So hello. I have had a lot of luck with my other vehicles on forums and a recently became the (hopefully-soon-to-be)-proud owner of a 1997 Nissan D21/Hardbody/Pickup XE. It has 156k miles on it and is completely stock. 2.4l 5spd 4WD. It runs like a dream, gets great gas mileage, little rust on frame, none on body and bed. All in all, a great truck.
I wanted this specific model truck after reading extensive reviews on their reliability (some say "to a fault"!) and longevity and the fact it is such a badass utilitarian vehicle. I went to go see about 12 before I found the one I currently own. Now, because NH is notorious for it's salt in the winter and D21s are notorious for their frame rust, I had to go to Maine to get it. Maine, where I find out they will slap a sticker on a watermelon. Once I get to NH, I realized, for the first time, just how nasty computerized emissions tests can be.
So far, I have replaced 2 air sensors, a catalytic converter, a speed sensor, fixed an EVAP system leak. Now I am at the one I am stuck on. Where the first list of repairs took about 2 weeks, this one has taken about two months and is still not fixed no matter what we do. Now I am stuck at my mechanic's (unless I pay $450 to have it towed to the closest Nissan dealer) unless I am trying to do the drive cycle and even that is technically illegal. If I do drive, cops around here have a boner for people flying the "illegal vehicle" flag and I will most certainly be arrested and the truck impounded (I already have a ticket AND I was pulled over 6 times while under a 60 day emissions sticker).
The code is P0705: Transmission Range Sensory Malfunction (PRNDL Input)
I replaced the neutral switch (which the dealer said is the range sensor) but lo and behold, the "service engine soon" light came on again after about 21 miles.
Weird things:
-Before the neutral switch was installed, I had to drive over 53 mph for more than a mile AFTER at least 17 miles since cleared codes before the check engine light flipped on. Otherwise, I could drive the car all day under 53 and it would never trip the light, but it would also never "be ready" according to the state's inspection computer.
-Before the NS, the car sucked at higher speeds. We're talking accelerating from 60 mph to 70 mph took over a minute with pedal to the metal.
-On the latest drive cycle test after I had the neutral switch installed, the car was running better than it ever had while I owned it. Better acceleration and lower RPMs at high speeds. The accelerator pedal was much more responsive, especially in 5th gear.
-After the neutral switch was installed, I could drive for as long as I wanted without tripping the check engine light (would still register not ready) until I stopped the engine, restarted it, then drove above 53 mph for more than a mile.
-Checked blown fuses, but all are OK.
Regardless, the tranny does not buck or anything. As I said, the truck runs like a dream.
I feel like my mechanic's are getting annoyed with the truck and their motivation has ceased. As much as I am going to change my mechanic as a result, I am committed to these one's to fix the truck unless I want to risk getting arrested.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, especially things I can do/check in the parking lot of my mechanic's shop.
Thanks for any assistance. I know I am new but please help! It's getting too cold to ride the motorcycle to work!
