Hi all,

I have a 2001 Maxima that once being driven for a while (i've only noticed this on long drives over an hour) the car will shift into overdrive, but then when it hits 4000 rpm just stops putting out power. It acts like the rev limiter is hit and retards the acceleration. If you let the car shift out of overdrive and slowly get on it, it will get up to speed. Once the car sits overnight the problem is gone until I drive it any distance. I thought it could be a knock sensor, but I am not sure. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

bump

 

Before we get into high tech stuff, have you checked the transmission fluid?

Also, since you specifically mentioned overdrive... does the situation solve itself if you toggle the O/D switch and drive in third gear?

My first instinct is fuel. Like maybe you have a vapor lock situation going on, or maybe a clogged fuel filter that for some reason is restricting fuel flow after a while. I can't think of a logical reason why it would take an hour though, but maybe something to do with operating temperature.

I don't think it's the knock sensor. Do you have any lights on the dash?

 

I have not checked the transmission fluid. I will do that tomorrow. Yeah, I tried toggling off the overdrive, but it still kept doing the same problem once I hit that rpm range. No check engine light either. I drove it tonight for about 45 min and it would not do what it was doing earlier. When it was doing this it was mid-day on very hot days.

Is there any way to test for vaporlock? I'll also try to put a new fuel filter on (I bought the car recently with only 81K on it and have no clue when or if it's been changed).