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.

 

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.

 

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?

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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).

 

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.

 

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.

 

Woot....called it

 

Yes you did!

 

Better buy a lottery ticket.

 

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

 

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!

 

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.