2000 Maxima stalls at cold start
 

Hi this is my first post here, wasn't sure where to post it so I post here.

I am currently looking to purchase a 2000 Maxima GLE, 80k miles. The car is in mint condition , smooth & powerful as all Maximas are meant to be.

However there is one very annoying problem that is hindering my decision. During a cold start, say after a few hours, the car turns on perfectly but afer a few seconds it just dies. So after getting it to start I have to keep my foot on the gas pedal & keep it at say 2k RPM otherwise it would just die. It takes a good 10 mins before I am ready to drive !!! If I start driving before its warm , it stalls while in motion.

However when its warm, its runs perfect with no problems at all. I know its something really stupid but I just can't seem to figure it out. Anyone point me in the right direction? I realy want to get this car bad !

Thanks for any help in advance.

When was the last time you did a tune up? I assume you have no codes come up. My guess is that it is choking on lack of air - check vacuum, PCV, air filter, idle air control, clean throttle body, etc. It could also be lack of fuel, i.e. check fuel pump, fuel filter or fuel pressure regulator... I would do a tune up first if you have not done one in a long time and go from there...

I haven't bought the car yet. I am still considering it. The person who I may buy it from is a private dealer & has made me aware of it before hand.

As I mentioned earlier it runs like a dream when its warm, its only a problem when its cold.

But would a tune up be the first step to go?

My apologies, I did not read your original post with more care, I assumed the car is already yours. If you really want that car, use those problems as the bargaining tool to lower the price. I would also be carefull as the transmission may be going bad too. If you do get the car, I would do the tune up first and then get into more detailed troubleshooting (sensors, tranny, etc)...

I had the EXACT same problem with my car, and it's an '01 and I had this problem at about 80K miles as well. All I did was change out the MAF, which will set you back a little less than $100 and it should run good as new. I did that roughly 3-4 months ago and my car hasn't stalled or even come close on a cold start since.

Cool, thank you nadeem. Something new I learnt today too :-)

Thanks for the prompt help guys. I am using it as bargaining tool, but I still want to know what it is, as I dont want to get myself into something I cant get out of.

nadeemp8, forgive me I am not that into car parts, what is MAF ?

Mass Air Flow sensor. It is located on the air intake pipe between air filter box and throttle.

Is it something that anyone can replace or does it require an expert ?

Any guides or some link would be really appreciated, thanks all igzy and nadeemp8 for all your help.

It is easy to do. I would like to look at my engine (the MAF set up) once and I'll post the details for you. Be a few minutes (I'm at work now, on my next break :-)...

I can't wait :D

May need a new MAF or the throttle body may need to be cleaned

Sorry for the delay :-) The MAF is located right behind the air filter box towards the throttle body. To remove it you may need to remove the air box which is attached to the engine bay by 3-4 screws. Disconnect the battery. Disconnect the connector from MAF. Loosen the clamp on the flex hose (ribbed hose attached to the MAF) and the clamp attached on the MAF that is connecting it to the air box. Take out the air filter (two clips are holding it in place and just pull it out). Remove the screws holding the air box. Remove the box. One of the ram-air pipes going into box can be removed too, it is just pushed in so comes out easy. And the MAF should come out. Replace it and go reverse to install things back on. Connect the battery and you should be good to go. I have a pic of the engine bay with the MAF indicated but have not figured out yet how to post it, and if you are interested to see it send me a PS... Have fun :-)

It could also be dirty throtle body. I know many people who had stalling problem and all they had to do was clean the throtle body.

If you replace MAF, you should take your car to the dealership to get your ECU reprogrammed

Good point ammi.

arshishb - if you get the car, try a few small things before you do anything major to it...