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2003 Max - SERIOUS SERIOUS drivability issue

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Old Sep 27, 2004 | 03:57 PM
  #1  
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2003 Max - SERIOUS SERIOUS drivability issue

It started to happen two weeks ago, I had no time to send it to the dealership. But here is whats happening to my 2003 Maxima 6speed with 55,000 kms.

The only mods affecting engine and suspension is:
H&R springs on stock shocks
Frankencar Intake w/Apexi filter
Stillen rotors and pads

Now here it is.

1. I feel like the car has lost all power. No low end.
2. Notice the fuel economy is worse
3. No engine light
4. Tranny feels very nothcy and grindy
5. Clutch feels like the engagement is VERY chatter, and the engine seems to bog on 1st and 2nd gears
6. When i hit bumps on the road, the car feels so very sloppy and loose
7. On/Off throttle application causes the engine to jerk vicsiously in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th
8. I am getting rough idle, and valve train noises on idle

My thinking is:
1. Burned out clutch
2. Broken engine mounts


I can't understand the reason for the loss of power though... any ideas?
Old Sep 27, 2004 | 04:03 PM
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Minirx7- I think I have a problem with my clutch too.....lately everytime I engage it, it makes this weird metal noise....I was lookin at the TSB for clutch HOWL noise....everything matches the symptoms of that TSB except for the HOWLING noise....its more of a metal noise....and I'm not totally sure if its the clutch either....cuz it kinda sounds like its outside the engine bay (ie bumper area, wheel well)....but my clutch engages smooth as butter still in every gear...its just that noise in 1st gear.....i've got 31k if that helps....oh yeah and my car performs like a champ (no hesitation, good fuel economy)
Old Sep 27, 2004 | 04:05 PM
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Its weird, it just happened all of a sudden!
Old Sep 27, 2004 | 04:08 PM
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My first inclination would be to tell you to try getting a new maf sensor. A lot of the issues you explained in some way could be directly related to this sensor. Specifically #'s 1, 2, 5, 7 & 8.Replace it with a new one and then go from there! This could solve most of your problems. As for the transmission, put in some redline mt-90. That should help with the notchiness quite a bit. It took about 2 weeks of driving before I noticed a big difference. Good luck figuring these things out.
Old Sep 27, 2004 | 04:13 PM
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But wouldnt a faulty MAF trip the check engine light?
Old Sep 27, 2004 | 04:28 PM
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only if it's totally bad...it can just be partially bad and not trip the SES....
Old Sep 27, 2004 | 05:55 PM
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Hmmm.. but is there a way to test this?
Old Sep 27, 2004 | 06:33 PM
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Originally Posted by MiniRX7
Hmmm.. but is there a way to test this?
Yes. Go to the dealer and have them charge you ~$75 to check it plus another couple hundred for a new maf if that ends up being the problem. OR I would go here: www.car-part.com and find one for an 03, call and have them check to make sure the model number you want is on the housing and you can have it overnighted for about $100 bucks. It will be under warrantee, so it's not like if it doesn't work your stuck with it. Hope this helps.
Old Sep 27, 2004 | 07:31 PM
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Hmmm... i still have my 7 year 160,000kms extended warranty.. but they may have issues with my intake
Old Sep 27, 2004 | 07:34 PM
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Originally Posted by MiniRX7
Hmmm... i still have my 7 year 160,000kms extended warranty.. but they may have issues with my intake
Just take it in with your stock airbox replaced then....
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