Strange Transmission Problem - 2000 Maxima - Goes into Neutral while Driving

[Bulbman]

This thread was totally interesting because I have the same issue with my I30. Gets hot and goes to neutral or so it seems. Mine limped to the shop tonight. I'll see what they come up with and tell them to try your fix. Thanks.

[bpomps]

This thread was totally interesting because I have the same issue with my I30. Gets hot and goes to neutral or so it seems. Mine limped to the shop tonight. I'll see what they come up with and tell them to try your fix. Thanks.

what happened with yours?

[Bulbman]

My transmission was DOA. I was there when the mechanic went to road test it. He managed to move from one parking place to the one in front, turned it off and laughed. My hope for a sensor replacement was crushed.

Found a used one for $400 with 80,000 miles and AAMCO High Point put it in for $500. I had them replace the fluid and filter and so far it is working great. (probably shouldn't have said that)

[cland7890]

Hi guys -
My 2000 Maxima is giving similar symptoms, i.e. the transmission going into neutral, while driving.
It's a very scary experience -- I was driving on the freeway, when suddenly lost power, even
if I stepped on the accelerator, and the engine is giving some loud noise.

Thanks to bpomps for posting the solution ... I will go ahead and purchase the Speed Sensor,
but I was wondering if this item issue has been raised as a possible Recall Notice? This is
a potentially safety issue.

Thanks,
-Conrad

[bpomps]

Hi guys -
My 2000 Maxima is giving similar symptoms, i.e. the transmission going into neutral, while driving.
It's a very scary experience -- I was driving on the freeway, when suddenly lost power, even
if I stepped on the accelerator, and the engine is giving some loud noise.

Thanks to bpomps for posting the solution ... I will go ahead and purchase the Speed Sensor,
but I was wondering if this item issue has been raised as a possible Recall Notice? This is
a potentially safety issue.

Thanks,
-Conrad

ahhh the ol maxima issue... i get goosebumps when i see a reply in my inbox because i get flashbacks of driving on the highway and all of a sudden the car going into ''limp mode''. it took alot of time and money but i learned alot about the car and working on it. the big thing was changing the fuel filter in the tank, that thing was sooooo dirty, oily and had metal fragments in it !

I have since moved on from the maxima because i was done putting money into it. I got an older model audi that has a V6 like the maxima but the audi V6 has a supercharger on it -->
ill never forget you maxima and the problems you gave me but it was a learning experience and I was the person who figured out the issue after no one could... wheres my award mr. nissan president ??????????????????????????

[Tamex]

Hi,
I've read your post about this issue, it seems I got here late but, same thing after 3 mechanics. Now it might be me not understanding every step you did, or the main thing to change, for the car going to neutral while running.
I have to change the transmission sensor only?
I have to change the fuel tank filter?
I have to change the 2 sensors you describe?

I need to do all this or just one of them?

Thanks.

[Shinjiduo]

Hi,
I've read your post about this issue, it seems I got here late but, same thing after 3 mechanics. Now it might be me not understanding every step you did, or the main thing to change, for the car going to neutral while running.
I have to change the transmission sensor only?
I have to change the fuel tank filter?
I have to change the 2 sensors you describe?

I need to do all this or just one of them?

Thanks.

If you are going in to neutral while driving without a doubt it is the vss. If you are going into limp mode; meaning the engine sill not rev past 2500 RPM then it could be a host of issues, for instance: cooling failure, IACV, excessive pinging aka knocking. If the transmission is simply disengaging and the motor is free revving without load replace the VSS and viola problem is solved. No further steps will be necessary,

[Lex_Luga420]

i have the same issue in my 04 6th gen.. i have a haynes manual and i'm trying to reconfirm that it could more than likely be my neutral safety switch causing me a headache?

[page100]

I have the same problem with my car. It is an automatic transmission, and the problem is intermittent. I took it back to the dealer I bought it from 3 times and they finally got to drive it while it was doing it. They didn't run any tests or look at it, just drove it. When they came back, they said I need a new transmission. I don't have a lot of money, but they said the cheapest price they could get was $375 plus labor and taxes. I have a feeling that price is for a "pull & pay " and not a rebuilt transmission like he said. I have had it just over a year and have always used the cheapest gas. I bring it in for the oil change and fluid check regularly.

Do you have any suggestions on where I can take it to get a definite answer that won't charge me an arm and leg to find out how to fix it? I didn't get it at a Nissan dealer, but would a Nissan dealer know how to fix it more than a used car dealer's repair shop? I live pay check to pay check and can't afford to pay a lot of money to keep getting wrong answers to fixing the problem.

Any help will be appreciated.

[page100]

Welcome to NICO.

Did you even read the posts in the thread? The answer is there...plus picture.

I read what was posted, but I'm pretty mechanically stupid. I just want to make sure the used car dealer doesn't take me for "extra " work that doesn't need to be done. Would a Nissan dealer be able to help me with the vss sensor? Also, would they know what I was talking about with me saying vss?

[shovanec]

Same issue as above. I went to the auto salvage yard, pulled two VSS sensors from two 2000 Maximas just in case. Total was $20 and it literally took 10 minutes with a philips head screwdriver and a 10mm ratchet. cleared the P0720 code. fingers crossed