Nissan Repair: Nissan Maxima 2002, crank angle sensor, nissan maxima

Question
I was driving along when the car jolted as if someone knocked the gear shift into 3rd gear, the repair lights came on and then they went off and the car was driving okay.  When this happened, the tachometer dropped to zero and won't work now. After stopping, the car has a hard time starting.  The engine will turn over but it took a lot of cranking to get it to start.  The service engine light is on now and I expect that by tomorrow the car won't start at all.  Any ideas.

Answer
Scott,

I need the engine code to be sure of what is going on with your car.  If the tach went to zero there is a good possibility a coil has gone out or the crank angle sensor could be going bad.  Go to Autozone or Checker and get the code read for free and email me back.