okay, had a little problem as I was on my way to work this morning. As I was driving on the freeway, the car felt really sluggish. When I tried to accelerate, there was hardly any response of power. The car kind of slowly jerked foward and SLOWLY acclerated. And when I tapped on the brake, there would also be a little jerk--sort of like its slipping gears. Anyways, the slow acceleration and the lack of power happend a few times, then suddenly the whole car just shut down. Luckly I was in the slow lane I was able to pull to the shoulder and restart my car. Can anyone give any sort of diagnosis?
thanks!

 

Was ti better after you shut down the car and restarted?
Do you have an automatic or standard?
Year and milage?
Last time you changed fuel filter?
Last time you changed plugs?

 

sounds like a dying alternator, especially if the car quits WHILE your driving. It *could* be a battery, but probably not

 

Hook it up to a computer and check your codes. Maybe it's your maf sensor. Bad maf is code 0304.

 

I have a automatic 95 with about 119,000 miles. After I restarted the car, it was fine so I dont think it could be the battery. What is the MAF sensor exactly?

 

MAF is that black piece on your intake with all them sensors plugged in...

 

http://vbxmaxima.8m.com/ecu.html

 

Bad MAF is code 0102. Bad knock sensor is 0304. Did your MIL come on? MAF should throw the MIL on. Knock sensor alone will not. You can pull the codes (there's a thread on here how to) and that will give you a much better starting point. BTW, the MAF is between your airbox and throttle body (square looking box on top of it). It only has one connector going to it. With your year and mileage, don't be surprised if you do get a knock sensor code (0304). They are quite common on 4th gens for some reason. I seriously doubt that would have caused your problem, though. If you get a knock sensor code along with another, take care of the other first, reset the ECM, and check codes again. Knock sensor codes have been known to "go away" if some other problem is detected and fixed. After rechecking and you still have knock sensor code, replace it if you have the money (~$120-$140 for sensor alone online (courtesynissan comes to mind, but there are others. AutoZone and dealer are about twice as much). They can be PITA to replace. Good write up about it on www.motorvate.ca.). If you use good premium gas, it will not kill your car to drive it with a bad knock sensor (not optimal situation, but hey, the little suckers are expensive. Let the flames begin. Your gas mileage and performance may suffer, though.). Good luck. Let us know what you find out, and post if you have further questions.

Dave

 

sounds like your car is in limp mode

 

I checked the codes and its came back with a bad knock sensor code. Anyways, I took the car for a service this morning and had the spark plugs changed. I think maybe that was why the car was running sluggish. Thanks for all your help!