I have a 97 Nissan Maxima. Recently my top radiator hose busted and antifreeze went everywhere. I replaced the hose but since by car has started sputtering especially at lower speeds after driving it for a bit. It doesn't sputter when I first drive it (as in first thing in the morning) only after I drive it for a bit. Once it starts sputtering it idles rough when I stop. Is it possible that I may have messed up one of my coil packs and/or spark plugs?

 

Not so sure that it would be related to you changing your rad hose but i suppose it is possible you got hot coolant on one of the coils and yes it does sound like you have a misfire. Is the CEL on and if so what codes do you have? If not im sure it will come on eventually but start with the basics. Plugs, coils then injectors. Try pulling your wires one by one (pull one, put it back) with the car running and listen to see if there is a change in idle and if you pull one that doesnt seem to have any change then atleast youv'e narrowed it down to what cylinder it is. Run the car for a bit or drive it until you get it up to temperature or when you start getting the misfire then try pulling the wires one at a time and check back with your findings.

 

Could have messed up your MAF as well. If it's bad, it's known to be fine when the car is cool, but when it warms up it sputters and doesn't let the rpms go above 2500 or so.


Posted from Maxima.org App for Android

 

if you recently did a starter job then that could also be your problem, and that would give you a code, however checking the computer is the first step to take