I have a '92 SE (first yr w/ DOHC) max, and am having frustrating time diagnosing stalling problem that occurs basically anytime during driving however occurs most often when the engine is cold, the stick is in 2nd or 3rd and the throttle is at 1/3 to 1/2 depression (moderate acceleration). What happens is the car jerks and jumps, while the clutch is fully engaged, and the rev's drop regardless of throttle input. Most of the time a little footwork on the clutch will punch it back into GO mode but sometimes you just have to wait for it to make up its mind and a couple of times it's actually died on me, albeit in the middle of traffic. It restarted fine both times that happened. Most of the qualified mechanics I've talked with have admitted that the problem could really be anything/they wouldn't know where to begin. Recently however, I had the local Nissan dealer do an ECU scan and after finding no stored trouble codes, they went on to find that the MAF voltage is incorrect/low and suggested that this MAY be the problem. I'm not about to cough up 6 bills to replace what MAY be the problem so any insight would be highly appreciated. Also, I've already put in new plugs, put an industrial grade fuel cleaner through the fuel system and installed a new fuel filter - no change.

 

I just had what sounds like the exact same problem with my car and it was the mass air flow sensor, if that's all it is it's nothing to get a used one and change it, i got a used one for $50cdn

 

Welcome to the club! It's a common problem on Max, many people got them. Mine's getting worse now that it's colder and damp. Used to be that it won't happen until the engine's pretty warm, at least 15 minute or so, before it would start to happen. Now it can happen pretty much as soon as I got out of my apt. complex. Grrrr... As soon as I have money I'll visit my trusty mechanic.