1993 Nissan Sentra power during acceleration

DAN MORGAN

MEMBER
1993 NISSAN SENTRA
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
136,000 MILES

I have noticed when trying to accelerate (usually on an onramp) that my car does not speed up quickly. It seems to me that once the car hits second gear, the acceleration quickly dies off and I am lucky if I am at 50mph by the time I reach the highway which is a safety concern for me. I have had the gas peddle floored and had no change. I have changed the air filter, spark plugs, changed the oil and checked the trans fluid level. Could you please advise on where to start next. Thank you

3 Replies

ZACKMAN

MECHANIC
4,202 POSTS

Try this series of test for me. Just as you are entering the freeway, drive it with the Overdrive OFF, and try it with shifting down to second gear. Does any of the other gear positions make a different? Post your results.

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Tuesday, February 24th, 2009 AT 3:57 AM

DAN MORGAN

MEMBER
6 POSTS

Zackman. I drove with the overdrive off. I could feel the difference immediately which leads me to believe it isnt a problem. When accelerating without the overdrive, the car appears to have the same response. Driving in second gear didnt appear to be a problem either. I did note however when the overdrive is off the car coasts down a lot quicker. Is that normal? I am not too up to speed on what overdrive really does for the car. Appreciate the help

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Tuesday, February 24th, 2009 AT 1:05 PM

ZACKMAN

MECHANIC
4,202 POSTS

I should have given you the reason for the series of tests. The test is to eliminate potential problem with your transmission solenoid.

In your case, there is nothing wrong with the engine. The engine is doing exactly what it is supposed to be doing. The transmission however, has a problem transferring the power to your wheel. I believe it lies in you TCC (torque converter clutch) solenoid.

Basically, your automatic transmission is not shifting down automatically. When I asked you to drive with the OD off or at 2nd gear, you kind of bypassed the solenoid and manually shift the transmission.

I guess now, it kind of depends on you. Do you want to spend money on a 16-year old car? Although, point to keep in mind, you only have 130K miles. You should have a lot more life from that car. My '95 B14 has over 245K and it still runs very strong. (Knock on wood) It has never breaks down and left me stranded.

What have done for years is that I drive with the OD off in the city, and with OD on once I get to freeway speed.