Car struggling to accelerate

2001 NISSAN X-TRAIL
185,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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KYLA110216
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The car is generally fine, but if stuck at the lights for a period of time it will struggle to accelerate until the car is turned off and on again and then is fine.
Why is it doing this and how can this problem be fixed?
Oct 19, 2020 at 8:13 PM
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DANNY L
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 5,648 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hello, I'm Danny.

Just to ask you a quick question first. Is the check engine light on? Here is a tutorial talking about low power:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-low-engine-power

Let us know about the check engine light and we'll go from there. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
Oct 20, 2020 at 7:29 PM
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KYLA110216
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
No light.
Oct 20, 2020 at 7:30 PM
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DANNY L
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 5,648 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hello again.

Okay, then the first thing I suggest you check is the fuel pressure. You might have a weak or failing fuel pump that is not providing adequate fuel pressure causing this symptom. Here is a tutorial showing what is involved to test fuel pressure:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

If you don't have access to a fuel pressure tester most auto parts stores have a tool loaner program and can rent you one. I've attached the pressure specifications below. After performing this test get back to us with what you found and we'll go from there. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Oct 20, 2020 at 8:06 PM
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