I am the proud owner of an 02 Max that has unfortunately, contracted a nasty virus... As I reach 3-3.5k rpms in 2nd gear and above, my car stops accelerating and starts to sputter/hesitates as if something was clogged or preventing it from further accelerating. It's almost like a popping, red lined sound, real nasty sounding. I put new plugs but the not wires/coils(stupid me being cheap lol), and a new fuel filter in it with no change to the problem. I have to let off the pedal slightly for it to shift/accelerate. It takes about roughly 35-40 seconds to reach 60mph. The cat is about 2yrs old and was put on with a new exhaust. I have an Injen cold air intake as well, if that would cause anything. Now the p0420 code is "Catalyist efficiency below threshold, bank 1" and p0455 is "EVAP system leak- large" The info I found on that was, "Vent Control Valve Replacement" on the EVAP canister. So if that don't fix the problem, my next guess is either the coils/wires, an old vacuum hose getting pinched at high RPMs or something cat related. It feels/sounds like it's a trans problem tho the way it stops at 3.5k rpms like a Rev limiter is kicking in or something. Any thoughts? Please help, I love my Max and don't want to see her go....

 

I don't think you have a transmission problem. First, focus on your codes. For code P0455 see page EC-390 of the FSM (available from here: http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/nis...e-manuals.html ). The code indicates you have a problem in the EVAP system. Try to fix it first, look for broken/cracked hoses, leaks, etc. - see the FSM. P0420 indicates that your CAT has a problem, but the code could be caused by your EVAP issue; again, see the FSM, pg. EC-332. Should all this fail, check out your VSS.

 

Maf sensor can make your car sputter and act all crazy. Get it replaced

EVAP shouldn't cause car to go crazy

 

I'll put the video I have on YouTube and name it, "02 Maxima Bad Sputter" so you can see/hear what it does lol. I tried that link Maxiiiboy and my phone cannot open the files.

 

Put the stock air filter/intake on it when I traded it in, ran just fine. The cone filter on my Injen cold air intake was waaay dirty I guess. I should have thought about that with all the construction and dust in town lol. Still ran a little funny the first 10 miles or so but, once on the highway, passing a car, she moved along nicely with no sputters or problems. Put cold air intake filter on the checklist lol. Also it's July 27th at 11:51pm. Post says July 28th at 4:50am lol.