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Car loses power

Tiny
DARTDEE
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 NISSAN SERENA
  • 1.8L
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
When I am on the flat acceleration gear change is fine. When ­ever I go up a steep enough incline the car looses power. No power in d or l. If I put the car in park (p) and give it gas, the rev count slowly moves up. I have to let the car cool down before I get back power. When I have change oils, filters except gas filter. Need help ASAP.
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Monday, August 26th, 2019 AT 7:14 AM

16 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,904 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like your car is going into limp mode due to a dirty throttle bore. Here is a guide to help you fix it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 AT 12:13 PM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
The last time this happened to me the engine check light came on with error code p0400 (gas re circulation flow, EGR valve). I have since clean the valve tested it uphill and it was performing much better. Should I still test the throttle bore?
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Thursday, August 29th, 2019 AT 8:27 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,904 POSTS
Yes, it is a normal service item especially when you have 170,000 on it. Let me know how it runs after the service.
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Thursday, August 29th, 2019 AT 11:09 AM
Tiny
DARTDEE
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Sorry for the delayed response, I have since changed the coil packs and the crank sensor code p0335. I replaced the sensor however the connector got damaged. I bought a connector but dont know how to connect the wires. It have black, yellow and green.
I can not find the wiring diagram online can you help?
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Wednesday, November 27th, 2019 AT 5:20 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,904 POSTS
Here are the wiring diagrams for the sensor which are included in the engine wiring diagrams featured below so you can see how the system works. Can I ask if you serviced the throttle body and if so did it help? Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Sunday, December 1st, 2019 AT 12:46 PM
Tiny
DARTDEE
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
I found the diagram online and it worked perfectly. Re the throttle body, I did check it and there was no built up of dirt or carbon it was clean like a whistle. I also changed the EGR valve and the the check light came up to say something was wrong with said valve and power from engine dropped. Could the problem be the EGR temperature sensor? Once the engine cools the power is back. I frustrated at the this point and the mechanics here can't seem to help.
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Monday, December 2nd, 2019 AT 11:13 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,904 POSTS
I have seen catalytic converters cause this. To be sure here is a guide to test it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019 AT 2:54 PM
Tiny
DARTDEE
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
I have already check that and it is clear and okay, it was recommended that I do a spike test to see which sensor not responding as it should.
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Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019 AT 3:21 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,904 POSTS
Did you ever service the throttle bore? This can cause it. here is a guide.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Please run down this guide and report back. 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.

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Wednesday, December 4th, 2019 AT 12:53 PM
Tiny
DARTDEE
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Again sorry for the delayed response. I changed the EGR valve some months ago and every now and then after clearing the error message it comes back on. I finally got frustrated and took out the new valve only to realize that the valve had no carbon on it. Tested the valve and it worked fine. I then found out that the carbon passage from engine up to the valve is blocked. I have since scheduled a date with my mechanic to pull apart that section of the engine to see what caused the blockage.
I will take pictures when this been done and upload them. I will report back with my findings.
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Monday, February 10th, 2020 AT 5:51 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,904 POSTS
Yep, that will do it. Good find on that. The carbon will stop the valve from working correctly. Let me know but I think you found it.
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Monday, February 10th, 2020 AT 10:54 AM
Tiny
DARTDEE
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Update, so I pulled off the side of the engine with egr valve, there is no passage way from engine exhaust to valve. See pic
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Monday, March 9th, 2020 AT 5:05 PM
Tiny
DARTDEE
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
I asked the previous owner if the engine was ever changed and the answer was yes.
I believe they used the wrong top half of the engine, maybe the qr20 or sr20.
Question can I machine the hole to the exhaust?
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Tuesday, March 10th, 2020 AT 6:50 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,904 POSTS
Yes, I think you can. Can you upload more images please? It's tough to see what's going on.
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Tuesday, March 10th, 2020 AT 12:15 PM
Tiny
DARTDEE
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
I want to update this post, so after much trouble shooting, I found the real problem. It took a transmission specialist to just hear what the symptom's were and gave correct diagnosis. The transmission oil cooler was clogged. The transmission was getting too hot. I changer the cooler and the oil filter and all is well now. I must say it was the have that deals with the coolant that was blocked.
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Wednesday, October 7th, 2020 AT 5:22 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,200 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for letting us know that. I'm sure it will be helpful to someone in the future.

Take care,
Joe
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Saturday, October 10th, 2020 AT 5:28 PM

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