# Mystery mechanical problem

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/mystery-mechanical-problem/73559>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** nissan, quest\
**Created:** [July 17, 2012, 12:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mystery-mechanical-problem/73559 "2012-07-17T00:25:33Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![sjdeneau](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e0b2c6/32.png) [@sjdeneau](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sjdeneau)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2012, 12:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mystery-mechanical-problem/73559/1 "2012-07-17T00:25:33Z")

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our 2001 Nissan Quest with 201,000 miles has recently started having some strange issues. The speedometer will suddenly drop to zero, and after a few seconds, come back up and work correctly. A couple of times, this was associated with the engine “chugging” and topping out at about 50 mph. If I stop, it will resume and run normally. I would love for this car to last me 2 more years. Please give me some hopeful news this is not a sign of something catastrophic happening.

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**Author:** ![JosephEMeehan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ecc23a/32.png) [@JosephEMeehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JosephEMeehan)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2012, 12:37am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mystery-mechanical-problem/73559/2 "2012-07-17T00:37:17Z")

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```
Are there any CELs? (Check Engine Light) 

My guess is it is not going to be too difficult to find and not too expensive. Unless there is a CEL it may take a little guesswork to find the problem. Someone with experience with the make model and year would be very useful.

 I am thinking it is a poor electric connection. These problems tend to respond with hands on examination.  

 Is all the recommended maintenance been done / up to date? 

 Maybe someone here may be familiar with your specific car.
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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![sjdeneau](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e0b2c6/32.png) [@sjdeneau](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sjdeneau)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2012, 3:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mystery-mechanical-problem/73559/3 "2012-07-17T03:23:14Z")

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No CELs. It’s definitely something to consider. Thanks!

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**Author:** ![GSragtop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7c8e57/32.png) [@GSragtop](https://community.cartalk.com/u/GSragtop)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2012, 4:31am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mystery-mechanical-problem/73559/4 "2012-07-17T04:31:06Z")

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Sounds like a speed sensor issue. Should be cheap to fix.

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**Author:** ![sjdeneau](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e0b2c6/32.png) [@sjdeneau](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sjdeneau)\
**Post date:** [August 2, 2012, 6:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mystery-mechanical-problem/73559/5 "2012-08-02T18:53:53Z")

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Just got it back yesterday. they replaced the speed sensor. So far so good!