Ive had this problem periodically for 2 years and it just recently started to worsen. I have noticed that it is most frequent, if only, in the summer months/hot days.

When I am in D and stopped with my foot on the brake, my engine will hesitate violently and drop almost to below 500 rpms before it corrects itself. But, it repeats itself several times so it feels like a really rough idle, or like I installed hardcore cams.

When I start to accelerate, the engine will seem like it misfires up to about 2500 rpms. You can feel the car accelerate, then actually hesitate while the "misfire" occurs.

I have no clue what this is, can someone lead me in the right direction to troubleshooting this issue, its annoying as hell.

1999, 132xxx miles roughly, fuel filter never been changed (maybe this is the issue?), 91 octane, new spark plugs, coils never been replaced either (maybe this is it?)

 

I had a similar issue with my 99 when I first purchased it 4 years ago. It turned out to be my coils, so check to see if that is your problem as I know it is a common problem with the 99.

 

what would the best way to check coils be?

 

Go to this discussion, being held concurrently.

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=523681

Yours sounds like a TPS issue, especially the quick drop in idle RPMs. Fortunately, it's a cheap and easy thing to repair.

 

i read that thread already. his problem is similar to mine, but mine is more so at idle than under load. ill check the TPS though also, thanks.

Any other opinions?
Also, how to I check coils?

 

Go here: http://vbxmaxima.8m.com/tps.html

Here's the quotation relevant to you:

"Symptoms: The most obvious is if the TPS just up and dies. You'll get
a check engine light and the 0403 trouble code. (Trouble codes will be
covered at a later date). However, if the TPS is still gasping its last
few breaths, you won't necessarily get the light. But you will get
inexplicable, "spontaneous" drops in RPMs. It's most pronounced when you
are at idle or the engine is coasting to idle after disengaging the clutch.
I have yet to see someone tell of problems when the car was moving/accelerating."

 

so how much would a TPS run me and would i have to get it from the stealership?

 

I just ordered one today from Pep Boys. $50. Looks pretty easy to install.

 

since that seems to be the cheaper route, ill go ahead and do that to see if it solves my problem.

Thanks for the help, Ill keep you posted on whether or not the problem persists