[bnorman]

I have a 2000 Xterra. It is having an issue... It will run fine one moment, the next moment it will act up. It feels like it might not be getting fuel, but it might also be an electrical issue. It has 190,xxx miles, is an automatic. Changed all spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor, clean air filter, replaced a bad fuel sending unit, fuel filter, visually inspected all wires and air lines. Transmission fluid is good. The check engine light comes on when it feels like it. Took it to Autozone and they told me the code was multiple misfires. When this first started, it only happened when i went up a hill, now it doesnt matter where i drive. There are times where i have normal power, everything is fine, but that usually only lasts for a couple miles/minutes. Other times, it will sputter, with hardly any power. I will put it into neutral to get it to stop jerking, sometimes it will be fine after that, sometimes I'll have to even pull over because it just keeps shaking. I've thought about the knock sensor being the problem, but i haven't changed/bypassed it. I'm lost, any help???? Thank you

 

[Triath]

Maybe check the MAF sensor. Think that can cause random misfires. Easy to check with a multimeter. Knock sensor wouldn't cause misfires afaik.

 

[cbxterra]

Probably distributator bearing starting to go.there's a DIY on replacing it. But cleaning the maf can't hurt either. You're right the knock sensor is nothing in a naturally asperated.

 

[bnorman]

So, we have looked at the MAF. There is no visual damage. With the engine running, my husband disconnected it, and the engine almost died immediately.
It's so frustrating... I can't afford to do much more fixing on this. I live an hour from civilization. This makes driving anywhere irritating. We drove it last night and in almost 60 miles, it drove fine, with only a couple times (about 2 miles) with this issue. Thanks for your help.

 

[Petonious]

Might look at the connector to the fuel sending unit if that hasn't been replaced. I will have a blueish green patch "corrosion" under the connector.
Pull the two wire off and with a mirror look under it. I've seen all sorts of off and on running problem and of course just stall/stops .

 

[bnorman]

We just replaced the fuel sending unit, BUT the return line had to be 'glued' back together because my husband broke it. The previous one did have corrosion. I know they had a recall on them, but i haven't been able to call Nissan to find out if mine had been replaced. On a side note, someone told me to check the EGR. Mine doesnt have one.