Im having an issue with my 1997 Nissan Maxima. I’ve been experience a lot of engine surging both idling and revving. It was very subtle a few months ago but it has gotten really bad. The engine will start surging (stuttering, losing power then gaining it back, etc.) and sometimes it will cut the whole engine off. Today I was driving and the engine cuts off. Usually it’s no problem, I just pull over and start her back up. But this time the engine would cut off right as I put it in reverse. I was able to get it started after cutting off the a/c, I don’t know if that was coincidental or not. I was thinking idle air control valve or spark plugs as I haven’t changed them yet and have had the car for almost 30,000 miles and it has over 300,000. Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated.

maf ...

If it doesnt improve after cleaning the MAF:

fuel pump. rent a guage and check the pressure.

Thats all unless the pump has been replaced before.

are you aware of what transpired in this vehicles’ 300k miles before you?

I appreciate all the responses. I went ahead and tried cleaning the mass airflow sensor and did the throttle body while I was at it. When putting the intake back together I saw a big tear on on the intake hose connecting to the throttle body. So I had a huge vacuum leak. I put some electrical tape over it for now and will be replacing it soon. Car runs great again with the temp fix.