Loss of power / Idle shake

Cyberium · 07-10-2011, 07:35 AM

Had a weird thing happen to me the other day when I was driving home from work. About 2 minutes from my house I started to notice loss of power, like the car wouldn't go above 2k RPM as easy as it normally would. And then when I pulled into my driveway and put the car in park the car started to shake really bad and sounded like it wanted to stall. I shut the car off and didn't drive it the rest of the day. The next day I went and filled it up with some new gas and went on a 4 hour round trip and didn't have any issues. Was it just a case of bad gas? I filled the car up approximately a week before this issue happened. The oil temps were around 185 so it wasn't in limp mode or anything. Just wondering if this has happened to anyone else.

ChrisSlicks · 07-10-2011, 07:50 AM

Either bad gas or a problem with an ignition coil are the usual culprits. You didn't wash down the engine bay or anything recently?

ProfessorDave · 07-10-2011, 07:50 AM

No codes thrown when it was running poorly? Was it a damp day? Could be gas, condensation in the tank, moisture in the plug wires, etc.

I have had the idle shake (kind of a shutter) briefly on start up twice. Both times the code for Random Cylinder Misfire was thrown. Both times on damp, cold days. But then again, you probably still have snow up there in Vermont ;-)

Cyberium · 07-10-2011, 08:01 AM

Nope, no codes. It was a pretty warm day and my commute home from work is only 15 minutes. I'm hoping it was just bad gas and nothing more serious.

happytheman · 07-10-2011, 08:30 AM

Sux that you can't reproduce it. I hate problems like that because it makes it so much more difficult to diagnose. Ive never had that happen to me.

Hambone1 · 07-10-2011, 09:15 AM

Two things, when you approached 2k RPM did it suddenly feel kind of "heavy?" And second, at idle was it kind of a rough, random feeling shake? I've had something similar happen to me in the past (different car), got bad gas at a higher altitude, led to the ignition coil frying. When I would try to get higher up in the powerband, it seemed like I was trying to push the RPM's through a wall, and at lights it seemed like I was firing lean or missing a cylinder

kenchan · 07-10-2011, 10:34 AM

If it doesn't happen again probably was bad gas. I wouldn't worry too much. 15 min is a short trip. I'd keep the revs higher like 3k cruising.

SPOHN · 07-10-2011, 10:37 AM

I've had bad gas in another car of mine before. Wouldn't even start. Had to drop the hole tank and pour it out. There was bunch of water in it. Told the gas station about got it and got two fillups free. They relized they had a problem from other complaints.

FromG2Z · 07-10-2011, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProfessorDave

No codes thrown when it was running poorly? Was it a damp day? Could be gas, condensation in the tank, moisture in the plug wires, etc.

I have had the idle shake (kind of a shutter) briefly on start up twice. Both times the code for Random Cylinder Misfire was thrown. Both times on damp, cold days. But then again, you probably still have snow up there in Vermont ;-)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyberium

Nope, no codes. It was a pretty warm day and my commute home from work is only 15 minutes. I'm hoping it was just bad gas and nothing more serious.

Sorry to interject... but I've always wondered about this. When you say, "codes thrown", what exactly do you guys mean? Do you mean the patterned flashing of the CEL? If so, how do you know what the pattern means just by looking at it? Don't you need a device of some sort to interpret it?

ChrisSlicks · 07-10-2011, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FromG2Z

Sorry to interject... but I've always wondered about this. When you say, "codes thrown", what exactly do you guys mean? Do you mean the patterned flashing of the CEL? If so, how do you know what the pattern means just by looking at it? Don't you need a device of some sort to interpret it?

There is no flash pattern on the CEL unless you put the car into that mode, it is normally either CEL on steady for less serious problems or CEL flashing for a more serious issue.

A $50 code reader gives you the "code" for an CEL, better ones also give a code description and can let you clear the code rather than waiting for the computer to clear it automatically (for transient issues).

