1995 Nissan Maxima QX cutting out when cold

sanyati · 07-09-2008, 02:32 PM

when starting my nissan maxima from cold the engine runs and idles fine.As the engine begins to warm up (approx 1/4 on temp guage) the electric cooling fans switch on and run for about 10 seconds.When they switch off the engine dies. If i hold the revs at about 2000 rpm when this happens i can keep the engine running but rough. When it cuts out i switch off the ignition and wait about 2 minutes.After restarting there are no more problems untill the car has cooled down over night.I have this problem every morning.Does anybody have any idea what might cause this.I would be extremely gratefull if anyone could help.

SABL · 07-10-2008, 07:52 AM

Hi sanyati,

Sounds like the Coolant Temperature Sensor is faulty. The cooling fan seems to be coming on way too soon. The sensor is telling the Control Module that the engine is getting "warm" and is not sending the right amount of fuel to your engine. A cold engine needs more fuel than a warm one. Have the CTS checked, it is a relatively cheap solution.

I found 3 at NAPA (used only as an example and NOT an endorsment)

http://www.napaonline.com/masterpage...erature+Sensor

http://www.napaonline.com/masterpage...erature+Sensor

http://www.napaonline.com/masterpage...erature+Sensor

You WILL need to know the engine size if you plan on replacing this part. Two sensors were listed for the same engine (#2 and #3 of the links), I don't know if two sensors are required or if it is a listing for two different choices.

Check your local library to see if they have any manuals relating to your car in the reference section, or buy a manual at a parts store.

Good luck,
Marc

sanyati · 07-11-2008, 01:27 AM

Hi Marc,
Thanks very much for the info.I have tried running the car with both coolent sensors disconnected but this made no difference.When the fans switch on the engine runs fine.When the fans switch off the dash lights go dim and that is when the engine cuts out.If i increase the revs to about 2000 rpm as this happens ,then the engine splutters for about 15 seconds and then seems to clear itself.A friend in New Zealand mentioned 2 sensors.1 just above the timing pulley on the front of the engine and 1 on the bell housing at the rear of the engine.Do you know what these 2 sensors are and how they could affect the engine.I cannot find the 1 on the rear of the engine.

If the night before has been a fairly warm night ,then the next morning the car does not seem to give any problems.It only seems to give problems after the engine has become very cold.

Many thanks for your help

Mark
West Yorkshire
U.K.

07-09-2008, 02:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
sanyati Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 2 OS: windows vista	1995 Nissan Maxima QX cutting out when cold when starting my nissan maxima from cold the engine runs and idles fine.As the engine begins to warm up (approx 1/4 on temp guage) the electric cooling fans switch on and run for about 10 seconds.When they switch off the engine dies. If i hold the revs at about 2000 rpm when this happens i can keep the engine running but rough. When it cuts out i switch off the ignition and wait about 2 minutes.After restarting there are no more problems untill the car has cooled down over night.I have this problem every morning.Does anybody have any idea what might cause this.I would be extremely gratefull if anyone could help.

07-10-2008, 07:52 AM	#2 (permalink)
SABL Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Galena, Ohio Posts: 104 OS: WinXP SP3	Re: 1995 Nissan Maxima QX cutting out when cold Hi sanyati, Sounds like the Coolant Temperature Sensor is faulty. The cooling fan seems to be coming on way too soon. The sensor is telling the Control Module that the engine is getting "warm" and is not sending the right amount of fuel to your engine. A cold engine needs more fuel than a warm one. Have the CTS checked, it is a relatively cheap solution. I found 3 at NAPA (used only as an example and NOT an endorsment) http://www.napaonline.com/masterpage...erature+Sensor http://www.napaonline.com/masterpage...erature+Sensor http://www.napaonline.com/masterpage...erature+Sensor You WILL need to know the engine size if you plan on replacing this part. Two sensors were listed for the same engine (#2 and #3 of the links), I don't know if two sensors are required or if it is a listing for two different choices. Check your local library to see if they have any manuals relating to your car in the reference section, or buy a manual at a parts store. Good luck, Marc Last edited by SABL : 07-10-2008 at 07:53 AM. Reason: edit typo

07-11-2008, 01:27 AM	#3 (permalink)
sanyati Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 2 OS: windows vista	Re: 1995 Nissan Maxima QX cutting out when cold Hi Marc, Thanks very much for the info.I have tried running the car with both coolent sensors disconnected but this made no difference.When the fans switch on the engine runs fine.When the fans switch off the dash lights go dim and that is when the engine cuts out.If i increase the revs to about 2000 rpm as this happens ,then the engine splutters for about 15 seconds and then seems to clear itself.A friend in New Zealand mentioned 2 sensors.1 just above the timing pulley on the front of the engine and 1 on the bell housing at the rear of the engine.Do you know what these 2 sensors are and how they could affect the engine.I cannot find the 1 on the rear of the engine. If the night before has been a fairly warm night ,then the next morning the car does not seem to give any problems.It only seems to give problems after the engine has become very cold. Many thanks for your help Mark West Yorkshire U.K.