Help with Nissan Pathfinder

I know a couple of you guys have experience with Nissans so I though I might ask you all.

I have a stock 98 Nissan Pathfinder with an Auto Trans that is my work vehicle. The issue I am having is it is shutting off while driving. It had two CEL, 1 for MAF and 1 for a Knock Sensor. The MAF was clean and the Knock sensor was replace and relocated. Currently there are no CEL's when it shuts off. It will start to idel rough and then the RPM's will drop off, put the truck in neutral and restart, sometimes it stays running other times it does not.

Any ideas of what to check next? I don't have a lot of Mechanical knowledge when it comes to engines, but was "thinking" maybe injectors or spark plugs.

Thanks,

Scott Reed
Chowgirls Catering

 

I think I would try a new MAF, you said you cleaned it but sometimes that doesnt do the trick.

 

When was the last time it had a tune up such as, sparks, cleaning throttle body, Look at the throttle adj cable. Maybe a coil. But check you MAF

 

replaced the MAF, still not wanting to stay running all the time.

Note sure when the last time the spark plugs were changed. How difficult is cleaning the throttle body and what does one use to clean it?

 

does it quit while steady driving down the road, or when you are slowing? Have you checked for Vacuum leaks, what sort of vacuum does the engine run with? I might say throttel position sensor, but that would likely throw a code

 

The truck will shut off while driving and while at a stop at stoplights and such, only consistant factor of it shutting off is the inconsistant RPM's. Even when I have it in neutral and try and hold 2000 rpms it will fluctuate +/- 200 rpms then drop off and shut down. I have not checked for vacuum leaks, no idea what to look for or even where to look. After driving for about 15 min or so it does not seem to happen anymore.

Personally I want to throw a lit match in the gas tank and watch it burn to the ground.... but the owners are not happy with that solution so I have a $500 budget to try and get it fixed.

 

Also no codes have been thrown since the MAF was cleaned and the new Knock Sensor was installed and relocated.

 

So looking on Rock Auto, they have multiple MAF's for this truck. Whats the difference in quality between them? and benefits with going with one over the other? This is what comes up for the search.

 

or check pcv maybe if it has one, sometimes they get gunked up

 

Replaced the MAF on tuesday. Car seems to run smoother now even at idle, so we'll see if that solves the problem, seems to have right now. If that does not work I'll check on the PCV . Thanks for all the help you guys!