We had the big snow storm on the eastcoast along with some rain..I have ran into a couple deep water puddles(1ft-12ft) one day and have noticed some steam coming out the back end obviously, since the exhuast pipes have come in contact with the water...anyways, everything is still fine...i go home park the car...and then a few hours later get in the car to go somewhere...but a few seconds later, my car started to shake/sputter when accelerating at low rpms then smooths out at higher rpms (btw, I have a 2000 5spd maxima)..then my check engine light comes on...I stopped by the gas station to check if my GAB/OSCAI mod had caused the water to go into the intake; however, it was fine...when i got in the car again, the check engine light was gone and everything was fine...but a few days later it started all over again...sputtering/shaking at low rpms w/ "engine service soon" light and I have also noticed a slight power loss....anyone who can help me on this would be MUCH APPRECIATED. also, is there a way to pull the code from the check engine light without using the obdii scanner? I know on some cars you can just use a paperclip and then read how many times the check engine light blinks to pull up a code.

 

was it cold out? Mine does that when I first start to drive when it's cold out

 

It might be your MAF, an O2 sensor, or even your coils. Your best bet is going to an Autozone and have them pull the codes for free, then post the code up. That will at least point you in the right direction.

I also have a 2k 5spd and sometimes it hesitates in the mornings and the light turns on. I pulled the code and it ended up being a rear O2 sensor heater malfunction - PO141

 

local Autozone guy had no clue where to plug his device. After looking around for 10 min, he gave up.

 

It's located under the drivers side fuse box

Check out this thread, it has a lot of info with pics.
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=270807

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=278607

 

Oh I know where it was. Just sat there to give him a hard time