96 Maxima stalls after start up or at low RPMs

MRPURPLE

MEMBER
1996 NISSAN MAXIMA
AUTOMATIC
219,000 MILES

My check engine light is on. When I start the car, it sort of pulses for a second and then turns off. Sometimes it'll pulse, and then start. If it dies, I have to start it again while hitting the gas. If I keep the rpms high then it'll stay on and I can ease off the gas. Also, it sometimes dies at stops. It also idles forward and backwards very poorly. It usually doesn't move with my foot off the gas.

5 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

I'd have to check and clean your idle air system, see if it helps? Can you check for applicable trouble codes? Some of the national brand auto stores will check codes for free.

How long since a tune-up? Fuel filter--air filter--fuel pressure all good?

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Thursday, March 12th, 2015 AT 4:04 PM

MRPURPLE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Just replaced both fuel filter and air filter, also clean the mass airflow. Unfortunately the autozone won't check codes for free and I'm trying to avoid paying 100 bucks just to get the codes. Would the engine light be on if it was just carbon build up on the idle air?

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Thursday, March 12th, 2015 AT 4:08 PM

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Just to add, I did look up code for your idle air, p0505, the common fix is to replace idle air control valve. I can't guarantee that will fix it, you need the applicable code, plus other checks that will lead us in that direction. Replacing parts w/o testing is just shooting in the dark, hoping we get lucky.

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Thursday, March 12th, 2015 AT 4:21 PM

MRPURPLE

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3 POSTS

Yes okay. Also my tach doesn't respond or move. Randomly after driving for a while it'll shoot to the red, but then it sits still there. Any idea about that or should it just be replaced?

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Thursday, March 12th, 2015 AT 4:24 PM

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

If the mil was flashing, maybe you need to count the flashes? I was looking at our database, you may be able to get some codes, yourself? There should access point on your pcm, key on, use screwdriver, rotate full clockwise, 2 seconds rotate full counterclock wise. The mil on the dash starts flashing, you count the flashes to get the codes. An example, 1 long pulse followed by two short is 0102 that code should lead to po code. An 0205 would relate to po505, idle air code.

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