When I attempt to start my engine (98 max SE, auto with 40,000 miles)after the car has been shut off for a while (morning and after work) the the car cranks, starts, the engine revs then almost dies but regains it self. The tach goes from 1200 rpm to almost zero then it shots back up. A couple of times it has completely stalled but starts after the next attempt. The car never used to do this. I now push the gas pedal in several times before start up but this sputering still occrus on occassion. Is there something wrong?

 

Try cleaning the throttle body, and make sure your fuel filter is not clogged.

 

Well I changed the fuel filter at 30,000 miles (in Dec 01). It should be ok still right?

 

The IAC valve may also be sticking. You can take that off your car and clean that along with the throttle body. I think there is a thread on here somewhere with simple instructions on how to do that. I read it just a few days ago. Search the forum for IAC cleaning instructions or something like that.