Newbie to 96 Maxima
 

Just got the car two months ago.
Here goes......

Once the car is warm and you hit the road it starts jerking really funny. Thinking it might be fuel....perhaps the fuel filter..
But the weirdest thing is if you pull over and turn it off it won't even crank over like there's no current but all accessories and lights work. :confused:
Any thoughts?

Sounds like the Engine Coolant Temp Sensor. ~$25 part, cinch to replace.

Changed the fuel filter yesterday and it was really dirty.
Haven't changed that temp sensor... should I be getting a code for the temp sensor being bad?

i didnt get a code for mine, how many miles do you have? btw i would suggest you cleaning your throttlebody as well. Its only a couple dollars and trust me if you havent done it before it makes a difference.

Still curious..... will the temp sensor make the engine not turn over when trying to start it..

It has nothing to do with the battery or starter?

Mine went bad and caused some very strange things. I woundt put it past it

My ECTS didn't give throw any codes up until the third week of problems. It does sound like the same kind of problems I was having. You're driving along and suddenly you start decelerating, as if the brakes were being gently applied. The it goes back to normal. Then it happens again. At some point, when you're stopped, your engine dies. It takes several cranks to turn the engine over. Changing the sensor was pretty easy, not like the damn fuel filter. I'd recommend doing the throttle body clean while you're at it.

By the way, my starter's in great shape, as is the Optima battery, which is only a few months old. Regarding spark plugs, if there's something wrong with one or more, you'll feel some shaking.