Nissan Repair: 1996 Nissan Maxima Stalls while driving, wild goose chase, throttle position sensor

Question
Three times now my 1996 Nissan Maxima stalled while I was driving. In all three cases it was when I took my foot off the gas pedal to start slowing down (to either make a turn or to slow down with traffic on the interstate). I have 120k miles on the car.

I read through some of the questions and answers and it seems like the problem might be with the dampner on the throttle body or the idle air control valve. I know nothing about my car but I want to be sure I tell my mechanic exactly what to look for a fix. I talked to him earlier today and he thought that it might be a cam sensor, fuel filter or a few other things. I came across this site tonight and it has lead me to believe something different.

Could you give me an idea of the things that I can tell him to look for so that I don't spend a lot of money on a wild goose chase?

Thanks
Tim

Answer
Tim,

First, check the mass airflow sensor.  Other causes could be the idle air control valve and that the throttle body is clean.  Lastly, check the throttle position sensor.  If the plugs have not been changed recently it would be a good time to do so.