2004 Maxima trans issue

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Drslash33
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Jul 18, 2016 9:34 am
Car: 2004 Nissan Maima

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I have a real head scratcher.
Have had this car for a year and runs like a bat out of hell. It starts on the first turn. Recently It took 3 to 4 turns to start it hard start I guess you would call it but always fires up but when it does this it seems to put the trans in a safe mode or something and check engine light comes on. Hard shift into reverse and only one forward gear like my old go cart with the centrifugal clutch. I doesnt go into overdrive though as at 60 mph its just under 3000 rpms when its normally just over 2200 rpms at that speed. Then Ill stop at the store and come out it will fire up instantly and run normal for hours or even a few days and the engine light will go off after it does its x amount of miles cycle. Sometimes it will act up and all I have to do is shut it off and wait a few minutes restart and its fine.
Fluid color looks good and at right level.
Recently it was driving normal and it dropped into the safe mode while I was driving. An indication that the issue might be getting worse. That has happened only once so far.
It shifts perfectly when its starts normally but acts up only when it takes 3 to 4 turns.
I have a warranty on the transmission but not sensors if thats what it could be. No rocket scientist here but any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks :ohno: :ohno: :ohno:


User avatar
elwesso
Posts: 30810
Joined: Sun Feb 23, 2003 4:52 pm
Car: 94 Infiniti Q45t 5 spd
2007 BMW M Coupe
2007 Infiniti G35 S 6MT
Location: Indiana
Contact:

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Welcome to NICO!

I doubt it's actually related to the transmission and probably related to some other sensor likely on the engine or trans. Do you ever get a check engine light?

You should go somewhere and have the engine codes read (auto parts stores do it for free), or get onto eBay and get a OBDII reader that you can use with your smart phone (you can get an app and code reader for under $40).

My first thought is possibly a TPS, but it's hard to say for sure. Getting the codes read will tell us something, even if there's no codes applicable to the issue.

NutriaforBreakfast
Posts: 1316
Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2007 1:41 pm
Car: Nissan Maxima 1995 VQDE engine

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I would check and make sure the alternator is working

ArmedAviator
Posts: 526
Joined: Tue Mar 22, 2016 5:28 pm
Car: 2012 Infiniti M37x
Location: SW Ohio

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Check voltage before starting and with engine idling using a multimeter. My first guess is weak battery.

My second guess is a sensor - cam position sensor is a common one I hear about failing. Crank position sensor may be as well.

You should be able to self diagnose this problem with a little effort. It does not seem to be a transmission related issue.


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