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2001 Nissan Altima temp gauge drops when transmission down shifts


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foto51dude
New User

Sep 6, 2016, 4:38 PM

Post #1 of 4 (1458 views)
2001 Nissan Altima temp gauge drops when transmission down shifts Sign In

2001 Nissan Altima GLE 4 cyl automatic, 222k miles. When I am on the highway and the transmission downshifts when I am accelerating (like climbing hills), the temperature gauge drops dramatically. When the transmission regains normal operation, the temperature gauge returns to normal. I just got this car. I just had the catalytic converter replaced. Everything seemed fine until I had the radiator flushed. The temp gauge is now a little bouncy during in town driving as well. Again, the radical drop happens when I am accelerating on the highway. My gas mileage seems low as well. I drive mostly on the highway and only getting 25 MPG. I also do not feel the car has it's full power. It sure downshifts a lot on the highway. That is all I can think of for information. I'm not sure this is under the correct heading but my gut feeling there is a transmission problem here.


(This post was edited by foto51dude on Sep 6, 2016, 7:16 PM)


kev2
Veteran
kev2 profile image

Sep 7, 2016, 6:18 AM

Post #2 of 4 (1434 views)
Re: 2001 Nissan Altima temp gauge drops when transmission down shifts Sign In

some thoughts:
Scan for codes - even if CEL is off. post ALL codes someone will advise.
Check Thermostat, if replacing be sure to use correct T'stst.


(This post was edited by kev2 on Sep 7, 2016, 6:19 AM)


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Sep 7, 2016, 8:27 AM

Post #3 of 4 (1430 views)
Re: 2001 Nissan Altima temp gauge drops when transmission down shifts Sign In

X2 again: Check thermostat. Some can be bent upon installation or defective new. If coolant passes by even slowly the higher RPM would push thru more and cool more than the rating of the thermostat confusing engine controls if real and adjust what it could for the temp it's dealing with AFTER it should be staying within limits.


Self test: Feel upper hose from a cold start. It should stay cold totally for some time then just sitting there slowly get warm up to too hot to hold. If warm gradually from 1-2-3 minutes right away thermostat is passing too much coolant too early,


T



foto51dude
New User

Sep 10, 2016, 8:16 PM

Post #4 of 4 (1409 views)
Re: 2001 Nissan Altima temp gauge drops when transmission down shifts Sign In

I read here on another post that his thermostat sensor wire was loose. I checked and the contact was dirty and cleaned it. That seemed to help. But I had a loss of power at low speeds and discovered my transmission fluid was way low. Took a day to get that corrected; I had to fill it twice after a test drive. I don't think I have a transmission leak but will ask my mechanic to check it on his lift. I think there may be an issue with the thermostat also. I checked per instructions and yes, it got gradually warmer over a few minutes. I think I will replace it just to be on the safe side. I'm still not happy with the highway performance and low gas mileage (20-25 MPG) but will continue to keep an eye on it. Thanks for the help!






 
 
 






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