First of all, if the check engine light is "ON" then that would be the place to start. If the fuel filter has not been replaced in the last 2 years then I would do that.
check the cadallidic converter
Put in a new fuel pump, it will save the time wasted on everything else
The Synonym for sputtering is stuttering.
it could be running on only two or three cylanders
The engine began sputtering and then it went dead.
Usually a sputtering muffler means that a new catalytic converter is needed. The sputtering sound is the car misfiring.
There are a couple of reasons why a Nissan Pathfinder could be sputtering. The sputtering can be from bad gas or a bad fuel pump.
You can watch this animation to understand the principles of sputtering and especially magnetron sputtering. The main difference between magnetron sputtering and other sputtering methods is the application of magnetic filed around the target in order to energize argon atoms for bombarding the target. Using magnetic field leads to trapping electrons in the magnetic filed created around the target which enhances plasma. This results in higher ionization of Argon atoms and bombarding rate that finally increases deposition rate. http://www.heraeus-targets.com/en/technology/_sputteringbasics/sputtering.aspx
Check your air box connections. You hjave a vacuum leak somewhere.
Why is this question not asked...................why is my 2004 ford escape spitting and sputtering .
I sometimes sputter when I'm nervous. Please reword the question and tell me what year and engine and describe what you are doing with the car when "sputtering" occurs. Would help if you can think of additional description of what you mean by "sputtering".
generally too rich somewhere. if sputtering 1/2-3/4 needle is too rich. if sputtering at wot, main jet is too rich.in generalsputter=rich, BOOWAHH sound=lean