'99 Maxima hesitates while idling

[maxipad67]

My Maxima has been hesitating (subtle jerking motion) while idling in traffic when in drive shift mode. Upon placing the shift mode in neutral it stops.

Could this be a engine or transmission problem? I have noticed an occasional hesitation while driving.

I recently replaced the air filter to see if this helps. Very little. Just added dry gas but must wait to drive my car to see if it's effective.

[Nahkapohjola]

Originally Posted by maxipad67

...jerking motion) while idling in traffic when in drive shift mode. Upon placing the shift mode in neutral it stops. ...

Weak spark and/or injection will first become obvious under load (D). If this intermittent misfire condition can be reproduced, its quite possibly traceable to one cylinder. Tst take coilpacks out one by one. If only one cyl produces change, others ok, proceed:
- Swap suspect coilpack: if problem moves, moved coilpack is bad.
- If problem does not change, then possibly that injector...
- Disconnect suspect injector wire: intermittent problem has changed to constant misfire. If not, start from scratch...

No history info: check plugs against problem chart pictures at ngk.com

Check charge voltage, fuel pressure, do self diag...

[maxipad67]

Another thought........may need to use more premium (argh). Perhaps the fuel line is gunking up b/c of gas mixtures from various suppliers? Will have the comp.rdr hooked up to see if there are any targeted problems. No sensors have popped up.

At $3.00/gal. for 93oct., guess I'll have to give up that extra bottle of wine/wk.

[Nahkapohjola]

Tar in gasoline sinks on the bottom if car sits nonused over 6mths. Otherwise no mixing problems; has no hesitation effects.

Your gas is almost FREE. Here over 6$ per gallon, rising... long live Brian O'Conan exported marxism

[maxipad67]

Yea, we're spoiled gas hogs over here. Shouldn't complain.

Car has 81000 mls now. Time to do 20K check-up.