Nissan Repair: car shut off, mass airflow sensor, nissan maxima

Question
QUESTION: I own a 2000 Nissan Maxima 2000 with 124k on it. The engine shut of while driving today. When i tried starting it again; it wont respond and then the oil light,Check engine light came on. pls, what could be the problem

ANSWER: Ted,

If the car has died and will not turn over the first place to look is to make sure the battery has not died.  If the battery is good and the lights work but the engine will not turn over then try your other key as the Body Control Module could have lost its memory.  But, my first thought is the battery or alternator has gone out.  The system lights will come on with a low battery and them coming on is just letting you know that they work.  Normally, they come on for a brief time when you first start the car.  With it not starting and the key in run they will stay on.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION:   I just got a new battery two months ago. Had an oil change two weeks ago as well. The Radio works. When i allow it to rest it's starts  for a brief second and stays on while i presss on the gas pedal while in P  , but dies the moment my foot is off.

Answer
Ted,

There are a couple of things that could cause the problem of the car stalling after you let off the gas.  So, when the car is started it dies.  I would look at the codes to see if any are set.  Autozone or Checker have scanners that can do this.  Wal Mart sells one for $68 bucks now that has a nice screen and book.  I think you have a bad mass airflow sensor and since yours is a 2000 Maxima it might have defective coils.  There is a service bulletin on the coils so that is something to look into as well.  Also, if you have not replaced the plugs they need it.  I like to replace plugs every 60 to 80 thousand miles.