Nuthin_Master

Gotta 2003 350Z manual 6-speed for my daughter, which she absolutely loves. Recently, she said while driving on the highway the rpm's drop to near zero (with drop in speed/engine power) for no apparent reason, then jumps back up to where it was. It has occurred in 5th and 6th gear and happens for only a second or two. Any ideas of what the cause is? Appreciate any help.

SIAP. I searched the forum, but didn't see anything related.

bre240z

did it happen while she was on the gas? Ive read on here that cars with JWT pop charger can do this. Im not sure if her car has one.

Heel Til I Die

iTrader: (2)

Have you scanned it to see if there are any codes? Sometimes one will be stored even if the CEL is not on.

Other random possibilities, battery/cables? Clutch? ABS/TCS/VDC? Does the SLIP light come on?

How many miles are on it? What is the trim? Any recent tire work?

Nuthin_Master

She was driving at a steady speed when the drops occurred. We bought the car about a year ago, and believe it's pretty stock, no pop charger.

travlee

iTrader: (8)

How many miles? Ever changed the camshaft sensors, what pm have you done on it, do rpms shoot up when hitting gas without gaining speed.....so many unanswered questions

Nuthin_Master

Car is base model with 136k miles with new tires and rims (same specs as replaced tires/rims)

No CEL, but on your recommendation I put a reader on it. P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor - Circuit Malfunction shows up. That doesn't sound good.

MicVelo

Pretty standard issue.

Replace all with OEM or Hitachi (mfgr of OEM) sensors only. Z no like aftermarket sensors. Also a good idea to replace the Crank sensor as well (or plan on it).

Heel Til I Die

iTrader: (2)

Here's a good write-up: https://my350z.com/forum/engine-driv...k-1-p0340.html

As Mic said, do NOT replace with aftermarket (like they did in that link I just sent). That is just a DIY if you want to tackle the job yourself.

Buy OEM or a genuine Nissan part. The part number is: 23731-6J90D. This part supersedes the others and the most updated version has metal shielding on it.

It likely wasn't triggering the check engine light since it was a "soft code" and not severe enough. However, it is definitely something you want to get fixed asap because it could leave your daughter stranded once it gets worse.

Nuthin_Master

Roger that, and thank you. Just ordered the 3 sensors (camshaft position sensor bank 1 and 2, and the crankshaft position sensor). Figured I'd go ahead and get them all done. I'll post an update in about a week when the parts arrive and are installed.

travlee

iTrader: (8)

Woot....called it

Nuthin_Master

Yes you did!

Heel Til I Die

iTrader: (2)

Better buy a lottery ticket.

travlee

iTrader: (8)

I do several times a week.....never break even

MicVelo

Do eeet!!!! The day Trav is right, the sky might fall!! 🤣

Totally kidding, Trav’s a great resource with an attitude. That’s a good combination. Haha!

Nuthin_Master

We R/R'd the cam shaft sensor and daughter has been driving her baby around for a week with no issues. Thank you to all you 350z Gurus! I hope this thread is helpful to others as well.