Hello All,

I'm having an issue w/ my '04 Maxima 3.5SE.

While driving it home from work today, it abruptly lost power when I made a right-hand turn. The car didn't shut off, but it wouldn't accelerate at all; the engine was still running, and all of the electrical was still working. I pulled into a parking lot, turned off the car, and let it sit for a few minutes. When I restarted it, it did the same thing; the only difference is that the car lost power when it shifted into 2nd gear, instead of when it went into a turn.

Luckily, I was literally right down the street from my house, so I was able to nurse it home. Again, I parked it, let it sit, and then restarted the car. This time there was no loss of power, and it accelerated and shifted through the gears at slower, neighborhood speeds, but it didn't seem to be shifting "right." My battery light also started flickering on and off. I'm not sure what to make of it. Is it something electrical, something w/ the transmission? We've been having quite a bit of rain where I live lately, so maybe that has something to do with it? I really am not sure, as I've never had an issue like this before.

Any and all ideas would be most appreciated! Thanks!

cdseeger1 wrote:My battery light also started flickering on and off.

This is the part that concerns me. Are your battery terminal connectors cracked or loose? How old is your battery ... and your alternator?

I checked the terminals/wires, and they seem to be in good working order, but that doesn't mean there might not be something there. I did recently purchase the car, and the seller showed me the receipt that the battery was less than a year old.

If the battery is that new I suppose it could be the alternator, but it probably wouldn't hurt to have them both checked, especially since they do that kind of testing free at Advance, etc. I am not sure how old the alternator is; if I had to venture a guess, I'd say it is the original unit. The car does has the HID lights on it, and I did notice those lightly flickering about a week ago, and I mean very lightly; it was almost imperceptible, except for when I would park the car and the lights shone on our garage door. It was weird, too, b/c it was only the drivers' side headlight that was flickering, and then the battery light started doing its thing yesterday.

Do you or anyone else think it might be a transmission related issue?

Ok. So I just took the car around the block, and I definitely think it is something to do w/ the battery light. During the drive, the light didn't come on, and it was driving great, as it usually does.

When I got back home and was parking the car, I noticed that the battery light would come on at idle but turn of when I gave it a few RPMs; I'm assuming that's got to be something w/ the alternator or battery? I didn't take it back around the bock when the light started coming on b/c I have to get ready for work, but I'm assuming it would have done the same thing it did last night if the alternator wasn't able to keep a charge in the system?

I really appreciate any feedback, and I appreciate your thoughts Z Car Barbie, so thanks!

is alternator belt tight?

NutriaforBreakfast wrote:is alternator belt tight?

Didn't think to check the belt...

I had the battery tested, and it did test bad, so I got a new one; however, the flickering battery light issue remains. The car didn't lose power on me after I drove it around the block again, but that doesn't mean it won't, especially if it's that belt. I'd much rather replace a belt than an alternator, so I suppose I will look at that next. If it's still doing the flicker, I'll have to move on the alternator...

Thanks for the idea, Nutria.

I am taking the car into my mechanic on Tuesday. I am guessing the issue is the alternator.

The car will start and drive fine for about 5-10 minutes before the battery light starts to flicker. I'm guessing that when the light begins to flicker is when the alternator starts to give out. If the A/C is running, it "dies" quicker. The only hangup is that the car does not turn off. It will continue to run and even rev if it is in N. Once you put it in gear, though, you can floor the accelerator and nothing will happen; it just sits there idling. It's like there is an electrical connection not being made somewhere. Having the radio and headlights on seems to have a negative effect, too. Whatever it is, I'm 85% sure it's something electrical.

I'll let you all know what happens, in case anyone else runs into this issue.

I'm having the same problem with my car. How did you fix it.
Thank you very much

I will tell you the issue I had which was similar. I could be driving my 2004 Nissan Maxima SE and all of a sudden, while pressing on the accelerator it would lose power and it seemed as though it was in 5th gear or something? I would place the car in P, R or N the accelerator pedal would act normal but not in D?

I let the car sit a few minutes, start it and it may act normal and sometimes it wouldn't??!! I assumed it was the transmission.

I took it to my regular mechanic and he said it was my transmission. The rebuild would be $2400.00!!!

I took it to a transmission specialist and he said it may be a relay or some other electrical issue?? Understand, I did have my tranny replaced while it was under at 55,000 miles.

The issue is your camshaft relays. There are (2) of them, front and rear. You can buy them from Autozone or something like that or go to the dealership and pay double the price but those would be OEM parts. Also your car will experience hard starts and wear down your battery.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=325s0pFQZtg[/youtube]

Hello all,

Thanks for your input on this issue.

As nupe84 suggested, I had the transmission and camshaft relays inspected; they came back all clear. It turned out to be the alternator; it couldn't sustain a charge for more than a couple of minutes. Got pretty scary driving over to the mechanic b/c it would just quit in the middle of intersections or anywhere it felt like. Glad it's done.

Had the timing belts/tensioners and water pump replaced as well, since the car had the classic rattle. I only raise this point b/c it saved me a lot in labor b/c the alternator has to come off anyway to get to all the other stuff. If you're able, I would suggest the same if your engine has got "the rattle."

I too have a power loss issue on my Nissan 3.5 engine. First time: out of nowhere on the freeway no less my dash lit up like a Christmas tree with 'idiot' lights. Power went away and my 'fake' manual automatic transmission would not go out of Drive. I limped to my destination. When I got back to my car it started right up with no issues. Second time: no 'idiot' lights just loss of power with the transmission stuck in drive. Let it 'sit' for a few and started up again with no problems. My plan is to get me a code reader and to check it while the issue comes up again and go from there. Anyone have any ideas?