Hi guys, I have a 1990 Maxima with approximately 108,000 miles on it. Before I took possession of it, it was my fathers. So I know that the routine maintenance has been pristine. Until last night. First, when I started the car, it was difficult to take out of park. The shift lock seemed to be stuck. So I used the tab at the base of the shifter to move it into reverse. I drove about ten miles in city traffic. However, upon stopping at a light for about 20 seconds, my idle began to jump around wildly. I could also hear the engine straining then the engine stalled out. I started it up again and the same thing happened. Then I started it and left it in neutral and kept the rpm's around 3000. This seemed to allow it to continue running. On the journey home I had it stall maybe 10 more times it even started to stall while I was driving. I'm not really sure where to start with this problem. I'd like to take it to a shop, but my funds are very low right now. If anyone could give me some information on what I could possible do, it would be very much appreciated. Thank you, Scott.

 

wish i could help you...i'm having the same problems...but then again i was trying to replace valve cover gaskets....try checking you vaccum hoses and your egr valve!!!

 

What's the egr valve?

 

The EGR valve is part of the emissions system. EGR stands for exhaust gas recirculation. The object of this valve is to allow controlled amounts of exhaust gas to enter the intake manifold. This dilutes the intake mixture and decreases combustion temperatures. The lower temps reduces the NOx emissions

To check your EGR valve, follow this link: http://www.geocities.com/craigbrace/
Craig explains that the EGR on VG engines are near the Intake tube right next to the Manifold.

 

You should check other things such as:

MAF,Fuel injector,Air filter,Fuel Filter, or even the timing on the car.

 

i have a 92 GXE maxima, same exact problem i have checked the plugs, cap and rotor, throttle body, and firing order.

 

a 92 SE does NOT have a cap or rotor or even wires for that matter.
so either:
a. you have 91 SE
b. you have a 92 GXE
c. you have one seriously rare car.

 

own3d, LOL



check your vaccum lines and grounds on all motor points this will cause rough and wild idle and stalling.....

 

never knew about the grounds (i know where they are though)...i need to check those too and make sure i connected all of those!!!

 

Do you guys think it could be the fuel pump? I took it to a local shop and they said it just needed a tune up so they put in new wires, fuel filter, plugs, cleaned out the throttle body replaced the rotor. However, it's still stalling. This f'ing sucks.

 

When it stalls out ,does it start right back up or does it not start back up for sometime????

 

It will start right back up, but I have to give it gas or it will stall out again (like at a light).

 

So its only stalling out at idle?

 

pretty much, but after I restart it, it tends to decline faster and will stall out at higher rpm's. Otherwise it's almost exclusive to idle, and it only stalls when at operating temp, which I found strange.

 

Yea about that its a GXE, got it mixed up with another car, anyways i fixed part of my problem by changing the fuel rail.. not fun, and im stilling having the idle problem it stalls out when ever i turn on an auxiliery like defroster or something of that sort. could this possibly an electricial problem?

 

Most probable:
- Take out the MAF connector. If idle is now stable with 2200rpm limit [=ECU safe mode], MAF is bad.
- U did not mention distr cap. (It most probable has micro cracks if 10 yrs old. Instant temporary help is to clean it inside and paint it with lacquer, engine or electric lacquer is the best. Replace anyway...)

Secondary:
- Fuel pump, filter might stall when fuel demand is high. Idle problem does not fit in that pic, so either u have two problems or not fuel...
- ECU controls almost anything, also fuel, injectors etc. Clean all ECU connectors with white cardboard.
- Wires. NGK has one type with real a wire inside, most others are just 'carbon scrap bags' worse than old. Btw. Only copper conducts electricity...
- check all rubber ctrl tubing, leaks