Why doesn't the Nissan Sunny move when stepping on the accelerator?
3 Answers
In fact, there are many reasons why a Nissan Sunny doesn't move when stepping on the accelerator, and it cannot be directly determined. Multiple factors can lead to the above malfunction, such as low fuel pressure or air in the fuel line, poor air flow meter signal in the circuit, poor throttle position sensor signal, damaged ignition coil, delayed ignition timing, or spark plug gaps that are too large or too small, all of which can cause the car to not accelerate when stepping on the accelerator. Additionally, a clogged three-way catalytic converter could also cause this situation. Moreover, if the RPM rises normally and the engine sound is loud, it might be in an idle state without being in gear, requiring a transmission check. If the RPM doesn't rise at all when stepping on the accelerator, a comprehensive engine inspection is needed. If this occurs, it is advisable not to take action on your own and to go to a 4S shop for relevant checks as soon as possible. However, since we're on this topic, we can list a few fault cases: If the car doesn't move when stepping on the accelerator, it is recommended to check the spark plugs, high-voltage lines, and ignition coils at a service station, check the fuel pump pressure, see if the fuel injectors are clogged, and also check if there is any misfiring in the ignition system. Secondly, this might also be a common issue with automatic transmissions. If it's a manual-automatic transmission, try switching to manual mode and pulling back 1-2 gears; if it's a pure automatic, try releasing the accelerator slightly and then pressing it down firmly again. Furthermore, this could also be a fuel quality issue. If you've recently refueled and this problem didn't exist before refueling, then there's a 70% chance that the fuel from the gas station is problematic, possibly mixed with water or other liquids. If water enters the engine through the intake, it could cause the air pipe to bend or the piston to be damaged, leading to insufficient cylinder pressure and thus the car not accelerating when stepping on the accelerator. Another possibility is long-term lack of maintenance, causing various systems to age and resulting in the car not accelerating when stepping on the accelerator.
I've been driving a Nissan Sunny for five years and have also experienced situations where pressing the accelerator didn't make the car move. That time on the highway, even with the pedal to the metal, the car just wouldn't budge—it felt like the engine was locked. Common causes could be a dirty or faulty accelerator pedal sensor, preventing the signal from reaching the computer. Alternatively, transmission issues, especially with CVT models, can lead to slipping or valve body failures. Fuel system blockages are another possibility, such as an aging fuel pump failing to supply fuel or a clogged filter. Electrical problems like ECU malfunctions can also be to blame. At the time, I pulled over at a service area, and after restarting a few times, it improved, but I immediately drove to a repair shop for inspection. The mechanic said the throttle body was severely carbon-fouled, and after cleaning, it returned to normal. Regular maintenance should focus on these points to avoid sudden breakdowns on the road. Safety first—if this happens, pull over immediately and stop securely.
As someone who works with cars, I have to say that the Nissan Sunny's unresponsive throttle is quite common. Most of the time, it's due to poor throttle signal transmission, sensor issues, or faulty wiring connections. It could also be a transmission problem, such as CVT belt slippage or a faulty controller. Other potential causes include insufficient fuel supply, issues with the fuel pump or injectors, bugs in the engine control unit (ECU), or a stuck and dirty throttle body. When troubleshooting, first check if any warning lights are on the dashboard and try different gears. For a more professional approach, use an OBD scanner to read fault codes. For handling, it's recommended not to force the car to drive—tow it to a reliable workshop for diagnosis. Solutions may include cleaning sensors, replacing transmission fluid, or inspecting the fuel system. Simple maintenance can prevent future issues.
