01 Maxima will not go over 3000 RPM

[andrew1018]

Hi,
I have an 01 maxima some days it runs perfect other days it wot go over 3000 rpm I can drive it if I dot step on the pedal hard and just take it easy.
Any idea of what it may be I have checked Mass air sensor I uplug it ad the car rus worse I cat hear any vacuum leaks.
Ay suggestions would be helpful I ca provide any info you may need.

Thanks

[andrew1018]

sorry my "N" button does not work well:)

[sstroudwku]

Any codes in the system? Sounds like a possible plugged Catalytic Converter which can also give off a sound of a vac leak in certain conditions, or possible secondary cat/resonator plugged. Mileage?

[maxterror]

I couldnt really understand your post.....does it run under load...can you rev it at idle past 3000? does it happen in every gear.....give us some specific symptoms. But this happened to me before and it was my throttle position sensor. I just found a new gas pedal for 10$ and installed it and was good to go.

[AZhitman]

Sounds like it's in "limp mode".

First order of business is to check for codes. Then'we'll break out the FSM and start doing diagnostics (the right way).

If you guys don't have your car's FSM, get it here for free: http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/maxima/

[andrew1018]

Sorry guys did not know anyone replied I have got the codes P0171,P0733,P0175,P0174,P0175,P0140. It does run but it seems when you step on the the pedal hard it just doesnt rev up or want to go. It seems that when it is parked it will rev past 3000. The car has about 101000 miles.
If you want more info let me know.

[AZhitman]

P0171 - This code is a result of several possible problems: 1) intake air leaks, 2) heated oxygen sensor 1 front, 3) injectors, 4) exhaust gas leaks, 5) incorrect fuel pressure, 6) lack of fuel, 7) mass air flow sensor.

P0733 - Sometimes debris or dirty fluid can cause the transmission not to shift. Check the trans fluid level and condition and change it. Erase the code. If it comes back ON, remove the trans pan and check for excessive debris on the pan, which indicates a trans failure.

P0175 - Same as P0171, other side.

P0174 - Another "overly lean condition" code. MAF is malfunctioning, or clogged fuel filter (or dying fuel pump).

P0140 - Bank 1 rear O2 sensor (second sensor after the exhaust manifold on the fire wall side of the engine). It's in front of the Bank 1 Pre-Cat (mounted horizontally just below the engine). Safely jack up the front passenger side and you should be able to see this sensor with WHITE harness while the 4-wire connector is mounted close to the radiator.

For the first and third code, do the following:
1) Inspect all vacuum and PCV hoses, replace if necessary: Get some "starting fluid" and spray small puffs around all vacuum hoses, throttle body, and intake (AFTER the MAF). If the engine surges / accelerates slightly, you have a vacuum leak in that vicinity.
2) Clean the MAF sensor using MAF sensor cleaner ONLY.
3) Inspect fuel lines for cracks, leaks, or pinches (unlikely)
4) Check the fuel pressure at the fuel rail to rule out bad fuel pump.
5) Check the fuel injectors, at 100K, they're likely dirty. Use fuel injector cleaner or get them professionally cleaned/replaced (see homepage article about Deatschwerks Fuel Rail Service - highly recommended for ALL cars over 100K miles).
6) Check for an exhaust leak before the first oxygen sensor (this is unlikely to cause the problem, but it is possible)

You've got some maintenance to catch up on. I'm guessing this problem didn't start overnight, and most of this stuff hasn't been monitored or maintained. We'll be right here to help.