I also have 1996 Maxima SE and had same problem. After several months of searching and asking around, I was able to fix the problem by replacing the Mass Air Flow sensor. I replaced with aftermarket MAF and paid $80 with lifetime warranty and the car runs better with better gas milage.
To replace the part takes less than 30 mins., I would recommend replacing the part as maintenance. Otherwise, you can take it to a mechanic and they may spend hours trying to troubleshoot your problem. During my research, there are so many different things that could cause the car to stall and ride rough. I am NOT a mechanic and take my advice for what it is worth and replace the part. It will be less expense if it fixes the problem otherwise you'll need to take to mechanic. They will charge you at least $400 to $500 for an half-hour job.
Good luck. I know how frustrating it can be with repairing the car cost more than it is cost.
SOURCE: 1992 SE maxima jerking, sputtering, stalling
I had a similar problem and resolved it by replacing the mass airflow sensor. Ive got 235k+ miles on my 1992 Maxima SE.
Still runs good but having problems with the alarm system.
SOURCE: 2004 Nissan Maxima Intermittent Transmission Problem?
I don't know exactly how the nissans work with their "limp" mode for what gear it goes into and such. This sounds like the computer is sensing a problem and going into the "limp" mode. Go get the code pulled to see what is says. If it has anything saying trans slipping or ratio problem then something internal in the the trans is wrong. Also, check the trans fluid and see if its burnt ( dark brown or black).
SOURCE: Car stalls and hard to start
They won't reset the fault code, so back at the house disconnect battery for 10 minutes and it will clear the code. Then if the fault reappears and you get a similar fault code reading you'll have better info. Be forewarned the fault code is the symptom not the solution. I.E. if the mass flow sensor is bad you can get a lean bank or vacuum leak type of fault code.
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