FromG2Z · 07-10-2011, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisSlicks

There is no flash pattern on the CEL unless you put the car into that mode, it is normally either CEL on steady for less serious problems or CEL flashing for a more serious issue.

A $50 code reader gives you the "code" for an CEL, better ones also give a code description and can let you clear the code rather than waiting for the computer to clear it automatically (for transient issues).

Thanks for the clarification a bit Chis...

So I guess when Professor Dave was inquiring if a code was thrown, he's assuming that the OP had a code reader?

And it sounds like no matter what, if there IS an issue with the car or what not, it will always go through the CEL. Sorry of my newbiness with this, but I guess I just never had my CEL go off in any car I've owned.

So in the future, it sounds like I should buy a code reader (where to get?) in the event that my CEL comes on for any reason. Correct?

kenchan · 07-10-2011, 03:12 PM

Hey G2Z- own a European car and you will need one frequently.

ChrisSlicks · 07-10-2011, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FromG2Z

And it sounds like no matter what, if there IS an issue with the car or what not, it will always go through the CEL. Sorry of my newbiness with this, but I guess I just never had my CEL go off in any car I've owned.

So in the future, it sounds like I should buy a code reader (where to get?) in the event that my CEL comes on for any reason. Correct?

If a CEL isn't thrown then it is possible that a "pending" code is stored (something that if the problem continues will trigger a CEL).

You can get your codes read for free at most auto parts store, they are pretty useless at interpreting them but if you take the print out and then search for details at home you can find what you need.

If you want one of your own you can find the basic models for around $50. Check this page out and scroll down for the feature comparison.
Amazon.com: Actron CP9125 PocketScan Code Reader: Automotive

Just make sure you get one that has CAN support (most do).

If you don't get codes often and only have 1 car I would just use the part store service, did it for years.

happytheman · 07-10-2011, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FromG2Z

Thanks for the clarification a bit Chis...

So I guess when Professor Dave was inquiring if a code was thrown, he's assuming that the OP had a code reader?

And it sounds like no matter what, if there IS an issue with the car or what not, it will always go through the CEL. Sorry of my newbiness with this, but I guess I just never had my CEL go off in any car I've owned.

So in the future, it sounds like I should buy a code reader (where to get?) in the event that my CEL comes on for any reason. Correct?

G2Z, if you have an Apple or Android-based device, you can use the Kiwi PLX wireless OBDII Scanner. This will allow you to check AND clear CEL codes when they get thrown, as well as a plethora of other useful goodies! Check it out!

Nissan 370Z Forum - Search Results

FromG2Z · 07-11-2011, 09:01 AM

^ thank you very much guys. Yes, I have the new EVO 3D phone. I just need to get that scanner then and an app

Sorry OP for digressing. I hope you guys figure out the power loss/shake.

07-10-2011, 07:35 AM	#1 (permalink)
Cyberium Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Vermont Posts: 379 Drives: 370z Touring \| Sport Rep Power: 16	Loss of power / Idle shake Had a weird thing happen to me the other day when I was driving home from work. About 2 minutes from my house I started to notice loss of power, like the car wouldn't go above 2k RPM as easy as it normally would. And then when I pulled into my driveway and put the car in park the car started to shake really bad and sounded like it wanted to stall. I shut the car off and didn't drive it the rest of the day. The next day I went and filled it up with some new gas and went on a 4 hour round trip and didn't have any issues. Was it just a case of bad gas? I filled the car up approximately a week before this issue happened. The oil temps were around 185 so it wasn't in limp mode or anything. Just wondering if this has happened to anyone else. __________________ Stillen G3 Intakes \| F. I TDX

07-10-2011, 07:50 AM	#2 (permalink)
ChrisSlicks A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North East Posts: 6,203 Drives: 09 370Z Sport M6 Rep Power: 653	Either bad gas or a problem with an ignition coil are the usual culprits. You didn't wash down the engine bay or anything recently? __________________ Hotchkis ARB \| Stillen CAI \| Art Pipes \| Berk CBE \| Stillen AP Racing Brakes \| AE Performance Oil Cooler \| BC Racing ER Coilovers \| Doran Control Arms

