Why does my '92 Maxima suffer from an intermittent engine stall when
accelerating? The car loses power completely for a fraction of a
second,then it " clicks" back on, the stumbles again and will go
through this cycle for 4-5 second and  then resume running.
Ocassionally it is worse, having no power for 10-20 seconds and
forcing me to pull over. It seldom stops running but has NO power at
all. This only happens when accelerating...warm or cold. It may not
show the symptom for 1/2 hour and then it appears. A new fuel pump
relay and fuel filter has not helped! There are no error codes.
Maximas are reputed to be prone to this problem but no known solutions
have come forward

jwats,

According to my family car doctors; my husband, and my daughter, who
is a mechanic, any of the following could be your problem.

Fuel pump malfunction/defective fuel pump
Vapor lock
Fuel injectors
Fuel strainer for the fuel pump is clogged
TPS (throttle position sensor), too high voltage 
Bad oxygen sensor
Crimped gas line 
Check EGR lines 

My daughter wanted to know if you changed only the fuel pump relay,
and not the fuel pump itself. According to my “experts”, if the
problem is intermittent and or mechanical, it is possible to get no
error codes when connected to the ECC diagnostic computer.
(Both of them would like to be able to SEE your car to really diagnose
its problems.)

While cruising online, I came across the following sites which offer
plenty of information on the possible problems:

From a Datsun/Nissan bulletin:
Vapor Lock: Vapor lock causes a leaner than normal air-fuel mixture.
It effects the suction side of the fuel pump. The gasoline
vapor-liquid ratio in the fuel line becomes greater than the fuel pump
is able to handle. The fuel pump sends less fuel to the carburetor,
causing a lean fuel-air mixture.
Percolation: Percolation causes a richer than normal air-fuel mixture.
It affects the carburetor float bowl and the high pressure fuel line
[the outlet side of the fuel pump], and may cause hot start problems.
Percolation can come about in several ways:
1. Heat soak-back into the fuel pump and high pressure fuel line can
raise the line pressure enough to unseat the float bowl needle valve.
This condition is known as &qpt;after-fill"
2. Float bowl evaporation may lower the float level while there is
residual pressure in the fuel line. This pressure then forces an
excess amount of fuel into the float bowl.
3. Fuel evaporates in the float bowl, and the resulting vapor pressure
may not vent quickly enough. The high pressure developed in the float
bowl forces liquid fuel into the intake manifold.
Vacuum Break When the choke is closed [except for a small air gap] and
the engine starts, the vacuum created by the engine starting will try
to completely shut the choke valve. This vacuum is broken by the
vacuum break diaphragm, which holds the choke open a small amount. The
vacuum break diaphragm operates by manifold vacuum and is connected to
the choke valve by linkage.
http://www.zhome.com/ZCMnL/tech/73Mods.html

On a Nissan Electronics site: “Since it's a mechanical problem, the
computer won't recognize it. It's sort of hard to see down there, but
look for spray from both injectors. Or, you can isolate the bad one by
disabling one injector at a time. The computer will recognize this
electrical problem and go to fail-safe. It'll start and run on one
injector, but not at all or very poorly on the other."
http://www.parttrackers.com/library/1/93/104/

Apparently Nissan had some known fuel injection problems, as idle
fluctuation, and hesitation. Provided by the Department of
Transportation, these reports are not free (and are quite expensive),
so I had to stop on the page below. You may order them if you think
they are relevant to your problem. This site did offer a toll-free
number, 1-888-327-4236, “Many simple questions can be answered free of
charge by calling our toll-free Auto Safety Hotline”
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/central2.cfm

Not about your problem at the moment, but great 92 Maxima technical 
information
http://www.maxima.org/maxfaqs/sub_general/index.shtml


Oxygen sensor information and description of problems similar to
yours:
http://www.users.bigpond.com/INTERJECT/PROBLEM.HTM#The%20engine%20idle%20is%20very%20poor%20and%20has%20no%20power.


