I mentioned this before, that my '97 was sucking gas like crazy ( 240 on a full tank lately, if I'm lucky) and I can't figure out what the problem is. I had it put on the computer and still nothing comes up...no codes no flashing light...nothing. The other morning I practically had to floor the pedal before it would go into overdrive. The funny part about it is after it sits for a while and I start it up and drive off, and slightly step on the excel., the car would drop into the lowest gear, traveling at 30mph. It's been real good to me and it looks great, but this problem is just killing me. I like my car but if I can't figure it out, I'm going to take it out into the pasture and shoot it. Does anyone have an idea as to what the problem is?

Help!

 

When's the last time you had a good tune-up? Have you checked your plugs? Is your air-filter dirty? What fuel octane are you using.

 

I had the 120,000 miles tune-up done at nissan about a month ago. The plugs were changed a two months before that. The filter is a k&n which I clean every 1500 miles...did it recently also, and I only use 93oct every full up. What makes it so hard is I'm not even getting any codes.

 

Weakening O2 sensors might not throw codes. If you've never changed them, I suggest you do. It affects gas mileage and performance.

 

Nah Never changed he 02 sensors...I didn't think that could be the problem because of the big performance lost without them throwing a code.

 

Do this:

1) Check the coil packs, replace if needed.
2) Clean TB
3) Clean IACV
4) Check the knock sensor, replace if needed.

All how-to's are in the stickies.

 

Do you drive in the city alot? Stop and go traffic?

 

Knock sensor.. big time.

And why you crying?
I get about 200 miles to a tank

 

No. I work in long island...mostly expressway driving

 

Thanks 2DaMax, I'll look into it.

 

Hell yeah, I'm crying. concidering I use to get 350/tank...it's like I'm working to buy gas. Did you have that problem? And why the hell you only get 200 miles to a tank...lot of local driving?

 

trust me I cry every time I go to fill up

I used to get about 300 to a gallon.. on the highway you can get a good 25mpg if not more


city though its a differnet story, I used to average 18mpg... right now I have a bad REAR 02 sensor that I have to replace... which is triggering the Knock Sensor which I just replaced last week... I know I have bad luck... and 2 other codes, crank and map sensor.

I do pretty much all city driving... and I'm not afraid to say but our cars really suck at city driving.

If I were you I'd check my codes... the Knock Sensor is a ghost code, it wont trigger the CEL. And probably go out and replace all 3 02 sensors.

 

I used to drive to work for ten years and it was handling real good since I had this max. It's been a year now that I drive into ong island and now I'm experienceing this crap. I kinda had a feeling it might be the 02 sensors but I'm afraid to change something when the problem could be something else. I have to also admit, I don't really want ot put a lot of money into this car because I plan on eventually steppin up to the next generation or two. But hte damn thing has been real faithful...I guess now that I hit 123,000 miles, things are bound to start happening.

On a good not, where did you get your exaust job done...it's tight!

 

Ant96GLE is right about the ghost code thrown by the o2 sensors. When I bought my car, the first thing I did was replace all 3 o2 sensors. I got that out of the way first. The suggestion I gave you is in the order of what is least expensive to most expensive. I did suggest the coilpacks first because you said your car just had a tune up. I am surprised that the place that did your tune up didn't tell you about the coilpacks. They usually go out around that many miles. I replaced 2 on mine. Anyhow, you can probably do the o2 sensors before the knock sensor. Go to www.oxygensensors.com, I believe they are the cheapest in price. Good luck.

 

and dont be scared about replacing your 02 sensors either... they're VERY VERY easy to replace, the front 2 only take about 15 minutes each MAX.. and thats only if the 02's are being a pain and not wanting to come out.

And thanks, I had my exhaust done out in Queens at a spot behind Shea stadium

 

Its not a bad idea to have some penetrating oil handy. Better yet, spray some of that stuff on the body of the sensors and let it soak in all nite. By the following morning, those things should come off like nothing.

 

Thanks 2DaMax and Ant96gle for all the advice, I'm going to have the 02's and the coil packs checked out. I'll let you guys know what happen.