First off
2003 Nissan 350z 6mt
139,000 miles
Recent things done
Changed the battery
Changed oil (synthetic)
Replaced ac belt
Changed brakes

Service engine light is on
One time oil pressure light came on and off

I've noticed that sometimes in 4th gear and sometimes 5th gear the car will bog down as in it'll be at 2500 rpms and then Suddenly dump down to 2000 or lower and will take a few moments to bump back up. The other day driving to work it did the same thing but this time in 6th gear and on the highway and would not go up at all so I down shifted to 5th and babied it the 1 mile drive to the exit then got to work. On my way home from work the next day I took a back road that didn't involve me having to get into 6th well while shifting in 1,2,3 and 4th it was a bit bumpy not to noticing but still not smooth and then when I shifted to 5th the car just shut off. Radio was on but car had all the lights on and I had to come to a complete stop and re start it.

The previous time I drove the car i was at a light and the low oil pressure light came on for about a minute but as soon as I started driving it went away. Checked the oil when I got home and it was fine.( happened less than a minute from my house )

Has anyone had this exact problem? Ive searched and read that it might be the cam sensor ?I'm in Louisiana and the floods have backed up the dealership and local car shops so the soonest anyone can see me is next month and I use this car to get me to and from work. Thank you for any replies

 

I'm in agreement with the camshaft position sensor. I've had mine fail before and it acted similar minus the low oil light. They are very sporadic before completely failing and its a common problem with a lot of Z owners. Any parts store will most likely pull the code(s) for free and let you know if this is the issue. Something else to try is the Idle Air Volume Learning procedure (if it can stay idle to temp) since power was lost to the throttle body. Doesn't sound like that's the issue but maybe worth a shot. Again just hit up a parts store and will likely save the guess work.

 

Thanks for the reply ! If that's the case should be a easy fix I can def do that and save money that they would charge me at the dealership. Problem is dealership is about half a mile from me and the nearest auto parts store is a good 15 min drive lol after today I'm a bit nervous to drive it ! I'm in my wife's vehicle now and she is rubbing it in that I shouldn't of gotten the z lol

 

I'm closing in on 240k in an 05'. Original motor and 5AT....still runs fantastic. Good choice going for the Z....she still has a lot of miles and years ahead.

 

I just got the car maybe a month ago and really enjoy it! I def will continue to love it ! Thanks man

 

You can buy a bluetooth obdii scanner for like $20. Works with any smartphone and one of the best investments you can make for fixing any car.

You can buy cam sensors off amazon for pretty cheap.