To all Maxima Gurus,

My car has been sitting in the garage for a few months. When I finally can get it running again and it smokes and turns off on me and then the check-eingine light comes on. Before when it was running the engine would stall and hesitate a bit when I punched the accelerator and I noticed a bit of a knock or ping when the gears changed either between 1st&2nd or 2nd&3rd (not sure). Do I need a new engine or tranny? Is it possible or cost- effective for them to be rebuilt? Or do I just need to change out the fluids? Please shower me with your knowledge. An are the Engine and Tranny in all 4th Gen Maximas interchangable?

Desperately seeking advice.

 

Milage?
You are probably ok.. The motor is great in these cars.. Sitting is the WORST thing for your car.. The gas may have actually failed. Just abuse it for a while and it should fire and clunk over to the gas station.. You will need to run 93 octane for 2 tanks then back it down if you get knock back you need a new knock sensor..
If you have an auto.. swapping to 5 speed or buying a used tranny is a much better plan then a rebuild. You can 5speed swap for $1200 or get a used auto for $400 area.