I have a 2003 Maxima SE auto. Was coming home from work tonight and came to a red light stop. After it turned green, I pushed the accelerator and the car just stalled and completely died. I then tried to start it multiple time, and most of the time it started up and then died right after. The other times, it was only cranking. I opened the door and was going to get out and push it, but I gave it one more try and the car started up. This time I gave it gas and held the RPM up until it stayed on. Made it home safely, but was pretty worried.

The other morning I was driving to work on the freeway and as I was switching lanes, the car stalled a bit but I was able to keep it alive. My guess is because I was accelerating at a high speed (around 65mph) while I was driving. Scared me of course because I never had this happened before.

I searched a bit and I came upon some people stating it might be the cam position sensor. I want to think it is that, but I don't want to throw money on the car with a chance of it not being that. Which is why I am here to get some input. A couple weeks ago, I scanned the car and it came up with a cam position sensor code P0340 - Camshaft Position Sensor (Phase) Circuit (Bank 1), but I didn't bother because the car was running fine at the time; and because I was chasing an o2 sensor code. Could this really be the problem?

Thanks for reading! I need this car as my commute is about 160 miles a day.

 

Yes a bad cam sensor can cause this problem. Don't ignore codes like that, replace the sensor takes like 10 minutes and be on your way.

 

JFC, about 3 hrs on the road? I would just play russian roulette.

 

alright guys, i've replaced it earlier tonight. let's hope it is all good now. yeah it is about 3 hours total per day.

 

reviving this quote, I have the same issue when coming off 6th gear into neutral in my 6speed, the rpm needle seldom will fall straight to 0 and car dies doing 70 . Camshaft position sensors I assume is what you mentioned, is there 1? Any idea on level of skill to install that ?

 

camshaft position sensor differ from crankshaft position sensor? if same how many are there on a 2003 maxima any ideas