96 maxima stalls after start up or at low rpms

I'd have to check and clean your idle air system, see if it helps? Can you check for applicable trouble codes? Some of the national brand auto stores will check codes for free.

How long since a tune-up? Fuel filter--air filter--fuel pressure all good?

Just replaced both fuel filter and air filter, also clean the mass airflow. Unfortunately the autozone won't check codes for free and I'm trying to avoid paying 100 bucks just to get the codes. Would the engine light be on if it was just carbon build up on the idle air?

just to add, I did look up code for your idle air, p0505, the common fix is to replace idle air control valve. I can't guarantee that will fix it, you need the applicable code, plus other checks that will lead us in that direction. Replacing parts w/o testing is just shooting in the dark, hoping we get lucky.

Yes okay. Also my tach doesn't respond or move. Randomly after driving for a while it'll shoot to the red, but then it sits still there. Any idea about that or should it just be replaced?

If the mil was flashing, maybe you need to count the flashes? I was looking at our database, you may be able to get some codes, yourself? There should access point on your pcm, key on, use screwdriver, rotate full clockwise, 2 seconds rotate full counterclock wise. The mil on the dash starts flashing, you count the flashes to get the codes. an example, 1 long pulse followed by two short is 0102 that code should lead to po code. An 0205 would relate to po505, idle air code.