Rev counter dipping when driving at constant speed

HighWire

Hi ya,
I have a 1.8 Auto Almera and havent a clue about cars hence the post.
I've just noticed that the rev counter is twitching or dipping slightly
when the revs are between 2000 and 2500 at about 60mph though
its not exactly at 60, its when its at a constant speed rather than speeding up or slowing down.

Any ideas?

Cheers.

R.O.R

CVT Gearbox in those I think - experienced one of those for the first time last week.

I'll let one of the more technical people on here explain the ins and outs of "rubber band" gearboxes.

crosstownk

It's normal enough for a CVT to adjust engine speed to match the varying road conditions. But realistically, this should only happen if you meet inclines or downhill stretches. On a level road the RPM should be more or less stable.

JHMEG

Is that not a 4-speed conventional auto in that?

unkel

JHMEG wrote:

Is that not a 4-speed conventional auto in that?

I think you're right. Iirc the Micra has a CVT and also the 2 liter Primera, but the 1.8 petrol in Almera and Primera only has a conventional autobox

Victor Meldrew

unkel wrote:

I think you're right. Iirc the Micra has a CVT and also the 2 liter Primera, but the 1.8 petrol in Almera and Primera only has a conventional autobox

A conventional torque converter auto will do that (revs drop on constant speed). no need to worry once the car pulls cleanly, there is always a difference between input and output speeds on a torque converter (unless it's bypassed via lockup)

my 1.6 megane has the same transmission as Nissans apparently , and your description sounds the same too. i think jatco make the automatic transmissions for Renault and Nissan

Mr.Diagnostic

Hi,

Would it be correct to describe what the rev counter needle is doing as "flicking" rather than dipping?

The rev counter flicking in these is normally a symptom of either the crank/cam sensor or the dreaded timing chain issue.

HighWire

Yeah its just flicking, speed or performance isnt being affected.

Mr Diagnostic, those two things dont sound nice, or cheap to fix either.

Mr.Diagnostic

HighWire wrote:

Yeah its just flicking, speed or performance isnt being affected.

Mr Diagnostic, those two things dont sound nice, or cheap to fix either.

Well first off dont panic............yet

The Cam/Crank sensors gave so much trouble that Nissan sells them at very little cost and they are easy to fit. Easy = cheap.

If it is the Timing Chain issue then that is quite expensive.

I have seen a few that got the chain done when all they needed was sensors which is a serious waste. Make sure whoever looks at it knows how to 100% diagnose the chain problem.

JHMEG

Phone Nissan with the chassis number and reg and ask them is it one of the cars that was recalled over faulty camshaft oil seals. If so, ask has the recall work been done. They'll have it on record.

HighWire

Excellent, thanks JHMEG

ninty9er

Mr.Diagnostic wrote:

The Cam/Crank sensors gave so much trouble that Nissan sells them at very little cost and they are easy to fit. Easy = cheap.

Apparently so with Opel too. had mine replaced today - €165 fitted was a little steep, but the cafr was fully checked for other faults too so I suppose I can't grumble

HighWire

Left it into Nissan, they said the timing chain is stretched - 800-900 to fix.