Lost power in the rain (Maxima 2003)

Asked by jelibeat Feb 26, 2014 at 10:12 PM about the 2003 Nissan Maxima SE

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Its raining this evening while I was driving normally at 45 mph then suddenly it start to loose power and started crawling. I hit the gas but it just wont move and just coasted to the side. The engine is still running though. I pulled on the side, Stopped the engine. and started again and it was fine. I moved it just to make sure that transmission is engaging. I was afraid to go any further. I called tripple A. Once I got home, I decided to drive the car around the block and it was fine. I am fearful that it might happen again in a very unfortunate place. Please advice..

4 Answers

103,705

Go to an Auto Zone and have them test your alternator. It may be on it's way out. If alternator seems good, have someone clean your Idle Air Control Valve. If your check engine light came on, you can bring it to a garage and have them get the error codes. That will tell you exactly what the problem is. If no check engine light I would concentrate on the Idle Air Control Valve.

1 people found this helpful.

My 2003 Maxima was doing this and the speedometer and tachometer were acting up also and I replaced the crankshaft sensor (bottom front side of the engine block) and also had my mechanic take apart the computer and clean the flux off and resolder the circuit board and it fixed the problem. File a complaint on NHTSA website as this is a problem with the 2002 and 2003 Maxima but Nissan wouldn't fix mine as it was not "vin code" specific. The NHTSA has a recall on this and it should be fixed for free.

If the above doesn't fix the problem clean the idle air control valve with spray brake fluid. Don't touch the tiny filaments just spray and let it completely air dry before carefully reinstalling it. This is located just to the right of the air filter chamber on top of the duct going to the back of the engine and is held in place with two screws.

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