Nissan Repair: 2000 Maxima SE - Check engine light on/loss power, mean time between failure, volt ohm meter

Question
My Maxima has 59K and replaced 2 coils after service engine light has came on, car ran fine until about a month ago with service engine light back on and loss of power going uphill. The battery died right about the same time and installed a new battery, however, car will not go over 10mph and does not accelerate when pedal is depressed. It's almost in an idle state and tachometer showing no changes to RPM. Do I have a bad MAF or cat...or is it something else?

Answer
Darren,

Yes, it sounds like a bad MAF.  Get a Haynes manual and a volt Ohm Meter.  The book is $20 bucks and the manual is $20 bucks.  The book will give you instructions on checking the MAF and the coils so you won't replace things are not defective.  But, it definately sounds like a bad MAF.  I replaced all the coils on my 2000 Maxima since I did not want to go through the hassle of doing a few here and a few there.  There is something called Mean Time Between Failure MTBF and that is what the coils end up doing.  Once one fail the rest are sure to follow.  Also, if you have not replaced the plugs do it while you have the coils out.  They are supposed to last for 80K miles but fail at around 60K.  I use Autolite double paltinum as they are half the price of the original NGK plugs.  Your choice here.  Also, do not remove the plugs unless the engine is cold and be sure to spritz a little WD40 down the hold to aid in plug removal.  Use antisieze paste on the threads of the new plugs.  You do not want to end up taking the heads off for stripping the spark plug holes.