I've been having an issue with my '99 Maxima since I got it: about 30% of the time, the car will start up then immediately stall. When this happens, I wait a minute then start it back up, most of the time it'll start back up fine on the second try, sometimes it will crank but not start.
Another user told me it could be a dirty throttle body/IACV. I partially cleaned the throttle body yesterday. Took a rag with throttle body cleaner and got in there and cleaned. I took a toothbrush to get deep in there while holding the butterfly plate open. I haven't, however, noticed any significant difference, and to my dismay my Maxima did the same thing this morning... It started, then stalled.
When I picked up my throttle body cleaner, the Autozone guy said I shouldn't remove the whole throttle body. He said it's not good to clean it that way. I told him I'm cleaning my IACV, and he told me not to use throttle body cleaner because it's essentially an electronic part. Most of the stuff I read on here contradicts what this guy said, though. And I did get the feeling he didn't really know what he was talking about.
So, my question is: is it ok for me to remove the throttle body to clean it? And, is throttle body cleaner ok to be used when cleaning the IACV?

 

I removed my TB and cleaned the IACV last year. My Max did run better afterwards.


You will need throttle body cleaner for the throttle body. The IACV can be cleaned up with carb cleaner. You should clean the MAF as well with MAF cleaner. This would be a good time to clean the EGR pipe as well.


There is nothing tricky about this. It just takes several hours. Be sure you have all the right cleaners and gaskets on hand before you start this.

 

The only concern with removing the TB is that the gaskets might need to be replaced, but sometimes not. Make sure the throttle body cleaner is "safe for fuel injected engines." Carb cleaner can strip the plastic film inside the TB and IM.

For your starting issues, look into replacing your FPR and fuel filter.

 

Ok, great. I actually just ordered the throttle body gasket and IACV from Nissan. The parts will be in tomorrow. I already have throttle body cleaner, too.
I should buy a dedicated MAF sensor cleaner, right? I've read about some people using brake cleaner and carb cleaner —not sure if that's a good idea.

 

Use MAF sensor cleaner for the MAF. Throttle body cleaner for the TB. The TB is coated with Teflon. Carb cleaner supposedly destroys the coating. I did clean the outside of the TB with carb cleaner because carb cleaner costs less.


The sprays will set you back 25-30 bucks. You will have lots left for years to come.

 

OP the it is safe to remove the throttle body just be careful with the gasket. Also try to spray some cleaner in the area before the throttle body when you take it off. I used a wire brush and scraped toward me. You'll find it's very dirty in there.

 

Thanks for the reply. I ordered gaskets for the throttle body and IACV from Nissan, so I'm putting fresh gaskets on.
I changed the fuel filter last week, and as for the FPR... I did some searching, apparently if you pull off the tube connected to it and there's fuel inside, this means the FPR is bad. I pulled it and it was completely dry, so I don't think it's the FPR.
The guy from Nissan said it could very well be the IACV (or Throttle Body). I did clean the Throttle Body this week, but just partially (I didn't take it off or anything).

 

Your tests are correct and they confirm that the FPR is working, but optimally? Remember it's a moving part, and all moving parts decline in performance over time. Your FPR, if OEM, is over 15 years old.
Change it and your car will start like a world champion.