Nissan Repair: I think somethings up with my transmission..., nissan altima, master switch

Question
Hello,
I recently bought a 1995 Nissan Altima for $3500 from a tote-your-note dealership. I'm 17, and my father and I test drove the car and checked it out, and it seemed to have no problems. However, I've had it only a month now, and a couple of weeks ago, whenever I was on the highway, I would hear a metallic scraping/rattling sound that got progressively worse. Now it does that all the time. I have no idea what it is, but I think it might be the transmission. I also have very low torque, my rpm gauge is dysfunctional, and this morning, 3 of my power windows stopped working. But my biggest issue is that sound. Could you help me please? Thanks so much!

Answer
Julia,

Check where the scraping sound is coming from.  You probably have a brake pad that is getting thin or a bad set of aftermarket brakes.

The low torque could probably be a sign of needing new plugs and a tuneup.  Basically, used car lots get a car to run properly to sell and put as little money in it as possible.  Also, if you are selling or trading a car you would not pile money into it.  So, my bet is the car needs a tuneup.

The power windows are a sign of the master switch going out on the driver side door.  That master switch is an easy replacement and these fail when they are exposed to moisture.  My bet is the dealer had the car detailed and they steam cleaned the interior and got the switch wet and now it has gone bad.  Most of the time the master switch on the drivers door goes out because people end up rolling down the window and getting water on it when it rains and when the car is washed.  So, it is just a matter of changing the switch and with the new one work real hard at not getting it wet.  I like to keep a hand towel in the car to dry things off when they get wet.  I have replaced three such switches in the wife's Maxima.