I recently purchased a 1998 Nissan Maxima SE (5 sp) from a local Nissan dealership - the car has been a blast to drive. Within a month of purchasing the car, the battery gave out and had to be replaced, thankfully the the dealership covered half the cost. At the time the battery was replaced, I requested that they do a AVR test - everyhting checked out. However, periodically, especially when it has been or is damp or rained, the vehicle will stall on ignitiion unless I give it gas.

My previous vehicle was a VW GTI, which had a similar problem that was corrected with a new battery. As my Maxima has a new battery, why is it stalling? The car isn't due for its first tune up until 160 000 km (the car currently has 60 000 km). I would really hate to resort to carrying around a canister of WD-40 to spray over the ignitiion wire or distributor, so any helpful comments are appreciated.

Cheers,
Art

 

Well, no need to worry about the distributor because you don't have one. The very modern direct injection system of the Maxima pretty much eliminates those issues you mentioned. Find out why the battery died. Was it just age, or was the alternator defective? Check that out.

DW

 

DW (Maxima Obsessed),

Thanks for the reply. I did get a AVR test done and the electrical system, including the Alternator checked out fine, apparently it was the batteries time (3 yrs old). But the car still stalls unless I give it gas - any other idea or thoughts?

The only other thing is clogged injectors - but this would also impact driveability and mileage, both of which are fine.

Cheers,
Art

 

Maybe it't just your idle, then. Do a search for Idle air control valve. You should come up with threads showing fixes for that.

DW