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2003 Sentra GXE With 500 Miles; Problem Driving Past 52 or 53 MPH

Hello,

About 5 weeks ago, I purchased a 2003 Sentra GXE. It works without any problems. I have driven it about 500 miles so far. Today is the first time that I drove it on the highway.

The highway was straight; Few curves, nothing uphill or downhill.

When I tried to accelerate past about 51 or 52 MPH, I could hear the engine revving, but my car was not accelerating at all. I did not use the cruise control.

The car is automatic (I am not sure whether or not there is a manual GXE), so this was not a case of being in the wrong gear, etc..

In any case, I drove at about 50 MPH until the nearest exit.

In the city, at speeds up to about 35 MPH, the car was fine.

My friend told me that is typical for cars behave like this, and that the engine needs to be 'broken into' for about 1000 miles or so.

Apparently, a number of years ago his dealer told him the same thing. (I forgot what car he had).

I was never told this by the Nissan dealership, and I could not find any reference to such a concept in the owner's manual or elsewhere.

My parents bought a new Civic in 1998, and they never had such a problem.

Any ideas? Is my friend correct about needing to wat for X amount of miles before driving the car in the highway? If so, what is an estimate for X?

Thanks, DF

Reply to
SAP BASIS Consultant
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Yes, the break-in period is about 1000 miles.

Keep in mind, however, that you are NOT supposed to be going beyond

50/55 (?) mph anyway during the break-in period, so watch out! Don't be in any hurry...improper break-in could cause shortened engine life and other problems down the road.

But I agree, the car SHOULD show some acceleration...ask you dealer...don't wait, because if there IS a problem, the warranty period is ticking away, so don't fall for "stall tactics" some dealers employ. If there IS a problem, get it fixed ASAP.

Good luck,

John D.

Reply to
John D.
2003 Sentra has break-in period of 1,200 miles. The manual says not to go above 4000 rpm, vary driving speeds (don't drive at a constant speed), no hard stops/starts but it doesn't say anything about the 55MPH speed limit. I have a 2003 Sentra LE (2.5L engine) and followed the break-in and I usually drove at 80MPH on highways during the break-in period (3000 rpm at 80MPH). I just passed 3,000 miles and I had no problems so far. I checked oil levels at every 1000 miles and it stayed the same. It seems like your car has a problem... I would check with your dealer.

Reply to
james woods

I drove my car on the highway the day I bought my car and I had to drive 30 minutes to get home... I drove at 70-80MPH (I varied speed- the car manual says not to drive at constant speed during the break-in). I have no problems so far at 3,000 miles.

Reply to
james woods

Sounds like the transmission is slipping. It shouldn't do that regardless if it's broke in or not.

Reply to
Mind Melt

Well, maybe it SHOULD say something about top speed.

Since most of these engines are so similar, I was taking that 55 mph information from my Nissan Owner's Manual:

"BREAK-IN SCHEDULE

"During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) follow these recommendations for the future reliability and economy of your new vehicle. Faliure to follow these recommendations may result in damaged or shortened engine life.

"Do not drive over 55 mph (90km/h) and do not run the engine over 4,000 rpm. Avoid driving for long periods at constant speed, eiter fast or slow.

"Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.

"Avoid quick starts.

"Do not two a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km)

I sure wouldn't want YOU breaking in any of my new cars...or buy a used car from you! And only "3000 miles and no problems?" You have NO IDEA what "problems" you may/may not have later on!

But of course, it's your car so you do what you want, but more prudent people will follow the manufacturer's break-in recommendations.

John D.

Reply to
John D.

Hi,

Thanks for the responses.

The dealer tested teh car said and indicated that all is fine.

I will ride it on the highway again soon.

My manual also does not mention anything about limiting the car to any speed during the break-in period.

Thanks, DF

Reply to
SAP BASIS Consultant

The auto trans models have an "O/D Off" switch, instead of an OD position for the gear selector, right? Was the O/D Off switch activated? If so that could have caused what you heard & felt.

SAP BASIS C> Hi,

Reply to
Sentra owner

Well that's good news. Good luck.

Reply to
Mind Melt

Refer to page 5-15 of your owners manual and you will find the section titled "BREAK-IN SCHEDULE"

Reply to
Dlanor P. Hcnud

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