Engine hesitation no error codes, no tac movement, but I can tell the engine is hesitating at around 2500 rpms. replaced a leaking radiator in November, but been noticing the hesitation since last summer. Ran out of gas last summer as well. MAF sensor cleaned, fuel system cleaner used, connections inspected,can not figure this one out. If the car sits for two days it's a rough start with knocking in the engine, but usually smooths out. It's just getting bad and driving me crazy. The hesitation also bumps me out of cruise control. That's all I know...

SOURCE: 2003 2.5L nissan altima hesitation/check engine light is on

you might want to take the car in to the dealer there was a lot of recalls on that car i know i have one and i just took it in they did a recall on the computer and the catyltic converter the cat shoots pieces of the cat called catalyss into the pistons and blows the motor it only cost a 125 dollars for the dealer to check it and if it is a recall you get that money back!!!

SOURCE: 1997 Nissan Altima with idle jump

The description sounds like a technical Service Bulletin Nissan came out with on your car. It fits your description to a "T".
However, the codes you are getting are not what the service bulletin reports. The code they say it sets is DTC 0400 which relates to an irregular EGR operation, causing a problem where it will not maintain an idle or Will idle roughly. There is not a recall campaign on this item.

As far as misfire problems: Nissan had a service bulletin out on problem ECM's which caused this problem. Check with your local dealer. This may possibly be covered under warranty.
The reference number is NTB97-026 The bulletin was issued March,12,1997 There was no recall on this item.
Good luck to both of you.

SOURCE: 98 Nissan Maxima - Check Engine Light, Knock Sensor

If the car is pinging you will set a knock sensor code.'
This comes from bad gas and running lean., You really need this professionally inspected to rule out the basics. I have seen alot of nissans with the knock sensor code stored but the light is still off.
Fill up the tank with high octane chevron and some techron injector cleaner and clear the light. If it stays off for a couple days then go get it inspected. Even if the code is stored it will still pass as long as the light is still off and the monitors have run.

SOURCE: Vehicle: 1998 Nissan Pathfinder

Hello,
When the MAF on most vehicles reach a point of preventing the engine from starting, you can usually just unplug it and the engine will start. If that doesn't work-
You may want to try having the O2 sensor, ( Oxygen sensor ), checked. It works with other components of the emission system and can cause similar symptoms as the MAF, including preventing the engine from starting.

Donnie

Testimonial: "Other similar issues are the cam position sensor, which is located inside the distributor. It's easier to just replace the distributor."

SOURCE: truck starts fine and idles ok. spits and sputters

CLOGGED FUEL FILTER OR CLOGGED FUEL INJECTORS.WILL CAUSE SPUTTERING AND MISFIRE.LEAKING EGR VALVE WILL CAUSE ROUGH IDLING SPUTTERING.