PLEASE HELP W/ ENGINE PROBLEM 97 Q45!

[SDCHARGERS619]

I just drove my car and when i step on the gas the acceleration doesn't go passed 5 mph, even with the gas pedal fully pressed and it sounds like the engine is misfiring. all my tcs, engine service, and cluster reminders are on and that never happened before. It feels like the car is about to die on me, just like when you let go of the clutch on a manual transmission car but the acceleration jumps up and goes down again. This is actually the first time this has happened and never noticed anything before the incident, it was running fine. Could it be the spark plugs or maybe it's time for the knock sensor replacement? Really need your guys help this is my daily and I'm afraid to junk her if it gets expensive.

thanks

[qship96]

Define "expensive"

[Q451990]

Sounds like an alternator failure to me... low voltage will do all kinds of weird things.

Heath

[Q45tech]

I define $2500 per year [every year] as AVERAGE cost to maintain an import V8. Transmission failure is usually a shock since most don't save the $300-$400 per year to build up to $3,000+ to replace the unit.

If one knows from experience that a $100 battery last 3 years doesn't it cost $33 per year, same with light bulbs, shocks, rubber items, all wear items which means everything.

In business we EXPENSE the true cost and replacement cost yearly/quarterly/monthly.

YET Citizens don't have a clue about personal monthly costs.

Just think how many were fooled into thinking a house was a long time profitable investment RECENTLY.

[NightRiderQ45]

I define $2500 per year [every year] as AVERAGE cost to maintain an import V8. Transmission failure is usually a shock since most don't save the $300-$400 per year to build up to $3,000+ to replace the unit.

If one knows from experience that a $100 battery last 3 years doesn't it cost $33 per year, same with light bulbs, shocks, rubber items, all wear items which means everything.

In business we EXPENSE the true cost and replacement cost yearly/quarterly/monthly.

YET Citizens don't have a clue about personal monthly costs.

Just think how many were fooled into thinking a house was a long time profitable investment RECENTLY.

You say all of this and STILL DON'T ATTEMPT TO ANSWER THE GUY QUESTION! He or anyone else doesn't care about all of these silly numbers that you constantly throw out lately! Anyone who as been on this board at least a year already know about those costs! Answer the question or stay off the thread "Tech".

For the OP, it probably is your alternator or at least those are the symptoms of a failing alternator.

[maxnix]

You say all of this and STILL DON'T ATTEMPT TO ANSWER THE GUY QUESTION! He or anyone else doesn't care about all of these silly numbers that you constantly throw out lately! Anyone who as been on this board at least a year already know about those costs! Answer the question or stay off the thread "Tech".

I think the point is, without a maintenance history, we are just urinating upwind. The same symptoms can have multiple combinations that cause it, and without the maintenance schedule and some data, we are just guessing because we do not have sufficient information to help.

[NightRiderQ45]

I think the point is, without a maintenance history, we are just urinating upwind. The same symptoms can have multiple combinations that cause it, and without the maintenance schedule and some data, we are just guessing because we do not have sufficient information to help.

True, very true...but being a "Tech", could he at least throw out some suggestions on what the problem probably is? That would sound better to the OP than throwing out a bunch of numbers when his car isn't even running.

[Papa_D]

You say all of this and STILL DON'T ATTEMPT TO ANSWER THE GUY QUESTION! He or anyone else doesn't care about all of these silly numbers that you constantly throw out lately! Anyone who as been on this board at least a year already know about those costs! Answer the question or stay off the thread "Tech".

For the OP, it probably is your alternator or at least those are the symptoms of a failing alternator.

I understand why you feel this way but being new to the board, this type of information was quite welcome to me as I was looking for a car for my daughter and wondered how much the maintenance costs were.

The Infiniti she bought had a new transmission already however had a whole lot of miles but she really loved the car so I was interested in information like this. I don't know either one of you guys and I am not trying to start anything as I am not an internet cowboy but I think there is a place for posts of all sorts, especially with regard to those who are new to the forum and right now, I appreciate them all.

I am also not one to play internet mediator spewing a "can't we all just get along" philosophy because I know we can't. I am posting this all in a very matter of fact way and this post is not intended to do anything other than bring to light the fact that for some like me, the more information the better right now.

[paranoidjack]

We all do get along, and it's a great board. Please don't think flaming is common, in fact of all the online boards I'm a member of this is by far the least combative.

Tech is a long time member and arguably the most knowledgeable member of this site on q45's, other vehicles, and all things engineering.

He has a tendency to overwhelm or be seemingly off-tangent with his posts, I haven't yet figured out if it's his way of helping or lecturing, but regardless I find his posts of value.

I still wouldn't toss him from the forum for eating cookies! Good luck with the new car. We're here for you if you need us. If you need smaller, more manageable words, there's a bunch of us here to talk to :P If you need to cut the fat, talk to Tech.

[SDCHARGERS619]

so i took it over to my mechanic to see the CEL, right when he started the engine it popped up mass air flow problem. but what i don't get is why is the tcs light and slip light on, it never came on before.. he said the alternator readings are good so thats a good thing. Before i go buy a brand new MAF sensor I wanted to see what would be my next step before doing that?

[Infinitiguy19]

A simple code reader will not cut it when it comes to diagnosing anything other than the engine, You need a Nissan Consult 2 for that.

Iand I'm afraid to junk her if it gets expensive.

I define $2500 per year [every year] as AVERAGE cost to maintain an import V8. Transmission failure is usually a shock since most don't save the $300-$400 per year to build up to $3,000+ to replace the unit.

If one knows from experience that a $100 battery last 3 years doesn't it cost $33 per year, same with light bulbs, shocks, rubber items, all wear items which means everything.

In business we EXPENSE the true cost and replacement cost yearly/quarterly/monthly.

YET Citizens don't have a clue about personal monthly costs.

Just think how many were fooled into thinking a house was a long time profitable investment RECENTLY.

I think Q45Tech was defining expensive?

[maxnix]

I think Q45Tech was defining expensive?

BINGO! We have a winner!

Now, did the "mechanic" check the MAF connector?