Hi my 2005 Maxima recently stopped accelerating normally. Stepping on the gas will make the engine rev 3k+ but does not speed the car up at all. The car can still make speed but need to be accelerated very slowly. I took the car to the shop and they give me the following codes.

P0302 Engine Cylinder 2 is Misfiring
P0430 Cat Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 2
P1800 VIAS Control Solenoid Valve Circuit Open
P0021 Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2)

They proceed to tell me that the entire engine need to be replaced as well as the catalytic converter. Since the repair would cost too much they recommended me to sell/trade in the car and get something else. BTW they do not sell or buy cars so no alternative motivation on their part. The price they quoted me for fixing everything was 8K with 6K for the engine and converter and 1.8K for labor. They think the problem is something inside the engine and did not think it was worth while to fix it. Does this sounds right or should I get a 2nd opinion? They are basing their diagnostic partly on a metal rattling sound that is coming from the engine and some smoke that blow back from the engine oil cap.
Any answer/idea would be greatly appreciate. I would rather fix the car than getting another car, however 8K seems excessive and is more than the car is worth.

 

I have a feeling your cats are falling apart as well as clogged.
I would start there.
Either gut them or go for headers if you can.

 

Same issue except no codes, driving along highway and started to decelerate; ended up getting towed. Idle fine. Garage said at idle one cat very hot, will be dropping to see if any parts of the carts were blown into engine to cause damage. 158,000 miles. 6 speed, love this care, had replaced tranny at 125k and other than floor pan rust no issues. Regular maintenance. Will see what garage says. Will pay for cats, not engine, will run idea of headers past hubby

 

Need a more detailed description of the problem. It is extremely weird that you are not seeing codes. Are your battery terminals tight? Ground cables/points Okay?

When you push the gas pedal, do you get any increase in RPMs?
If not, you should be getting APPS (TPPS) code and looking to replace the the throttle pedal with sensor, or repair it as I did.

If you get some increase in RPMs but the car will only drive in limp mode, you should have CPS code and looking to replace the one or both CPSs.

 

I would get a new car, preferably not a Maxima.

 

I am having issues with my clutch I the think but when I hit the the rpm revs then drops down then starts accelerating.

 

its the camshaft sensor i had to get mines fixed i had the same problem