Kmk2zf Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 So the last 2 days Ive come home from work my car has experienced a dramatic loss in power/propulsion and I have no idea what it could possibly be. Here are ssome things that I experience: Happened the last 2 days while driving home from work, issue possibly related to heat since it sat in the sun all day prior to it happening Sudden loss in power/propulsion Throttle response/engine response seems normal however, there is no power to the wheels Feels like I am dragging a huge boulder Acceleration seems limited, like the car or transmission is in survival mode and wont let me accelerate quickly I don’t hear any noticeable noise or feel anything that stands out; just the loss of power/propulsion Ive been told it could possibly be the transmission modulator but Im not really sure. FYI, I have a 2004 Pathfinder SE 3.5L V6 and its got 84,xxx miles on it. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devonianwalk Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 Auto tranny? I'd start by checking the fluid. Also, does it lose propulsion in all of the gears (including reverse)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Towncivilian Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 Ever changed the fuel filter? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 Do you see anything like this when you look underneath? As was said, start by checking the tranny fluid for level and cleaniless. Does the tranny act normally otherwise (when it shifts, how long it takes when put in gear, reverse)? Is the check engine light on? Was there any event when this started? Also, you can go here and download the FSM that will tell you how to check the TCU. http://www.nissanpathfinders.net/forum/topic/26616-factory-service-manuals/ B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Towncivilian Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 (edited) If there were a transmission error code, it would flash the "O/D OFF" lamp at startup. Follow these steps to properly check the transmission fluid level: 1. Drive around for 10 minutes in the city after the transmission is at operating temperature. 2. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake. 3. With P selected, shift through every gear and return to P. 4. Pull the transmission dipstick with the engine idling, wipe it clean, reinsert it completely, and read the level. It must be within the notched area labeled "HOT". Check for fluid contamination after wiping on a paper towel. The fluid should be red, and not smell burnt. Edited July 18, 2012 by Towncivilian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kmk2zf Posted July 18, 2012 Author Share Posted July 18, 2012 Yes its an Automatic. I checked the fluids and it seems fine. The loss of power/propulsion occurs in every gear. It takes a while for it to shift but I think that its only because the vehicle isnt traveling very fast its not like its stalling in between shifts just takes a while for it to reach the end of each gear. And there are no error code/check engine lights on. I took it in this morning and hopefully they will know what the problem is soon. Thanks for all the help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingman Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 Sounds like the catalytic converter may have broken up and clogged the exhaust system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.510 Posted July 24, 2012 Share Posted July 24, 2012 It's possible your TCU is in limp mode. Silverton's Pathy has done this several times wheeling due to "excessive wheelspin". When it goes into limp mode I think it actually stays in 3rd gear? The truck is seriously gutless when this happens, even in low range. The truck is a total dog going forward but normal in reverse when it happens. I'm sure there are other scenarios (other than wheelspin) that can put the TCU into limp mode. Any word on it's condition? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danger Posted July 24, 2012 Share Posted July 24, 2012 I guess I'm too late now, but I would say disconnect the battery for a bit and see if you can reset the comp. I would also say, I know nothing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kmk2zf Posted July 24, 2012 Author Share Posted July 24, 2012 Hey sorry its taken so long for me to respond. I got the truck back this past Friday and it is now running great. I talked to the mechanic and he said that there was 2 quarts too much transmission fluid in there and this was causing it to bubble up and give false reading to the sensors. I dont know how it got that way since I have never had any transmission work done on the car and its never done this before, but apparently all it needed was a transmission flush. Thanks for all the advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted July 24, 2012 Share Posted July 24, 2012 Glad it was an easy fix!! B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted July 25, 2012 Share Posted July 25, 2012 Hmm... wonder where the extra fluid came from. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tungsten Posted July 25, 2012 Share Posted July 25, 2012 Did you buy the truck used or new? It may have been changed once and the person filling it checked the fluid with the engine not running so it seemed a little low. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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