I-30 Engine Cutting Off

[i30atl80]

I have a 2000 I-30 with about 125K miles. Recently I have been having an issue with the engine fluttering at very low idle and then shutting off while the car is in park. If the car is stopped, but in gear, it might flutter a bit but does not shut off...it's only when the car is in park.

Also, first thing in the morning, the car hesitates several times when I am first starting off to work--like I press the gas and the it doesn't really want to go. After a minute or two, the car runs fine with no hesitation. It only happens after the car has set overnight. If I were to go start it up right now, it would be fine.

I'm not sure if these two things are related or not. In the past year, I have changed all O2 sensors, all six engine coils and spark plugs. I got all of the parts from the dealer, so I am sure that it should not be any issue with the quality of the parts or a fault of aftermarket parts.

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

[Poyzinous]

You have an infinity. Altering your vehicle may have angered it. That may be an issue. But seriously, you could have a MAF sensor issue or intake leak in the plenum or hoses.

[i30atl80]

That was one thing that I pondered as well. But the issue was occurring prior to changing the parts, albeit not quite as often. It has just gotten progressively worse over the past year or so.

Thanks for the MAF suggestion, I will look into that. Is that difficult or expensive to change if that is the issue?

Thanks.

[Poyzinous]

The MAF Sensor Is like $150 and very easy to install. You'll want to have the car's ECU reset for idle and air volume learn.But it will never help unless you remove the 'y' you must have stolen from a toiota or a Chrisler or a Hiundai or a Ferrary

[i30atl80]

Good call...I gave back the stolen "y". One more follow up...do I have to go to the dealer to reset the ECU afterward, or can I just disconnect the battery or something like that?

[Poyzinous]

The dealer is best, they probably just charge $100 or the basic diagnostic charge, since the tech hooks up the computer, goes through the systems, and sets everything to spec.

[i30atl80]

Ok...thanks again for your help.

[loystock]

The MAF is an expensive component and is generally reliable in Nissan/Infiniti cars. I have never replaced one in my cars. For as long as you replace the engine air filter regularly, there should be minimal build up of gunk in the intake duct and throttle body/plate (TB assembly). It would be a different story if you have modified your air intake with K&N or other oil-based air filter.

You can clean the MAF using NO-RESIDUE Contact Cleaner (@ $10 from Electronics shop). Autozone is now selling CRC MAF sensor cleaner but I haven't used it. The MAF sensor is between the filter box and TB. You don't have to remove the MAF sensor itself for cleaning. Just take out the portion of the duct that houses the sensor. NEVER TOUCH THE SENSING ELEMENT. There is a wire mesh normally in front of it. You should be able to spray (thoroughly) the sensing element. For the MAF connector, apply dielectric grease.

Have you checked your fuel pressure? Maybe the fuel filter is getting clogged. In the earlier I3Os, the fuel filter is just by the firewall but later models have it in the fuel tank, together with the fuel pump. You may also need to clean the IACV. Lots of DIY info are available from this site, especially the 'sticky' on 'Maxima.I30.I35 FAQs.'