Power/starting issues

Tiny
EBALL42
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 NISSAN SENTRA
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 143,500 MILES
I have an '04 Nissan Sentra that has had a few issues since I bought it new. It has always had some difficulty with starting on the first turn of the key. Now it has gotten to the point of having to pump the gas repeatedly on the third or fourth crank to get it started. Once started, it will run fine until I drive fast enough for it to automatically shift to second gear. Then it makes a squeeky noise and you can feel it change gears. From there it will run ok until I try to have the air conditioner fan on the highest two settings, then it loses power going uphill. Where do I begin for all of these issues?
Saturday, June 25th, 2011 AT 3:38 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
How long since a tune-up? Use a gage and check fuel pressure, if problem with cold start-up. Any applicable trouble codes?
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Saturday, June 25th, 2011 AT 3:55 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
To add on Check the coolant temperature sensor this is like your choke on a Carb that helps initial cold starts, also controls the transmission overdrve operation in a certain temperatures for engagement-Don't forget the fuel pressure check as suggested by JDL

An engine in need of tune-up will affect the transmission operations-
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Saturday, June 25th, 2011 AT 8:55 PM
Tiny
EBALL42
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you for the advice. No there haven't been any trouble codes showing up yet. Where do I find a fuel pressure gauge?
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Tuesday, June 28th, 2011 AT 2:13 PM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
If your going to work on your own vehicle, a fuel pressure gage is a tool you need. The autostore sells them. Some national brand autostores used to loan out a fuel pressure gage.
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Tuesday, June 28th, 2011 AT 2:18 PM

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