Engine revs up with barely any acceleration

Tiny
LUCASG
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 NISSAN PATHFINDER
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 200,000 MILES
For the most part the car hasn't had many mechanical problems but recently and slowly lost power to me rear axle. Thought it was a transmission problem because the clutch was engaging fine, the engine was revving up fine, there was coolant keeping the car cool. But every time I'd step on the pedal the car would barely move and the rpm's would shoot up. Had to tow it home and checked the transmission fluid in the drive way. Gear oil looked a little dirty but didn't find any metal or seemed to be low on oil. I'm not sure if it's actually the transmission but I am getting tire movement it's just over working the engine.
Thursday, April 30th, 2020 AT 1:15 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

If you are pressing the throttle, the engine revs increase, but there is little to no power to move the vehicle, the clutch is bad. Try this simple test. In an area where it is safe, place the vehicle in fifth gear and pop the clutch. If the engine continues running, replace the clutch. Under normal conditions, the vehicle will lurch forward and stall the engine. If that is what happens, then the clutch is not the likely cause.

Try that and let me know the results.

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Friday, May 1st, 2020 AT 10:05 AM
Tiny
LUCASG
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I replaced the clutch less than 2 months ago and still am able to engage into all gears fine, just cant get the power to get the car moving. I'm like 95% sure it's not a clutch problem. Tried to pop the clutch and the car just jumped around and stalled.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, May 1st, 2020 AT 9:36 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
If it stalled in 5th gear, then it doesn't seem like it's slipping. However, as mentioned, if the RPM's increase and the vehicle isn't accelerating, there is nothing else on a vehicle with a manual transmission it can be.

Am I understanding correctly? The clutch pedal is released and the rpm's increase but the vehicle doesn't seem to accelerate.

Let me know.
Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, May 1st, 2020 AT 9:51 PM
Tiny
LUCASG
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Yes exactly. So it might be a clutch problem after all?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, May 2nd, 2020 AT 8:45 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
In all honesty, I can think of anything other that would cause that. I am going to get the opinion of another tech here and see what he says.

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, May 2nd, 2020 AT 8:58 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,144 POSTS
It sounds like you may have a clogged exhaust system. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can see what's going on? That would be great. You can upload it here with your response.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 3rd, 2020 AT 12:30 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Idle High Content

VIEW MORE