Nissan Repair: Starting problem, throttle position sensor, air control valve

Question
QUESTION: Hello Von, we have a 97 Pathfinder (with 3.3ltr motor) that at start-up will turn over and fire-up but then immediately dies. If you push the accelerator pedal down about 1/8 to 1/4 when first starting it will turn over and continue to run. This only happens when the engine is cold. Once the engine in warm, it will start as a normal fuel injected engine will, with feet off the pedals. Also, we have a hard shift from first to second when it is cold. Once the engine (and tranny) are warmed up it shifts fairly smooth. Any ideas and thanks to you and Calvin for all your advise. It is more helpful than you may know.
Robert

ANSWER: Robert,

I would check and most probably replace the idle air control valve.  Second, the transmission could do with a fluid change.  The other thing the transmission could be is the valve body or the transmission shift computer.  But, fluid and a filter are cheaper to start with.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Von, is the idle air control valve something I can change without going to the dealership. Also, with the tranny, we have changed the fluids and replaced the throttle position sensor. Someone has suggested adjusting the "bands" in the tranny. Is that an option?
Thanks,

Answer
Robert,

The idle air control valve is a bolt on part with nothing to remove to get at it.  Well, not too much stuff has to come off to get the old one off.  No adjustment of the band would be required from what you say.  The governor or solenoid is sticking.  Remember that you only change half of the fluid each time you change it so really you only dilute the fluid since the torque converter is full.  You might try to change it again.  The last option is a transmission shop.