I've got a 2000 Maxima GLE that recently starting giving me problems. When I start the car in the mornings or when it has been sitting for a while, I have problems accelerating. I put the car in drive and hit the gas and it basically doesn't respond. The tachometer doesn't move. It's like no fuel is getting to the engine. I also am having a problem driving on the highway. I can be cruising down the road at a constant speed and then the car starts to decelerate and then accelerate...kinda choppy.

When I first hit the on-ramp in the mornings and jump on the gas, the tach will jump up, but I don't get any real response from the car. I have to take my foot off the gas pedal, let the car shift into a higher gear, then hit the gas again to really accelerate. It's like the car is having a hard time shifting.

Any ideas? I first thought I might have to replace the fuel filer or possibly the fuel pump, but with this problem on the highway, I'm wondering if I might have transmission problems. I haven't done anything yet, just been too busy to get to a mechanic. Thought I'd post and see if anyone has had similar trouble. Thanks.

Welcome to NICO.

Have you checked your transmission fluid level?

No. I have not checked it yet. It's raining here all night, so hopefully I can check it tomorrow.

I googled the problem and found some similar complaints on wiki answers. Seems like some people fixed the problem with a tune up (plugs, wires, coils) and others fixed it by replacing the MAF sensor. I'm at about 85k miles, so I could replace the plugs and see how that works, even though I think Nissan says the 200 is good for 100k.

Plugs would certainly be the cheapest thing to replace, and it sure couldn't hurt. Be sure to use NGK platinum plugs. you can find them for a good price here http://www.sparkplugs.com. Give them a call and tell them you are a NICO member, occassionally they run offer discounts.