'90 maxima muffler

[judyg]

'90 Maxima, automatic. Replaced muffler in 2001. Meineke replaced it again, 2 weeks ago. It still sounds like a bad muffler - loud when idling or speeds up to about 35 mph. Sort of like a weak muscle car. At highway speeds not a problem. Also, car is now sluggish on acceleration. And finally, in the am, getting up to highway speed (60mph), it takes about 12 miles for the car to shift into final phase of 3rd gear - this I can tell by the sound, and the tach thing which usually runs at 2, but now runs at 2.3ish until this final oomph.

My questions: Can the new muffler be the cause of it all, or any part these issues? Are mufflers ever "bad" from the start? If I take it back to Meineke, what should I ask them to check out? Any guidance is appreciated! Thankyou !

[Nahkapohjola]

Originally Posted by judyg

'90 Maxima, automatic. Replaced muffler in 2001. Meineke replaced it again, 2 weeks ago. ...

If muffler is the only maintenance done, high time for tuneup. Plugs, wirings, cap and first of all THE belt every 5yr/60k... etetc. Check page http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/748507/15 for overdrive (4) gear & other tranny problems.

Muffler has no tranny -relation. Muffler may be blocked... does it sound like that? If u want original sound, buy original$$. Buy another muffler or insulate the noise. http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/748507/17


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[poplifedc]

Do you have the switch for the transmission? Power, comfort, or in the middle. If the switch is in the comfort setting, that could be cause for the sluggishness.

Was the muffler stock? If it was an aftermarket then there could be some flow issues.

[judyg]

Thank you for the suggestions.
The transmission button is in the middle - not P, not C.

Could muffler flow problems account for sluggishness?

Thanks.

[Nahkapohjola]

Originally Posted by judyg

Thank you for the suggestions.
The transmission button is in the middle - not P, not C.

Could muffler flow problems account for sluggishness?

Thanks.

Kick down in mid pos is the same as in pos P.

IF Airflow in or out is restricted, reduced hp. Replace air filter. CAT can become clogged.

For real sluggishness go and test KS.
clic http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/9


Go through all pages.

[poplifedc]

Also check your transmission fluid level and condition of the fluid.

When was the last time you had the transmission flushed? You should do it every 30k miles. If your not the original owner and don't know when it was flushed, get it done as soon as possible.

[judyg]

Transmission fluid was changed probably 30k miles ago, so I think I'll start there - it's simple to do.

Thanks again for the info!