at a time. also for the model identifying.