Power loss and jerking

2004 NISSAN XTERRA
88,023 MILES • V6 • 4WD • MANUAL
Avatar
04XTERRAC
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
I have been experiencing a lack of power for my vehicle. Online and offline track calculations say it should have a 0-60 within around 15-20 seconds. It has a clocked 0-60 speed of 37.4 seconds red lining. Now it has come to be even worse. On initial startup, it has power, then once it gets warm, the power is drastically reduced, causing it almost hard to get moving again from a complete stop. Its gas mileage is about 7 city and 12 highway. It has been doing one other thing. When I let off the accelerator it repeatedly jerks hard, especially below 3000 RPM's. It won't do it if I let off the gas slowly, or press in the clutch, which causes me to think it's something with the clutch. If there could be any reason for these problems, I would greatly appreciate it, thank you.
Mar 8, 2019 at 4:52 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

This can be a few things. However, the first thing I want you to do is check for diagnostic trouble codes. If the check engine light stays on when the engine is running, there will be codes that may help diagnose the problem. Here is a video that shows how to scan a computer:

https://youtu.be/b2IJGfImVvw

I realize most people don't own a scanner, but often times, parts stores will do it for free or lend you one.

As far as the description, I don't feel the clutch is the problem. However, anything is possible. Does the clutch seem to slip and that is why it is hitting red line or does it slowly accelerate to red line?

Now, other possible issues can be a plugged catalytic converter, a faulty fuel pressure regulator, ignition timing, and the list goes on. Here are a couple links that you may find helpful. First is a link that shows how to check fuel pressure and the pressure regulator.

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

Here are links that discuss symptoms of a plugged catalytic converter and how to check one:

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

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

If you could check these things, specifically retrieving trouble codes, it would be very helpful.

Let me know if you need anything or have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

Mar 8, 2019 at 7:41 PM
Avatar
04XTERRAC
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
I do have a code reader, it comes out with one result p0328 which is a knock sensor. I'll try out the pressure and catalytic test. The clutch doesn't slip, that I know for sure. It slowly goes to the red line, the 0-60 was me pushing it to the red line to get an accurate 0-60 reading. Thank you for your help, I'll reply with the results.
Mar 9, 2019 at 2:37 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Welcome back:
Let me know what you find.

Joe
Mar 10, 2019 at 7:28 PM