97 maxima rough idle on D only

[stvnjbrush]

i have a 1997 nissan maxima automatic with 160k miles. At first it was very intermittently idling rough when i was stopped and on drive. when i would put it on N it would idle fine. Problem went away, but now it happens about 75% of the time when im idling. RPM drops to around 500, never stalled or idled too rough more like a "stutter" I was thinking the battery because sometimes at night i notice my headlights flicker when it starts to idle rough. Transmission fluid looks dirty. Any other ideas?

[loystock]

Check your fuel filter (firewall besides brake booster) and air filter and replace as required. If Ok, check your fuel pressure, should be > 40 PSI. And please have your transmission serviced since you mentioned the fluid is dirty. That is very expensive to repair/replace.

[tigersharkdude]

same problem here, check your coilpacks

[loystock]

In addition to fuel system, the IACV (Idle Air Control Valve) and/or MAF (Mass Air Flow)sensor may be dirty. Use only no-residue contact cleaner for the MAF sensor BUT do not touch the sensing element.