Jim Grant's Tech Tips
'96 Nissan Quest, Check Engine Light and Transmission Problems
Q:
We have a 96
Nissan Quest. The check engine light is on and we are having trouble accelerating
especially when cold or going from first to second gear. We took it to
a transmission shop for diagnosis. They suggested a problem with the transmission
and said we should have it rebuilt. The car only has 90k miles. The codes
for the check engine light indicated an EGR system problem and also a
knock sensor problem. I am wondering if either of those problems would
cause the symptoms we are having. Should we investigate those codes further
before going ahead with an expensive overhaul? I would appreciate any
input you have to offer.
- Kim R.
A:
Before I would invest
in a transmission I would suggest investigating the EGR code a little
more closely. An EGR system can fail in different ways. Depending on how
the system is failing can cause drivability problems at different times
of operation. Ask your service facility to temporally disable the EGR
valve and system. Be sure the EGR valve is in the closed position and
any of the sensors involved with the EGR are disconnected. The next morning
when the vehicle is cold see if the shifting problem remains. If the problem
remains then you may have a transmission problem. If the problems
gone then you better have the EGR system correctly repaired.
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