Hi everyone - First time posting, but thanks to everyone on this forum. Reading through existing threads has been immensely helpful in diagnosing other issues!
I wanted to see if anyone had any ideas about an issue I am having with my 2000 LE Pathfinder (VG3.3). It's relatively new to me, but has about 200k miles on it.
The issue is this: when going uphill, the truck seems to really struggle and have low power. It feels like no matter how hard I press the gas, I can't get the engine above 2-2.5k rpm in that particular gear (I think it's 4th, but it might be 3rd). This keeps me stuck 10mph below traffic -- depending on the grade, this means I'm stuck around 30 mph or, for steeper hills, 10-20 mph.
However, when I lean into the gas pedal even harder, it downshifts and the rpms jump from the 2-2.5 all the way to to 3.5-4k. Then I get acceleration again, but I get nervous revving the engine that high for sustained periods of time and with a sudden and aggressive shift like that.
It's also been worth noting that if I sustain the uphill like this, the temperature gauge might start to creep up, forcing me to pull over and wait for things to cool down. (I'm not completely sure whether this is related or not, because it's been super hot lately - this is happening with 100 degree ambient temperatures).
Granted, I'm talking about mountain driving in Colorado - so there's altitude on top of the grade and heat. But it still feels like something is wrong and the cars driving behind me are pretty frustrated too.
It accelerates fine on flatter ground, and I don't have a problem getting up to highway speeds during normal driving. I've replaced the spark plugs and wires, fuel filter, air filter, cleaned the MAF and throttle body. I've also replaced all the fluids and the transmission filter. Just had the timing belt, water pump, and knock sensor replaced.
I do have an EVAP leak which I am planning on fixing, but I doubt that's the issue. I took it to a mechanic recently, who could not find any vacuum leaks. They also tested the fuel pressure and said it was in spec. Not getting any engine codes other than the evap leak. The mechanic took it up a small hill nearby, but it wasn't sustained enough to recreate the issue. They said it felt like it accelerated fine for a 3.3l engine with 200k miles on it.
Also worth noting it's got a 2in lift, and heavy 32in tires with steel rims. Running manual hubs unlocked.
Any ideas? Is this normal for the vg33, or are there other ideas on how to tackle this issue?
Thanks again!