Nissan Repair: 2000 Maxima--Engine Loss of Power, mass airflow sensor, air control valve

Question
Plugs have been replaced in the past 4 months.  No SES code--no code at all.  I've got about 93,000 miles on the car.  Should I go ahead and replace the coils?


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Followup To
Question -
In the morning, when the engine is cold, the engine will idle fine.  However, when the gas pedal is depressed, the engine will sputter and back fire.  When the engine is warm, this problem does not occur.

Additionally, when on the road, the car will operate fine, except that when operating at speeds of greater than 60 mph, it feels as if the engine looses power suddenly--as if the air supply was choked off or such--then operate normally.  Also, if the gas pedal is depressed gradually, the car will accelerate.  But if the gas pedal is depressed all at once, the tachometer will show the increase in RPM, but the car will not accelerate.  The tachometer will show top off at around 4000 RPM and not go any higher.
Answer -
Juan,

You need to see if there is a code for the SES.  Also, you need to check the coils and or the crank position sensor.  For my experience I would say the coils are going out and the plugs need replacement.

Answer
Juan,

Usually, when the coils fail, you get an SES that says multiple cyliner misfire or a specific cylinder has a misfire.  You have neither.  Even so, the coils would be my bet as that is what happened to the 2000 Maxima I own.  No codes but the problems you describe.

The other thing that can cause the problem has to do with the air intake management system.  First there is the mass airflow sensor and these are a known item to fail and the idle air control valve.  This is located under the throttle body and is actually attached.  I would go with the cheapest items to the most expensive since you are not throwing a code.  This is what a shop is going to do.  Replace the coils first.  courtesynissan.com is a cheap place to locate the parts.  Skip the intro and go to the parts section on the left and then click on your year Maxima and the coils are listed.  You need three of each.  The front and back are a different design.  Change them out and email me back and let me know how it goes.  I say go through Nissan because they sell the revised coils and if you went aftermarket you might get another set that would fail.