Hey Fellas,

I just got a 87 Maxima GXE 3.0 (110K) a couple weeks ago as a winter car. I have been going over the car to correct its flaws and this one I am having some trouble fixing.

When I first start the car in the morning, the idle stumbles. It doesnt stall, just seems like its going to be doesnt. Its hard to tell but it seems to go from about 800-600. The battery meter also bounces, but doesnt cut out. I dont even need to hold the gas, just start it and leave....it will bounce but not die.

Now it only does it when I first start her, after I go for a quick ride....and restart, she is good to go. Any ideas?

I was thinking distrubitor was going but wasnt sure....especially since its fine all other times. Is there like a cold start sensor on these cars?

Also....

On these cars what should I look out for? Like any oil leaks that are common? I hear trannys are a bit problematic. Things I should change, common problems...etc.

Thanks alot for any help in advance, I really appreciate it.
-David

 

Oh by the way.....I did plugs, wires, cap and rotor last weekend.

 

I can suggest two things, check the battery grounds, make sure they are tight and not coroded, secondly check your alternator belt, make sure its not loose or anything is leaking on it, those could both cause a lack of power in both your volt meter and lack of power in your rpm's.

 

I would say something in your cold start system is out. Since it doesn't die, the fuel richness is probably correct for a cold engine. My best guess is the fast idle control. I'm not sure where it is on the VG30, but the L28 maxima has the fast idle valve right on and behind the throttle body. It opens up when the car is cold to let a little more air in at idle and causes your engine to idle at about 1000 to 1100 rpm instead of 800. The low idle itself is probably why the alternator power is cutting in and out. If the alternator is spinning at the proper speed of 800+ rpm then your voltage will read properly.

And after you take it for a little drive, you engine is warmed up enough that the cold start system doesnt need to do anything. At that point the car idles like normal.

 

Mischief,
I had the same problem with my '86 SE. You need to adjust your IAC
Idle air control valve. I believe it is actually called the FICD fast IDle control device on top of the engine to the left when facing the engine. Start the engine cold and adjust the screw on it when the idle drops to 600-800 back to 1100 RPM. This should correct your issue.

 

Thanks Bleach, and sen8or.

I will try that screw tomorrow after work. I had thought about messing with the screw but was afraid just b/c of it running normal after the ride.

Oh and Brendan....I actually did clean the battery connectors today as per your recommendations, you should have seen the crap that came off of their. Although it didnt correct the problem, it sure did something. I am sure in a few months, (Probably the coldest day of the year) it would have not started due to that fact. So Thanks for that also

Thanks again fellas

 

Have you smelled fuel? when idling does it "bounce"? Do you hear your fuel pumps kick in when you turn on your accessory switch? I had the same problems when I first bought mine. Check with your dealer! There was a recall for 2nd gen maxes that had injector problems. It is free and it fixed my problems right up.