Originally Posted by j97maxima

I was wondering if anyone can help me diagnose this problem I have been reading posts for a week now and found the members here to be very knowledgeable about our kinds of cars.

When my 97 max is stopped or under 2000 rpm, it is jerky or starts tugging intermitantly when the engine is up to temp, usually within f2 minutes of driving. The firrst two minutes are ok, after that it jerks every couple seconds, and the rpm needle dips slightly while the jerk happens. I have been reading posts for days and thought it might be the intake system messing up the idle it the IACV. Has this happened to anyone else. How can I fix or diagnose it. Also, due to the grat posts on VBXmaxima or whatever its called, i used it to learn how to interpret the CEL codes it kept on throwing. First it threw an EGR, front O2 sensor, and air temp sensor. Then 2 days later it threw AT speed to ECU code, and one other i forgot what it was now. I am a total Noob at this please help!!! my email is leibovit@yahoo.com i am in the process of becoming a total gearhead just to fix this problem HELP!!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by B_Eaze

When did it start jerking? was it after any work was done to the car? Do you have any mods to your car? Does it do this at idle or when you step on the gas? Are you still throwing codes?


Gotta dig a bit deeper, need a lil more info

Originally Posted by j97maxima

have not done any mods yet, just got the car. To be honest, it did this when I got the car. I realized it had some problems when i bought it, but since it only jerks+tries to stall when the engine is up to temp, i didn't notice it when i first inspected and test drove the car. I am a newbie just learning after all and i guess i made a mistake!
When i step on the gas it dosn't jerk, and at higher rpms it dosn't jerk only at low rpms like just before i come to a complete stop and when its idling.
I did reset the codes -- i guess you could say it is still throwing them bc two days after the reset it threw a Auto transmission speed to ecu failure code. The two that it most recently threw were...

Long Short
01 04 (vehicle speed sensor)
05 04 AT control unit signal to ecu

However, the first set of codes from a few days ago was different.
It was an EGR code, an O2 code, and air temp code.
Does any of this make sense to you?

Originally Posted by MaxPR0908

My english is a little bad but i will try my best, im from Puerto Rico,my buddy have a 95 maxima, the starter gone bad and we changed with a new one,the car start normally and after that never start again.The car cranks normally but it not have spark at the coils.We already changed the ckps(REF),ckps (POS), the cps(camshaft position sensor),we already probe 3 computers on the car,change the 6 coils with used coils from a running car and still not have spark. As for the fuel, is delivering cause the spark plugs get the tip wet and you can smell the fuel when cranks.

As for the circuit i already check the coils connectors. the connectors have 3 cables, the red(+12v, present),the black one, ground(present), and on the other one i put a tester light on it and crank the car and the light do not blink. As for the ckps(REF)has two cables, white one(has .005 volts)and the black one have ground. For the other ckps(POS)have 3 cables,one whith 12v,black have ground and the white have .005 volt. i check the condenser taped on the wiring harness and have 12v whith the ignition on and have ground. I dont think there is a open circuit on ECCS cause the sensors have the .005 volt signal.

I do not know what to do next. all im thinking is for a open circuit between the computer and the coils. If anyone can help me it will be appreciated,thank you.

Originally Posted by MaxPR0908

master pmohr,anyone?...i don't know if i am missing something.thanks

Originally Posted by j97maxima

have not done any mods yet, just got the car. To be honest, it did this when I got the car. I realized it had some problems when i bought it, but since it only jerks+tries to stall when the engine is up to temp, i didn't notice it when i first inspected and test drove the car. I am a newbie just learning after all and i guess i made a mistake!
When i step on the gas it dosn't jerk, and at higher rpms it dosn't jerk only at low rpms like just before i come to a complete stop and when its idling.
I did reset the codes -- i guess you could say it is still throwing them bc two days after the reset it threw a Auto transmission speed to ecu failure code. The two that it most recently threw were...

Long Short
01 04 (vehicle speed sensor)
05 04 AT control unit signal to ecu


However, the first set of codes from a few days ago was different.
It was an EGR code, an O2 code, and air temp code.
Does any of this make sense to you?

Originally Posted by transaxle

okay i turn my 96 maxi off after driving for a bit the turn the car on the o/d light stays on for 3 seconds then blinks 17 times. Whats the deal?

Originally Posted by MaxPR0908

Well you might check those sensors for proper functioning, also check the IACV, this is headache on this cars. buy a haynes manual,is very useful

Originally Posted by j97maxima

Re 97 Maxima: I pulled the same 0104 code which is the VSS vehicle speed sensor. Now that I have a point to start from, how to I go about checking if the VSS and the wiring from the tranny to the ECU is shorted or messed up somehow. Do you know where I could find instructions how to fix the VSS and AT unit to ecu wiring??
I know I need the haynes manual also lol. I will be getting one asap.
Thx Jeremy

Originally Posted by deadlydreamx

Does it matter if the sensor says its for an automatic since I have a 5 spd? I figure they're both the same thing, but i just want to make sure before I buy the automatic one. thanks

Originally Posted by bbach

I just replaced my starter. The old one didn't work at all so this was a nice upgrade. Kudos to the people that posted how to replace the starter here and elsewhere on the web.

As I was replacing the starter, I found a sensor flopping around in my engine compartment. Can someone help me identify it and figure out where to plug it in? Here is a picture:


It is on the same wire harness as the plug for the mass air flow sensor. Thanks. -- Bud

Originally Posted by pmohr

Don't put vital information in the title of your post, 90% of the time it'll be overlooked.

