2000 maxima

[grip1968]

I purchased a 2000 maxima GLE with 165000 miles on it, I notice that the car feels like it gonna cut off when I start it up on a cold day or at a stop light. I have to put the car in neutral just to keep it going at the stop light. Funny thing is that once the car is warmed up it drives fine. Do I need to replace the spark plugs,etc

Thanks in advance

[loystock]

Is the CEL (Check Engine Light) on?

I hope we can resolve this with the cheapest route possible. Your MAF sensor and/or connector may be dirty. Got to Autozone or other parts stores that offer free scan and get a printout of fault code, if any.

Buy a CRC MAF Sensor Cleaner (@ $7) and Permatex Dielectric Grease (@ $5). Clean the MAF sensing element (do not touch it) and connector thoroughly. The MAF sensor is close to the air filter box with a green connector. Apply dielectric grease on the connectors. Restore all connections.

Let us know if the problem persisted or if there is a fault code.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

I have 2 maximas and it seems like the emmissions equipment is theproblem when there are these types of issues. It would be bestto consult Chiltons or the floor shop manual before doing the following;

1) Clean your throttle body carefully-I think there is a writeup underthe tech pages too2) Clean your idle air control valve. Mine would spec ok with the multimeterbut was not functioning properly because of carbon.3) Check to make sure your egr valve is functioning properly. Plenty of room for carbon to mess up something here4) Check the coils to see if they spec ok on the multimeter. When attachedto the plugs, you should see a good spark5) Make sure the battery cables are tight and the battery is charged.

Dont lean on the carb cleaner without being very precise as the electronicsensons can be damaged. It try to use CRC electronic cleaner or rubbingalcohol on most parts (not the MAF) with a rag.

If the car has not been maintained very well, then you might consider having the upper intake plenum "dipped" to remove the carbon as well.Just be sure to remove electronic items first.

Some people say dont change to synthetic oil if you have been runningconventional oil but I did it with my car with no problems. If you do this,you might want to change the oil again after 1000 miles to make sure theoil filter is not stopped up.

Sounds like you have a pretty good car that just needs some TLC

[grip1968]

No check engine light, just low idle when car is cold, but when warmed up it drives good.

[loystock]

Have you done anything on the car yet?

'Nutria' and I provided you with suggestions to fix that problem. If not, clean the MAF sensor and connector. A dirty MAF sensor or poor connection may not trigger a CEL. It's also possible that you have a failing circuit connection inside the MAF assembly (temp sensitive). With the engine running, tap the MAF sensor (where the connector is) and listen for engine response. If it changes, the MAF assembly is failing and you will have to replace it in the near future.

If the problem persisted after doing the above, then just continue with the suggested corrective actions.

[Nelsito65]

Make sure the check engine light is actually working (does it come on when the switch is in the "on" position, before sarting the car?). You might want to actually scan the car for codes. I say this because when I bought my car, the CEL was not on, eventhough the car used to run rough. A scan revealed a misfire code. Later on, I discovered that the bulb for the CEL had been removed, so I had to put one in.

[grip1968]

All my lights work fine, I also ran a scan and there no codes, I will have my mechanic clean my MAF & connectors to, by the way i need to change the air filter also.