Nissan Repair: 2000 Nissan Maxima Cuts Out First 1/4 Mile After Cold Starts, nissan maxima, check engine soon light

Question
Runs great after warming up.  After cold starts, depressing the accelerator sometimes causes the engine to cut out or slow without supplying power (the engine does not stall).  Easing up on the accelerator and pushing it again, often makes it work.  During the past 10,000 miles the check engine soon light did come on twice.  The light did not come back on after discounting and reconnecting the car battery- we assumed the problem was caused by a loose gas cap since it has not recurred frequently. Could it be the coils?  Air Mass Meter? Idle-up Control Selenoid?  Something easier?     

Thanks very much.  You have provided helpful responses on similar questions so I'm hoping you can help with this one.  

Answer
Arin,

I would replace the engine temerature sensor first since it is a cold start related problem.  This is the sensor that tells the computer the engines temperature and not the one that runs your gauge.  Also, go to Autozone or Checker and get the code read for free and email me back with it.