And they're the same.

Just make sure you get one that fits your year group if it's the rear.

Originally Posted by travis1129

i was woundering if anyone had tried the Nex Type SS coilover, i have been reading other forums and everyone that has posted something about them seems to be satisfied,

Originally Posted by B_Eaze

I read somewhere (cant remember where) that some 00vi people just unplugged their egr sensor to avoid P0400 and plug up the hole with a bolt. Does this actually work? No codes came after?

Originally Posted by pmohr

By 'the hole' I assume you mean the EGR bung in the rear exhaust manifold?

Yes, you can use the plug that came stock in some of the 5th gens:
14052-21R00, $8.57 each at Courtesy

Have you looked through all of the EGR delete and EGR code threads in the 4th gen section? It's fairly easy to see what does and doesn't need to be done in order to remove the EGR and be code free. In this aspect, the 00VI is completely irrelevant.

Originally Posted by phenryiv1

Since people with less than 15 posts cannot start their own thread, but MIGHT have a legitimate question, I am opening another thread for noobie questions.

First off, I will answer a few general questions:

Q: Why can't I start a new thread?
A: http://forums.maxima.org/oldthread.php?t=413179

Q: Why can't I search maxima.org?
A: You can't see the search button dummy.

With that out of the way...

This thread is for the new members so that they are able to post a LEGITIMATE question. It can be ANYTHING that is 4th generation related and NOT covered in the existing sticky threads. If we think it is important, we will either answer or make it into its own thread. If not, I will delete it.

This is only for LEGIT 4th Gen questions that may be specific to one user.

SPAM WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

This is for noobs only and will be open only as long as I feel like maintaining it.

ALL RESPONSES MUST BE A QUOTE OF THE ORIGINAL QUESTION!
New questions, obviously, need not have any quotes.

Postwhoring will not be tolerated!
-If you get an answer to your question, please move along.
-If you have a followup, by all means, post it.
-No posts to say "Thanks!" (We don't need 10,000 posts thanking someone for helping them out.)
-No posting "I want to know that, too."
-Incorrect answers or answers that are just plain annoying will be removed.

All of these will be deleted. If it gets bad enough, I will just ban you.

Here are some links that will also be helpful:
4th gen FAQs (READ ME! PLEASE! READ ME!):
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=72447

If you are having mechanical problems (INCLUDING a "Check Engine" light), this thread is a GREAT place to start:
http://forums.maxima.org/oldthread.php?t=512892

All other sticky threads have answers to common questions, information about common modifications, and other generally good info. I took a week and re-organized it. I did not do this for my own benefit- I don't even OWN a 4th gen.

One more reminder: THIS IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR SEARCHING!!!

Originally Posted by tootsie509

I own a 97 nissan maxima and having a problem. my car will not start without pressing the gas pedal. sometimes i press the gas pedal and it dies right away. must press the gas a few more times. drives okay once it is on any ideas? please help.

Originally Posted by tootsie509

I own a 97 nissan maxima and having a problem. my car will not start without pressing the gas pedal. sometimes i press the gas pedal and it dies right away. must press the gas a few more times. drives okay once it is on any ideas? please help.

Originally Posted by deltasworder1x

I think that's the auto choke. It's where you have to press your foot down a bit when you go into ignition right? If you don't the rpm's drop to 0 and Maxima dies right? I've had that problem.

The coiled up wire that pulls when you press on the gas is loose. Thats why you need to press down on it to reset at the 1st ignition of the day. Go to your mechanic. I still gotta take care of mine. But be sure to tell him the exact thing that occurs i tried to the 1st time and no one understood me at all.

Originally Posted by nismo lover

Has anyone done a swap from cali spec too fed spec if so can u let me know what u did? I wanna use a fed spec y pipe but not sure if it`s gonna work plus the manifold i am not sure about that either cuz i was thinkin about useing a fed spec header too replace the cali spec so like i siad guys i am really lost on this and does it matter if it`s cali or fed is there a power difference? Let me know,thanks.

Originally Posted by nismo lover

is there is difference in power?

Originally Posted by The Wizard

Yes, it's been done. Some small gains are realized. Swapping to a fed spec header is no problem. Keep in mind you'll have to deal with the extra O2 sensor(s) with a O2 simulator. You sure you want to tackle this?

Please search, this has been covered plenty of times.

Hint: Use Ptatohed in the user name field and "fed spec swap" in the search field. This will bring up one of many threads related to this swap.

Originally Posted by jsouza

quick question, does a 99 have an in cabin air filter?

Originally Posted by jsouza

yes, and im getting frustrated. i cant seem to find anything when i search for "in cabin filter, cabin air filter, air filters(in general), and just the regular maintenance section" so i figured maybe someone would be kind enough and just answer the question...

Originally Posted by jsouza

yea, i got it, for some reason when i use the search in the toolbar it gives me the most generalized results of the century, i just went to another site and came back to the org and the large search base came up, i dunno y its been doin that lately, it makes me look like an idiot now, lol

Originally Posted by pmohr

FWIW I never use the little search 'bar', not nearly as useful as the 'advanced' search.

Originally Posted by lsvtec789

was up kind off new here.. iam looking for some help.. I have 2 leaks 1st ones coming from my oil pan.which the person i bought it from said he changed it.. i knw i gota change my oil pan gasket tho.. 2nd ones coming from the top of the tranny.. i think its the seal but not really sure??Some 1 help me please..