Nissan Repair: 91 Nissan Sentra 4c ylinder (automatic, nissan sentra, load request

Question
QUESTION: what does that mean, when it feels like the car jerks when I am driving, it's like it kicks into another gear on it's own. it will drive fine then out of nowhere it seems like it will go into overdrive. and the same when going up a hill.

ANSWER: Hi Latoya -

If the car is not running rough or missing, then it is the transmission. There is a lever on the transmission that senses when the driver is needing more power, and places the transmission in a lower gear in order to satisfy the load request. If it is downshifting prematurely, then it may need adjustment.

Please check the transmission oil first, though.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Calvin, does that mean that the transmission isn't any good. The car runs fine and is fast. Also, as far as the downshifting do you mean that the tranny needs to be adjusted.

Answer
Hi Latoya -

It is normal for a transmission to want to downshift when the driver needs more power, such as up a hill, or on the freeway when overtaking. However, if the shifting happens too early (or too late), that is extra wear on the transmission. The downshifting is relative to the gas pedal position, and there should be some type of linkage or cable that shifts the transmission into a lower gear when the pedal is at that position. This can be adjusted. I don't believe your transmission is bad.

Hope this helps -
calvin