i have a 3.5L 04 Nissan Maxima SE 6 speed and lately when i am driving i get a strong smell of gasoline inside the car and at times it just shuts off while at a light. what kind of problem could this be. please help. also i have a weird knocking sound coming from the engine while driving but i check the oil level every day to make sure its not low and causing the knock but it is perfectly fine what can it be.. any info would help please and thanks guys...

 

Is your SES on?

 

You have a fuel leak somewhere and it's most likely related to your car shutting off. My guess would be the fuel pressure regulator isn't seal well and leaking. But it could be lots of things. Knocking sound is probably coming from the timing chain area which is a common problem with these engines.