Engine stutters at take off

[merlepat]

Hello. I have a 2003 Murano SL w/153,000 miles that stutter/misses when starting from a stop. It usually begins around 25 mph and continues to 50 mph then seems to clear up. There have been no check engine lights and it started out being intermittent but is getting worse. I've had several mechanics look at it but they can't figure it out. I finally took it to a Murano dealer yesterday and three trans codes came up; P0868, P1722, and P0725. They told me I need a new trans @ $3700. I'm questioning this because if I add Techron fuel additive to the gas the symptoms go away. We just got back from a 3000 mile trip where I put Techron in at each fill up and the car ran perfect with no symptoms. When we got back I stopped using Techron and the symptons came back. Is it possible there is a mis-read on the trans codes due to the engine missing or do I need a trans? Has anybody else had a similar experience?

[speedeast]

Last tune-up?

[merlepat]

Last tune-up?

About 60K ago.

[speedeast]

I would start with that, roughly 45k past due.

[merlepat]

I would start with that, roughly 45k past due.

I've only got 60K on the tuneup and it should be good for 105K?

[speedeast]

Tune-ups should be done roughly every 12-15,000 miles. Spark plugs are a must. How often do you change your oil?

[merlepat]

I change oil every 3K miles and based on the Nissan owners manual the tuneup frequency s/b about 100K. I don't recall specifically the exact milage but it sure isn't 12-15K and the plugs are platinum plugs. Any other suggestions what my problem could be or anyone else out there with similar problems?

[speedeast]

Ok, I guess I just care about my car more than the average person. Your car is having a problem, and I'm making a recommendation, check your spark plugs. Just because there is a set change frequency doesn't mean that they can't have issues.

Can you produce a video?

[kerrton]

Yeah there's a few things that could be a problem, and I agree that pulling a plug and inspecting it is the first and easiest check item that you can do yourself. Platium plugs should last 100k but that isn't guaranteed and if you're having issues with the engine such as air/fuel mixture etc it can fowl the plugs prematurely. Another thing to check is fuel supply, if it's not getting enough fuel it could be a dirty fuel filter however this isn't a do-it-yourself check as it's not accessible without dropping the tank.

Regarding tune-ups, there is very little that can be "tuned up" on a modern electronically controlled fuel injected vehicle other than spark plugs and air filter, unless you include maintenace items such as fuel system/injector and MAF cleaning (which for most vehicles will never be required, at least not until you get into high mileage and older vehicles). Either way there isn't any scheduled "tune-up" maintenance that I'm aware of at 12-15K intervals unless you really expand your definition of "tune-up".

If your plugs look good you may have to take it in to a service shop for diagnosis.

[markzimmstl]

My 2005 Murano was stuttering at take-off from a stop. I saw on another forum that it could be the intake piping that runs between the air filter and the throttle body. I tightened up the hose and it runs well now. Maybe this will help.

[seldomseen]

Tune-ups should be done roughly every 12-15,000 miles. Spark plugs are a must. How often do you change your oil?

Do you do to tune up your car every 12-15k miles?