1991 Nissan Maxima "sputters," wont climb when accelerating, and nothing is showing up on mechanics diagnostics

I have the same problem with my Nissan Maxima. I've replaced a few different parts with the same results so i stopped and looked at all the different parts everyone was suggesting -- same results. So i thought outside the box.

Direability issues like yours are a Bi*ch and I know this for a fact. I honestly don't believe changing the oil is the correction. Nor the heater. Spuutering while the engines under a load (going up hill or attempting to pass or excellerating) these are indications you're having a misfire under a load. It's usually typical of a "Spark" related issue, although, I've seen where injector wires were chafing somewhere on the engine when the engine was torqued with twisting movement while under a loaded condition, ie. excelleration. This sort of problem requires commitment of a technician to get his hands into the engine compartment and start moving wires and harnesses around to see if he might hit the right spot. Also doing a visual of spark plug wires to see if there's any noticeable arcing residue, (white spots on the wires). Try this, get into the car and with the engine at running temp., preform a power brake. Hopefully your car is an automatic. Put your left foot on the brake peddle firmly and put the car into drive. Then press the gas peddle to the floor for 15 seconds. Don't allow the car to move. See if you can get the engine to sputter. If it does, you most likely have a spark issue. You now can show the mechanic what you're problem is.

im having the same problem with my 98 sunfire, and it just happened to turn my engine light on finally!!!! anyway the code that was set was p0335 crankshaft position sensor circuit so it could possibly be your ckp sensor.....GL tell me if this helps

I had the same problem with my 2000 maxima, I replace O2 sensor and fuel filter and the problem still exist. The problem is the Mass Air Flow sensor, after replacing it the problem went away.

It is the mass air flow sensor. Buy it from courtesy nissan

I suppose youv'e heard this before but on my 91 nissan maxima se it sputters because of the poor connection on the spark plug wires. They seem to "wiggle" up and loosen the connection with the top of the plugs. periodic checking fixes it for me. also running only premium gas ( is called for in the manual) is necessary and even a little octane boost don't hurt. good luck :/ my car has an apparent short now and I haven't done anything to the car for 10 years damn things get mad at ya like a woman they won't tell ya whats wrong till you figure it out! :). I hope I helped :)

My 99 maxima is doing the same thing. I discovered a broken ignition coil while changing the spark plugs. I haven't had the money to replace it yet, but I'm hoping this will fix it???

also check the spark plug tubes for oil. if you find oil in any of them you need to change the valve cover. i had this issue with my 03 altima. you just cant change the gasket, the tube grommets are built in to the valve cover. $75 later it is fixed.

csfredicksen: I have exactly the same issue as you. Did you ever find out what was the cause of this? I already replaced my catalytic converter but still the same. I'm looking into changing the MAF sensor. I don't know what's next. My mechanic can't figure it out.