07-10-2011, 07:50 AM	#3 (permalink)
ProfessorDave A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Scranton, PA Posts: 1,580 Drives: In the fairway Rep Power: 18	No codes thrown when it was running poorly? Was it a damp day? Could be gas, condensation in the tank, moisture in the plug wires, etc. I have had the idle shake (kind of a shutter) briefly on start up twice. Both times the code for Random Cylinder Misfire was thrown. Both times on damp, cold days. But then again, you probably still have snow up there in Vermont ;-) __________________ Rain, snow, sleet, hail: 2009 Mazda 3 sGT HB Everything else: 2009 370z, PW Touring 6MT

07-10-2011, 08:01 AM	#4 (permalink)
Cyberium Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Vermont Posts: 379 Drives: 370z Touring \| Sport Rep Power: 16	Nope, no codes. It was a pretty warm day and my commute home from work is only 15 minutes. I'm hoping it was just bad gas and nothing more serious. __________________ Stillen G3 Intakes \| F. I TDX

07-10-2011, 08:30 AM	#5 (permalink)
happytheman A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 10,737 Drives: MB 6M Tour/Sport Z34 Rep Power: 1822	Sux that you can't reproduce it. I hate problems like that because it makes it so much more difficult to diagnose. Ive never had that happen to me. __________________ --Brantly-- *PowderCoating by Mike/Stillen/PWJDM/Shine Auto/NST* GTR/Michelin /Fast Intentions/Evo-R/Mobil 1/Motul/Z1 https://facebook.com/CentralFloridaZClub

07-10-2011, 09:15 AM	#6 (permalink)
Hambone1 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Bellevue, WA Posts: 438 Drives: 370Z MB 7AT Sport Rep Power: 14	Two things, when you approached 2k RPM did it suddenly feel kind of "heavy?" And second, at idle was it kind of a rough, random feeling shake? I've had something similar happen to me in the past (different car), got bad gas at a higher altitude, led to the ignition coil frying. When I would try to get higher up in the powerband, it seemed like I was trying to push the RPM's through a wall, and at lights it seemed like I was firing lean or missing a cylinder __________________ Axis Angle 20" Powdercoated/GTR Start Button/Alpine Type R/Nismo CBE/K&N Drop Ins/Mishimoto Post MAF Hoses/Illuminated Kick Plates/Z1 15 mm Fr and 20 mm R spacers/SoundStream 7" Touch Screen/Stillen Adjustable Sway Bars

07-10-2011, 10:34 AM	#7 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141520	If it doesn't happen again probably was bad gas. I wouldn't worry too much. 15 min is a short trip. I'd keep the revs higher like 3k cruising.

07-10-2011, 10:37 AM	#8 (permalink)
SPOHN A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Covington, GA Age: 45 Posts: 14,844 Drives: Waiting on next Z Rep Power: 221	I've had bad gas in another car of mine before. Wouldn't even start. Had to drop the hole tank and pour it out. There was bunch of water in it. Told the gas station about got it and got two fillups free. They relized they had a problem from other complaints. mistertears likes this. __________________

07-10-2011, 03:12 PM	#12 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141520	Hey G2Z- own a European car and you will need one frequently.

07-11-2011, 09:01 AM	#15 (permalink)
FromG2Z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Fields of Opportunities Posts: 1,406 Drives: '12 5.0, kona, 6MT Rep Power: 17	^ thank you very much guys. Yes, I have the new EVO 3D phone. I just need to get that scanner then and an app Sorry OP for digressing. I hope you guys figure out the power loss/shake. __________________ 2012 5.0 GT Prem, Kona Blue, 6MT, HID, Brembo, 3.73 -- Ordered: 9/20/11, Born on: 10/20/11, Delivered 11/15/11"Marilyn" GT500 mufflers/flaps, MGW shifter, FRPP K springs, BMR panhard bar, Boss coil covers, 3DC spoiler, Llumar Tint (35% and 20%), 3M ClearBra

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