Nissan Repair: 1999 Nissan Maxima SE stutter, nissan maxima se, crank angle sensor

Question
QUESTION: Hi, i recently bought a 99 maxima SE with auto trans and 110,000 miles on the clock. When idling, its very rough. And when driving at speed in between 1300 and 2000 rpm (30-50mp)it shakes, almost as if its going to run out of gas. But above that rpm range it goes away or is barely noticeable. Its like a stutter. And today the check engine light came on and flashed a few times then nothing the rest of the day. Maybe a misfire? Fouled plugs? Any help is great. Thanks



ANSWER: Tyler,

Replace the sparkplugs as that sounds like the problem to me.

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

QUESTION: Okay, ive heard that from about 5 different people so ill give it a shot. ill take care of the fuel filter while im at it. thanks for the quick answer. but if its not the plugs any what else could it be?

ANSWER: Tyler,

Another thing that can cause the problem is the coils.  But, you should be getting a multiple misfire code or a specific coil.  Anyway, thought I would mention it since the car is a 1999.  If it was built late in 1999 it could have coil issues like my 2000 Maxima SE.

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

QUESTION: One final question for you Von. I hate taking up so much of your time, but youve been very helpful. When you replaced the coils on your 2000 se, how long did the new ones last?
Is it the coils themselves on these cars that are faulty or does the ignition system cause them to fail? thanks Von.

Answer
Tyler,

I replaced the plugs and coils at 80,000 miles and now have 133,000 miles and just recently replaced the plugs again.  The coils are still good.  The ignition trigger as in crank angle sensor usually does not go out and if it does the car would set a code.