Hello I have a 2002 Nissan Maxima w/ 124k. Just recently while driving in traffic my car would cut off while letting off gas then breaking and attempting to press gas again (stop and go traffic). My radio stays on, and all lights on dash would come on. The Check engine light stayed on after the second time. It struggles to crank back up (which is so stressful in the middle of stop and go traffic). Haven't check the code yet, but when I got the car (that had been sitting for months) the CEL came on and gave a code back stating an issue with the Canister (coed p044 something). I wasn't having any real issues at the time, and ignored the light (smh). The car cutting off while driving has been going on for about two weeks. BUT now when I’m driving and pressing the gas, the car does not move and hesitates. At that time I would think the car is cutting off again, so I would press the gas the car jerks really bad and starts to move again. It kind of sort of feels like it running out of gas. I would really appreciate if anyone has any ideas of what I can do to determine where I should start looking for the problem. I do plan to go to a local auto zone to have them run a diagnosis test. But any other help is welcomed and appreciated. THANKS!!!!

 

First thing that comes to mind is a bad MAF (Mass Air Flow Sensor). I'm not sure if they'd cause your motor to shut off though..

 

Check your codes!
And get yourself an OBD2 reader, they start at $14 ( ).

 

Yes, the car doesn't completely die, just i have to roll to the side of the road in Nutrual. Turn key off and crank back up which it takes a good 4-6 cranks for the car to start back up. But lights and radio are still on.

 

Yeah my mechanic has a reader, I might get one myself. I'm a 27yo female so I don't know too much about those gadgets lol

 

Yes, a bad MAF may cause you engine to stall. And typically this happens after you shift into N, like coasting to lights/other.

 

I suggest you clean your MAF. Perhaps it's all your car needs. There is a good description of how to do it in this thread: https://maxima.org/forums/5th-genera...10-w-pics.html .

 

MaF!!!!

 

IACV-Check continuity of the 6 pins.

 

I feel your frustration. I had a similar issue, my engine would not hold idle and want to shut off. But my problem was related to the idle air control valve. Begin with the Service Engine light code is good idea. Let us know what you find.

 

The 2002-2003 Maximas don't have an IACV.