2016 Maxima... I've noticed now that my power bar display will be very, very low ( like 1 line) at times when driving 45-50mph with gas at constant rate. I can get it to increase bars when stepping on the gas from a stop. (This car is still having major issues with not accelerating after stops. Strange part is I can "fix" it by applying the brakes...brake light switch already replaced 2x. Dealer has no clue and it won't do it for them ( the acceleration issue)). When noting the power bar, it was completely brushed off by them.

 

To also note, car gives no error codes ( except when original brake light switch was replaced) nor any other warning/indicator lights.

 

Your car is Normal. The "Power Bar" is nothing more than a vacuum gauge. When the bar is reading low, as under light throttle, you car has lots of engine vacuum. Under heavy throttle, you will see the bar move up the scale, indicating low vacuum.

Nothing to be concerned about.

 

How about running some Chevron fuel injector cleaner thru your gas tank? It may take a couple of treated tanks filled to get good results. You can find this at any Walmart.

 

I actually put in 91 grade about 4 weeks ago ( car at dealers for the last 3 weeks🤬 so I'm also trying to find answers on my own). I'll give the Chevron cleaner a shot.

 

If no concern, why would be suddenly start doing this? I've owned the car for 3 years.

 

Believe me, your car and every other internal combustion gasoline powered engine does this each and every time the engine is running. You just never noticed this before.

"When noting the power bar, it was completely brushed off by them." Of course it was, as it is 100% NORMAL.

I am not belittling you, but I am betting you don't have a clue as to how engine vacuum works.

Low or light throttle creates the most vacuum, heavy throttle reduces the available vacuum.

​​​​​https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manifold_vacuum

​​​​​​https://help.summitracing.com/app/an.../engine-vacuum

​​​​​​https://www.motor.com/magazine-summa...-vacuum-gauge/

 

Thanks for the links, I'm definitely no expert or mechanic but does reinforce my thought that it's a throttle issue.
Correct me if I'm wrong but applying gas ( open throttle) should increase the bars on power bar/gauge while braking or coasting would cause the lines to decrease since you're not calling for more power. Would/should this be the same in neutral or park?

 

Yes, but we do not know how accurate that "Power Bar" is, versus an accurate vacuum gauge. Personally, I don't place any value at all in that "Power Bar", for that very reason, but your thinking is correct.

Too many unknowns with what I consider a gimmick in the dash.

 

ok thanks for your help. I'm not sure how helpful it is either but maybe it will point them in the right direction. I was able to get a video of the power bar not moving and also a video of the car not accelerating while flooring the pedal (semi private road) and showed that to the service director while dropping off the car, again. Video shows no movement with both rpms and power bar.

 

have you checked your vacuum system,you could have a small leak thats not noticed in engine performance but can be problematic to low demands circuits such as the power bar.the power bar is likely the last to receive vacuum
this can easily be checked by spraying your vacuum lines with brake cleaner to see if you notice a difference in rpm. .