92 Maximas are also prone to discharged batteries:
http://www.forparts.com/techmaximaA.htm


“Three weeks ago I would have said I loved my car. However, that's no
longer the case. My car has been stalling constantly and my mechanics
can't find anything. The computer is not even showing any signs. I've
heard from other Maxima owners they have the same problem.”
http://cartalk.cars.com/Survey/Results/Demographics/Comments/Nissan/Maxima-1992.html


“…while chewing the fat with the local Nissan parts counter employee
that I learned the truth. As it turned out this problem was as a
result of a little know design flaw--the fuel pump. The manufacturer
"Nissan" had sold these vehicles with a fuel pump that when under load
failed to supply the required amount of fuel, thus the car would
stall. The solution was to use the replacement fuel pump which
appeared to be about a third larger in size, duh. After that it ran
great in all conditions until the day we sold it. I hope this helps
some poor car owner before he has it worked on 6 times to resolve the
same problem.”
http://www.misterfixit.com/85nissan.htm

Picture of the Nissan Fuel Pump Strainer
http://www.theride.com/8228860.html

A nice pictorial on replacing the fuel pump:
http://vbxmaxima.8m.com/fuel%20pump.html

Here’s hoping this will help you solve your Maxima problem. If
anything is unclear to you, please ask for an answer clarification
before rating.

Regards,
crabcakes


Search strategy:
Acceleration problems + Nissan
Fuel pump + Nissan Maxima
Nissan problems
Click and Clack 
Stall + Nissan Maxima

---

Request for Answer Clarification by jwats-ga on 29 Sep 2002 09:45 PDT

I was hoping that more possible solutions to this problem might be
found from people  had actually problem since it is rumored to be very
commonplace. I posted problem on Maxima.org and here is the best
possible solution I received:

I've read up on this problem and there may have been a possible
solution found. The mass air flow sensors inbetween the throttle body
and the air intake have been known to fail and cause exactly this kind
of problem. A few people got their sensors replaced and the problem
never showed up again. No guarantees but atleast its a running shot.
My max does it too btw. Havent had the money to try this possible
solution yet.  WHERE MIGHT I FIND MORE?

---

Clarification of Answer by crabcakes-ga on 29 Sep 2002 13:43 PDT

jwats,

Now I need a clarification...are you asking for more possible causes
of your problem? Are you saying you don't have the money to try the
suggestion you found on Maxima.org?

I will be glad to do further research, but I am afraid any repair will
have a price attached. You may be looking for a simple "do it
yourself" remedy, for free, or very low cost. However, my "experts"
know of none, nor could I find any online.(I don't recommend this, but
when I was in college, some people I know used to swear that tossing a
well chewed pack of Bubblicious Bubble Gum -and ONLY this brand- into
the radiator would seal radiator leaks forever.) I could find no
comparable "fix" for your  acceleration problem.
Thanks, crabcakes

---

Request for Answer Clarification by jwats-ga on 30 Sep 2002 08:04 PDT

I think the answer provided was generally comprehensive and included
valuable references. My hope had been to find others who had
successfully solved the problem--or even tried and failed--because I
am told there are many discussions of this issue and this is the only
potential solution I have found. The was precisely my reason for
putting it on GOOGLE-the belief that a better researcher than I might
find other owner sources. I do not expect to fix if inexpensively nor
would I order a $400-500 part on the basis of only one recommendation.
If you could point me to other owners who have solved or coped with
the problem that would be great...hope this clarifies

---

Clarification of Answer by crabcakes-ga on 30 Sep 2002 09:21 PDT

jwats,

This is the Zcar site that insideinfo-ga so kindly mentioned,but I
found nothing mentioning yourimmediate problem. It may prove to be a
good sourve otherwise however.
http://www.zcar.com/articles/twheel/4spdauto/

This Z site mentions some things to look at on a 300ZX, but may be
applicable to your car as well. Simple repairs like spark plugs,
distributor cap, spark plug wires are suggested.
http://forums.vmag.com/pm-0602/messages/1684.html
The above site apparently copied a Nissan Bulletin, about earlier
Maximas than yours, found here:
http://z-gal.nissanpower.com/fsb_injectors.html


This Q&A site discusses a fuel pump problem with Jeeps, not Maximas,
but can give you ideas about your own car: It is found near the middle
of this lavendar colored page.
Q)One year ago I purchased a 1987 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 5.9 liter V/8 in
top condition. The first 3 months was trouble free. Then the fuel pump
failed and was replaced. Four months later the fuel pump failed again.
Six weeks ago the fuel pump failed again. This time I also had a clear
fuel filter installed between the tank and the fuel pump. After 1000
miles there is no signs of contamination in the filter. Any
suggestions? Gene P N.Y
A)Dear Gene,You stated that the fuel pumps fail. What part of the pump
is failing? This is very unusual. Before I could answer your question
I would have to have more information on the failure.For a mechanical
pump to fail there could be an internal engine cam/ax centric problem.
You could always install a small electric fuel pump on the frame rail
between the fuel tank and the mechanical fuel pump.
http://www.jrdamato.com/talkingcars/38.htm

An interesting diagnostic site, run by Shell Oil can be found here:
http://www.shellstations.com/100/diag_engine.htm
This site has a fill-in-the-blanks form and someone apparently
contacts you via e-mail to help you. It appears to be free as well.

