1992 Nissan Maxima Sputters when driving and loses gas powe

Tiny
MARCMILLION
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 NISSAN MAXIMA
Engine Performance problem
1992 Nissan Maxima 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

Car sometimes loses power while driving all of a sudden and shuts off. I can restart it but it is difficult and I may have to press the gas for it to turn over and sometimes when I do the rpms still drop all the way down to zero. Sometimes while driving the rpms will drop and if I keep my foot steadily on the gas it will sputter, lose power then accelerate then lose power then accelerate. Sometimes it will catch and smooth out then drive fine. Sometimes the rpms still drop to zero and the car cuts off. The problem seems to happen if I step on the gas suddenly or with a lot of pressure. If I take off smoothly and easy the car seems to function better. Sometimes when about to stop I may put the car in neutral and this seems to stabilize the rpms a little. I noticed the problem right after filling up at the gas station. I thought it was bad gas, put dry gas in it but the problem still persist. A problem that may or may not be related - Prior to this current problem Some mornings starting the car is difficult but once the car is warmed up it starts fine. Other issues. A motor mount is broken and there is corrosion on the battery. I understand this issue can be hard to diagnose but hopefully my explanation can help you to help point me in the right direction. Thanks.
Sunday, June 21st, 2009 AT 9:56 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi marcmillion,

Thank you for the donation and sorry for delay in replying.

From the symptom descriptions, the most likely problem should be fuel related. It could possibly be a failing fuel pump, poor wire connectors, fuel pump relay or fuel pressure regulator.

When the vehicle is difficult to start, check for fuel pressure at the fuel rail.
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Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 AT 11:36 AM
Tiny
MARCMILLION
  • MEMBER
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It actually turned out to be the air flow meter. It was a lucky guess. Cost $50 at the junk yard but I lost like three days of work because of it
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Friday, June 26th, 2009 AT 4:32 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Thsnk you very much for the input. It is useful and is a reminder to possibilities that I have missed out when making the reply.

Glad that you have solved the problem and sorry to hear of the lost time.

Have a nice day.
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Saturday, June 27th, 2009 AT 10:08 AM

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