Nissan Repair: 1995 Maxima intermittent Hard start and stalling, mass air flow sensor, mass air flow

Question
my 95 maxima works great 50% of the time. Other than those times, it takes from 3 to 20 times cranking the motor before it will start and fire up. Sometimes, it wont start, but usually does if you leave it alone for 1/2 hour. With regards to starting , it has good days, and then bad days where it will be a problem all day long. Except for several times, once the car is started it would not stall. Twice after the first start in the morning (w/o any starting trouble) it would stall while warming up before driving. Also it stalled twice coming off freeway exits(when I had come to almost comeplete stop with foot on brake): once restarted fine, the other time took 12 tries. Also, most recently shut off on freeway going 70mph, part throttle. This time it would not restart until the next day. The cars check engine light has never come on. I have the nissan manual and from this have been able to test all the sensors with a multimeter. all are within specified range. Also all wiring between sensors and the ecm seems to be fine. I have replaced the coolant temp sensor and as soon as parts arrive will be replacing the two crank sensors. The Mass air flow sensor was also high on the nissan list of things to check: it is the most expensive part, so I am hoping not to replace it. What do you think the problem is? Am I on the right path?
Thanks!

Answer
Jason,

The mass air flow sensor can fail without the ECM setting the check engine light.  I would put that at the top of the list too.  Now, in regard to the other items that should be checked are the ignition system.  I would check this before replacement of the mass air flow sensor when the car will not start.  Basically, see if you are getting fire to the plugs when the car does the not starting thing.  Also, check the fuel pump to see if the car has fuel pressure when it does not start.