Low RPM's/power after long drive

Tiny
CHUMLEY84
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 NISSAN SERENA
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 250,000 MILES
If I've been driving for more that a few hours I notice the RPM' won't get above around 3,000 and it's sluggish accelerating. Any ideas what might cause this?
Monday, November 23rd, 2020 AT 1:29 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

When this happens, do you still have normal power below that RPM? Also, are there any strange sounds, smells, smoke, or anything that seems different?

I'm asking because a lot of different things can cause that to happen. For example, a partially plugged catalytic converter can cause power loss as described but often times is accompanied by a rotten egg smell. Take a look through this link and let me know if anything seems to mirror what you experience:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

Also, it could be related to a fuel pressure issue That doesn't mean a bad fuel pump, but when was the last time the fuel filter was replaced?

One last thing, if the check engine light stays on when the engine is running, then I recommend having the can-bus system scanned for diagnostic trouble codes. CAN stands for controller area network. This is a system that ties multiple modules and computers together via a few wires. Here is a video that shows how it's done:

https://youtu.be/InIlnsjOVFA

Let me know what you find, anything you can think of that may help me diagnose the issue, and if possible, record what is happening and upload it for me to see.

Take care,
Joe
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Monday, November 23rd, 2020 AT 6:14 PM

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