This poor man describes his horrible experience with a 1988 Maxima,
with which he also had fuel injector problems.
http://www.epinions.com/content_47426801284


This  Auto Zone site sells subscriptions for $24.95 a year to a
do–it-yourself online diagnostic and repair site:
http://www.alldata.com/diy/handshake.html
The same site has this  Service Bulletin, Number 123 of this page
mentions fuel injector replacement guidelines
http://www.alldata.com/TSB/41/92411730.html

Some ideas from this car Q&A site (Again, not Maximas, but similar
problems-may give you some ideas, plus reiterates not all problems are
picked up by the computer):
Question: I have a 1992 Saab 900 16 valve non turbo the car will die
after being driven for 45 minutes at highway speeds when I slow down
or come to a stop there are no problems with drivability at any other
speed or around town driving. If I wait 5-10 minutes it will almost
always restart. have not been able to distinguish fuel or ignition
problem yet crank sensor seems to be in spec when checked although
have not had the opportunity to check when car is disabled should this
fault be stored in memory? Help please. - Peter

Expert (Gail):  I would suggest that the fuel filter is bad. This is
not something that would be stored in the computer.

Question: I have a 1984 Jeep Wagoneer v-6 2.8l, we I reach 20mph the
engine dies on me, I can never get pass 20mph. I have replaced the
fuel pump, Cat. converter and Oxygen sensor. Why could it be? - Rick

Expert (Gail): You replaced the fuel pump, how about the filter? This
could be your problem.
 
http://www.slc-classifieds.com/Cars/slt/expert.htm

More auto Q&A, no mention of your vehicle
http://www.accessarizona.com/autos/advice/auto_mechanic_board.html

Another auto Q&A
http://forums.vmag.com/pm-0301/

1989 Maxima Owners comments
http://cartalk.cars.com/Survey/Results/Demographics/Comments/Nissan/Maxima-1989.html

1992 Maxima owner’s comments
http://cartalk.cars.com/Survey/Results/Demographics/Comments/Nissan/Maxima-1992.html



jwats, I am coming to 2 conclusions:
 1) A new fuel pump and/or fuel injectors will probably be the repairs
you need, especially if you have already checked for crimped lines.
Also, the air flow sensor replacement that was recommended by
Maxima.org sounds like a good start.
2) That few Maxima owners have problems with their cars, or else they
don't want to air their "greasy laundry" online. There is precious
little to be found by other car owners. I searched these terms:

1992 Nissan Maxima + Stall problems
Nissan Maxima + stalling problems
1992 Nissan Maxima + Acceleration 
1992 Nissan Maxima + acceleration problems 
Acceleration problems + Nissan Maxima

I do hope you get your Maxima back in shape easily and at a small cost
to you!
Good luck, crabcakes

I think you are on the right track by looking for someone who has had
these cars. I unfortunately I am not exactly that person. I have had a
few Datsun and Nissan 280 Z Cars. These were in most years quite
similar to the Maxima. In later years of course these were then called
300 ZXs. If this was a 280 ZX I would be looking for a bad wire or
ground at the computer or one of the engine sensors. On 280 ZXs many
drivers have had loose connections from wiring harness to computer box
and when there cars stopped they could wiggle or move the wiring and
get it going again. Or even a bad computer with a bad solder
connection. But that would show up more as a problem with hot and
cold. Since it is always acceleration I would work on areas that could
move or are being moved during acceleration. Mass Air Sensor or
wiring.. Throttle Body or Throttle Position SEnsor if your car has
one... Wiring to the computer... Check all wires from battery to
engine block.... Bad Grounds on important things...

As for looking for more help you might try zcar.com. Lots of mechanics
work on those cars. Unfortuantely Maxima people tend to take it the
dealership. Hard to find a good site for technical help on those cars.
But Zcar.com has tons of good help.

You might also try the sites at:
http://dmoz.org/Recreation/Autos/Makes_and_Models/Nissan/Maxima/

Good Luck 

insideinfo-ga