Experiencing a sudden “Engine Power Reduced” warning in your Nissan Titan XD can be unsettling, especially when you’re relying on its power for towing or hauling. One Nissan Titan XD owner recently encountered this issue while towing a trailer, and their experience sheds light on a potential common problem. This article delves into their situation, the symptoms, and the ultimate diagnosis, providing valuable information for Nissan Titan XD owners facing similar concerns.
The owner of a 2016 Nissan Titan XD diesel, with 58,000 miles on the odometer, was towing a 16-foot dual axle enclosed trailer on a 1300-mile trip. Approximately 60 miles from home, the dreaded “Warning Engine Power Reduced” message flashed on the dashboard, accompanied by the persistent glow of the check engine light.
Initially, the warning message was intermittent, appearing for a few minutes before disappearing. However, the check engine light remained illuminated. Despite the warning, the truck continued to run at 70 mph, albeit with a noticeable rev limit of 2500 RPM. Adding to the digital alerts, a message appeared on the audio system and an email from Nissan suggested potential causes ranging from a misfire to a loose fuel cap or emissions issue. Following Nissan’s generic advice, the owner checked and retightened the fuel cap, but the warning persisted.
Interestingly, a pattern emerged during the trip. The “Engine Power Reduced” warning seemed to coincide with fuel level fluctuations. It frequently appeared after refueling to full capacity and tended to subside as the fuel gauge approached the 3/4 mark. Conversely, the check engine light remained constantly lit after the initial warning.
Further down the road, a detour forced the owner to deplete the fuel tank to near empty. Upon refueling with only a 3/4 tank due to high fuel prices, the check engine light mysteriously extinguished overnight at the destination. However, this respite was short-lived.
The return journey brought back the familiar “Engine Power Reduced” warning and check engine light when the fuel tank reached the halfway mark. Throughout the rest of the trip, the warning light became a recurring nuisance, flickering on and off, while the check engine light remained stubbornly on. Attempts to mitigate the issue by disengaging tow mode, turning off cruise control, or varying speed proved futile. Whether cruising at 75 mph or navigating stop-and-go traffic at 45 mph, the warning persisted regardless of driving conditions – interstate, two-lane roads, hills, or flat terrain.
Even after dropping off the trailer and making short local trips, the check engine light remained. It wasn’t until the morning after returning home that the check engine light finally turned off, leaving the owner puzzled but relieved, momentarily.
Adding another layer to the complexity, the owner had recently added 2.5 gallons of Valvoline DEF fluid just days before the trip when the DEF 35% low warning appeared. After resetting the DEF warning, it reappeared after only 1200 miles, significantly shorter than the usual 2750-mile interval between DEF warnings. This increased DEF consumption occurred concurrently with the “Engine Power Reduced” issue. It’s worth noting that the truck had undergone recent repairs, including DEF tank replacement, turbo gate replacement, and computer reprogramming, since the last trailer towing trip.
Seeking professional diagnosis, the owner scheduled an appointment with a Nissan dealership, also intending to address a recall for OBD calibration. The dealership visit provided a definitive answer to the perplexing “Engine Power Reduced” warning.
The Diagnosis: EGR Cooler Leak
The dealership pinpointed the EGR cooler as the culprit. Similar to another reported case, the EGR cooler was leaking and required replacement. This diagnosis suggests that EGR cooler leaks might be a recurring issue in Nissan Titan XD diesels. The dealer’s readily available stock of the EGR cooler further hinted at this being a known problem. As a seasoned maintenance mechanic, the owner recognized that dealerships typically stock parts with a history of failures, especially for less common vehicles like diesel trucks, considering inventory costs. The presence of a “core charge” for the EGR cooler also indicated the part’s potential for remanufacturing, raising questions about long-term durability.
Safety Implications and Recommendations
While the owner noted that the engine didn’t entirely lose power, there was a noticeable limitation in RPM, capping at approximately 2700 RPM when attempting to accelerate. This RPM restriction could pose significant safety risks, especially in situations requiring quick acceleration, such as passing on a two-lane road or merging onto highways. The owner recounted instances where the truck struggled to maintain speed uphill while towing, with vehicles tailgating and overtaking, highlighting the potential danger created by the reduced engine power.
Based on this experience and the potential safety implications, the owner rightly decided to file a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If you experience similar “Engine Power Reduced” warnings in your Nissan Titan XD, especially in conjunction with a check engine light and potential EGR cooler issues, it is recommended to:
- Consult a Certified Nissan Dealer: Seek professional diagnosis and repair from a qualified Nissan dealership to accurately identify and resolve the issue.
- Document Symptoms and Occurrences: Keep detailed records of when the warning occurs, driving conditions, fuel levels, and any other relevant observations. This information can be valuable for diagnosis and potential warranty claims.
- Report to NHTSA: File a complaint with the NHTSA to report potential safety defects and contribute to broader awareness of potential issues in Nissan Titan XD vehicles. This collective reporting can encourage manufacturers to address and rectify recurring problems.
Conclusion
The “Engine Power Reduced” warning in the Nissan Titan XD, as experienced by this owner, highlights a potential issue with EGR cooler leaks. While the truck may remain drivable, the reduced power and RPM limitation can create safety concerns, especially when towing or requiring rapid acceleration. Nissan Titan XD owners encountering this warning should promptly seek professional diagnosis, consider the possibility of an EGR cooler issue, and report their experiences to the NHTSA to ensure vehicle safety and encourage manufacturer accountability.
