Over the past 5 days or so my 97 SE has been cutting out.
Just dies in the middle of normal driving.
Disconcerting to say the least.
Not necessarily under heavy acceleration or hard driving.
It doesn't happen right away at start-up either,
usually a little later, after the engine has warmed up some.
It doesn't happen every time I drive, but even once is more than I'd like.
Sometimes only stalls once, sometimes twice, once 3 times.

Could it be a clogged gas-line filter?
Not sure when (if ever) it was last replaced.
Any idea what that costs to replace?
Or how hard it is to DIY?

Or maybe it’s something else – but what?

Anyone have similar experience?

Any thoughts suggestions much appreciated.

Thanks.

 

Try replacing the fuel filter

 

Looked up the replacement sticky.
Seems pretty simple.
Worth a try whatever the case.

Did you have a similar problem or r u just guessing?

 

I'f your fuel filter has never been replaced, then that's the 1st. place to start!
I'f you've read the stickies, then you should know how to do it!

Goodluck.

 

When changing the filter, it might help to remove the airbox/MAF to give you extra room to work. When I did mine, I couldn't get mine off, let alone back on without moving that stuff. Just a tip for you. Good luck, but it isn't hard.

 

Got a hi-flow filter in.
But maybe need to take that out?
Whatever, thanks for the help.
I'll let you know the outcome.

 

What brand filter did you get?
Why would you need to take it out?

 

who makes a hi-flow fuel filter? and why would you need one? just curious. And a clogged filter would act up whether the motor was hot or cold. I would be more inclined to think it is your ECTS or something else affected by the temp of your motor.

 

Sorry - realize now with your Q that I wasn't very clear.
I have a Stillen Hi-flow Air filter.
It's a different shape than the stock filter box in a slightly different position.
I didn't go out to the car and pop the hood to look.
So I wasn't sure if I'd need to remove it to access the fuel filter as Buzpuck11 suggested.

 

ECTS is a good point. I was experiencing some random shutoffs and replacing ECTS and cleaning my TB fixed it.

 

another vote for ECTS here... same thing happened with my Max this past summer, and it turned out to be the ECTS (mine eventually triggered the CEL).

 

God, I feel like a newb.
First I make y'all think I got a hi-flow fuel filter by writing unclearly.
[2da mizzax - see my earlier explaination in thread]

Now I have more dumb Qs.

What's the ECTS? Electronic Coolant Temperature Sensor?

Cleaning your "TB"? Throttle Body? (I did that mebbe 20k miles back. 30k?)

CEL = Check Engine Light - right?

I was going to do the fuel filter change myself, but I have snows mounted on my stock rims one of which is too worn so I got to bring it in, get the new tire mounted and then all 4 put on the car.

[Been driving on my Kosei rims w/ the summer tires. Hardly any snow dontchaknow. Now it looks like I may have pushed it a bit too far. Snow predicted for this afternoon and I'm dropping the car at the garage this PM. Should make for an exciting drive to the shop.]

N E way, as long as I'm bringing it in I'll let them hook it up to the 'puter and figure it out - and they can do the work. My garage is used for storage so working outside in 20 degree weather takes some of the fun out of it.

Thanks again for input and help guys.

 

CEL=check engine light
TB= throttle body
ECTS=Engine Coolant Temp. Sensor


Fuel filter takes about 15 minutes to do and ECTS takes alittle longer, but not much. It depends if you decide to do a system flush or just a drain and fill, based on the last time your coolant was changed.

Doing these two small things should hopefully fix your problems.

 

Thanks

What would I do w/out the org?

 

My '96 Maxima just started doing the same thing - other options I have read about

replace fuel injectors
check if intake hose is cracked
check distributor for signs of oil on optical pickup
check fuel pressure regulator
check O2 sensor
check for faulty coil pack/module
check mass air flow meter

hopefully a tune-up with fuel filter replacement will do it.....

 

I dunno - bad gas? a liitle dirt in the filter that got blown out?
Whatever, it stopped stalling on me.

Not that I'm complaining mind you.
Now if the tank would just fill up by itself too, I'd be all set.

If it starts to do it again then I guess I'll have to do something.
For now I'll keep my fingers crossed.

 

Knock sensor - Had replaced and now my car is running smoothly again.....