vibrating & kicks-back

[summerof42]

Thank you for reading my post. I have a 2005 Altima and currently experiencing a vibration under the front seats which feels like it's in the under carriage. And just recently, when I'm in stopped position and accelerate, before I reach 20 mph, the car kicks-back as if I have a stick, but it's an automatic.

I brought it to the Nissan dealership who denied feeling the vibrations under the seats and the once smooth ride is now gone. How he could not feel it is beyound me; unless he had too much in his undercarriage to feel it. The kick-back recently started and I'm affraid to take it to the dealership since being a woman, he will more than likely tell me it's due to a bunch of issues and charge me a fortune; furthermore, problem with vibrating couldn't be determined.

I thoguht if I could go in there appearing like I knew what could possibly be causing it I would no doubt be treated like someone other than a skirt.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Welcome to NICO!
I think we can help you out here at least a little.
Does the vibration increase with speed, or is it engine RPM related? You should be able to rev the car while in park to see if you feel any vibrations (which would mean it is engine related). If it increases with speed, it shouldn't change as the car shifts, etc.

Secondly, the kick-back/bucking could definitely be transmission related. Does it do it just around the same time that it shifts? Is the check engine light on?

[summerof42]

Welcome to NICO!
I think we can help you out here at least a little.
Does the vibration increase with speed, or is it engine RPM related? You should be able to rev the car while in park to see if you feel any vibrations (which would mean it is engine related). If it increases with speed, it shouldn't change as the car shifts, etc.

Secondly, the kick-back/bucking could definitely be transmission related. Does it do it just around the same time that it shifts? Is the check engine light on?

Vibration is there regardless of speed. Vibration started several months ago [orignally felt in sterring wheel and accelerator, but that was rectified when they replaced pads and replaced rotors] and the vibration in undercarriagae/seats remain. Then about 2 months ago, I noticed the kick-back which occurs when I accelerate from a stopped position and I reach about 15 mph; I have a automatic. The engine light is not on.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

You might need to have the transmission serviced or something. Does the bucking happen all the time, no matter if its cold or hot?

Again, I have to ask, if you are sitting there, parked, not moving, and you rev the engine, do you feel the vibration through your seats?

[summerof42]

You might need to have the transmission serviced or something. Does the bucking happen all the time, no matter if its cold or hot?

Again, I have to ask, if you are sitting there, parked, not moving, and you rev the engine, do you feel the vibration through your seats?

Hello PapaSmurf: Cute name & pic! The "something" is why I'm on this site in trying to get some answers. Bucking happens no matter if it's holt, cold or what mood it's in; I accelerate, it bucks back at 15 mph, as if I had a stick.

In regards to the vibration from a stopped position, I will need to check that when I'm back in the car. Stay tuned. . . My guess is no.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

The fact that you say it happens at 15mph every time has me leading to believe its the transmission. It should hold the gear longer if you really mash the gas though, so if it bucks when you do that, then I'm not to sure what to think. Do you live in a rust-prone state? Its possible one of your chassis/engine/transmission grounds is corroded through and the signals the ECU/TCM are getting are no longer as clear as they should be.

[Rogue One]

Hi! Thought I'd look to see what recalls were issued for your model year, and any other issues that may help explain your problems. Here's what I found.

The third-generation Altima's reliability was not competitive and was subsequently cursed with engine recalls, Technical Service Bulletins, as well as poorly engineered Crankshaft Position Sensors, as well as the crankshaft engineering in general.

Most reported 2005 Nissan Altima problems.

• The engine may stall at times due to a failed crankshaft position sensor and/or camshaft position sensor, These sensors can fail intermittently as they warm with the engine. Sensors on certain models have been recalled by Nissan and will be replaced as necessary.
• The catalytic converter closest to the cylinder head can fail causing illumination of the Check Engine Light. Prompt repair of this problem is recommended because the catalyst material can be sucked into the engine and cause internal damage.
• Screws inside the intake manifold can become loose causing internal engine damage if they fall out completely. Our technicians report that using a strong thread locker on the power valve butterfly screws can help prevent them from becoming loose.

Recall for 2005 Nissan Altima - NHTSA Reference: #07V527000

Summary: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.5L engine, the crankshaft position sensor can overheat causing a brief interruption in the signal output from the sensor.

Consequence: If the interruption in the signal from the crankshaft position sensor is so brief that the electronic control module (ECM) logic does not have time to diagnose the condition, the engine may stop running without warning while the vehicle is driven at a low speed increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will reprogram the ECM free of charge.

Just a couple of quick questions:
Are you the original owner of the vehicle?
How many miles does it have on it?
Is there a reputable independent repair shop nearby you could take the car to for a second opinion?

[summerof42]

Rogue One: Thank you for replying to my post. Answers are indicated below:
1. I am not the orignal owner and bought the car about 5 yrs ago in "mint" condition and haven't had any problems whatsoever. What I'm experiencing now is due to age.
2. Presently have 107k miles
3. Not really a decent repair shop around; hence posting on this forum. I thought I could take the feed back and then bring it back to the Nissan dealership w/info.

I'm going to change from "vibrating" to more of just a general "shakiness" and an uneven ride. Feels almost like a bent rim or an issue with one of the tires, but Nissan said they're fine? I can feel the shakiness/bump-e-ness [for lack of a better word] under the seats when I'm driving and also in the accelerator paid and I'm just not getting the smooth ride I once did.

Looking forward to your feedback and appreciate the help.