QuestionI have a 1995 Nissan A32 Maxima 30GV, with the VQ30DE and automatic trans.
About 1 week ago now, I was driving easily, not thrashing it, through a hilly area, on quite a warm day and the maxima was handling it fine. On the way home, without any prior bad noise from the car, it just started going really sluggish, stuck in 4th gear it would seem. I'm assuming this is limp mode.
Anyway, I've done self-diagnostic consult, guided by the workshop manual, and that came up with all electricals are working fine, or not showing any problem. Than I did a ECU diagnostic (result: 0304), which I found to be the knock sensor. So I checked that and I'm getting 100% resistance from knock sensor to ground and hence I've ordered another one, yet to be received/installed. However, I've been told that a faulty knock sensor won't cause it to be stuck in this mode, rather, just make the car not as quick as it should be running.
With the transmission, the oil wasn't the best, it was almost fairly browny and dark in colour, however no burnt odour, and I couldn't see any granules or 'sand'-like particles. I've drained some oil and added in fresh oil, but to avail.
Please help, I've got it booked to Nissan but I'm sure they're gonna charge and arm and a leg!
Regards
Daniel.
AnswerDaniel,
First, have the transmission checked for codes. This is not going to work at Autozone or Checker since they do not have the transmission computer. If the transmission is locked in third gear that is to keep it from shelling itself. It will probably be a servo going out as that is the most common problem on the Maxima. I would go to Cottman Transmissions or a local shop that you have heard good things about. The sandy particles are normal as part of wear. Also, replace the knock sensor as soon as you ge he transmission looked at. Email me back if you need more.
