6th Generation Maxima (2004-2008) Discussion of the 6th generation Maxima. Come see what others are saying.

please help my car is driving me crazy! =(

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 26, 2008 | 10:00 PM
  #1  
elitemaxima's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 51
From: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2167277
please help my car is driving me crazy! =(

ok guys i need ur help.
the nissan dealer are of no help....all there trying to do is rob me blind i swear.

ok im gonna list a bunch of the problems my car has and maybe you can give me some advice.
1) wheel shakes while driving usually after 50mph and when braking.
had the rotors and brakes checked and was told there good.
2) car jumps sometimes, like someone kicked the rear of the bumper.
3)i get rpm surges, rpm jumps from like 1k to 5k while trying to gas and then goes back to normal and car jumps and then it starts moving.
after the surge the cars stalls when gas until i gas hard and then it starts movin agian.
4)car runs better when the psi in all tires are 38 but when i put it to 32, i feel every little thing and all the symptoms come up.
i was in a accident like a year and a half ago and had to have the right passenger axle changed but i the repair shop never changed the engine mounts so 2 weeks ago i had the front and right changed because they where broken, i also had some belts changed and changed 6-7 quarts of the transmission fluid changed.

last week i took the car in and had them check it and all they said was that one of the tubes that connects to the engine was loose and they had to tighten it and that would fix my problems, where they charged me a $100 dollar diagnostic fee. pfft.

well that didnt do anything besides rip me off.

this is driving me crazy i really want to get it fixed without having to pay a arm and a leg.

i was planning on getting a alignment and balancing done thinking that would help with the shaking but id rather fix the other problems first before i do anything.

ohh and i did look at all the tubes to see if theres a hole or anythign and i didnt see anything.

please if you have any advice please help
really appreciate it.

ps:
pics of my car at:
http://cardomain.com/ride/2167277
Old Aug 27, 2008 | 04:53 AM
  #2  
ramberg's Avatar
GrandPa
iTrader: (29)
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,914
From: Brooklyn, NY & Plantation, Fl.
I would try to get a alignment and balancing done. Did they check your struts? Are you still under warranty?
Sorry I didn't notice your car on cardomain. lol
Old Aug 27, 2008 | 09:37 AM
  #3  
elitemaxima's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 51
From: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2167277
i called pep boys to get a alignment and balancing done, told them what was wrong with my car and they said that it wont help with the kicking of the car and the surging but it might just help with the shaking of the wheel while driving, i really just want to fix the jumping and surging. i just drove it this morning and its frustrating.. it car even jumps when i try to gas. the 36k warranty is done i have 42k miles i still have the 60k and 80k warranty which should cover my transmission. took it to the dealer today and he wanted me to leave the car for a week im gonna see if i can try to see what the problem is myself if i cant get it i guess im just gonna leave it at the repair shop for a week and take the bus everywhere lol.
Old Aug 27, 2008 | 09:39 AM
  #4  
elitemaxima's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 51
From: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2167277
but do you have any other suggestions? and is there a way i can reset the ecu myself?

thanks
Old Aug 27, 2008 | 10:01 AM
  #5  
Apollos2's Avatar
Supporting Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,761
From: Denver, Colorado
1) wheel shakes while driving usually after 50mph and when braking.
had the rotors and brakes checked and was told there good. ----------- I would get those tire re-balanced, do alignment later, that shouldn't cause shaking. Your rotors may be warped, mine pulse now and need to be replaced, it's fairly common. Get them checked again.

Surging sounds like a fuel issue. List your mods please
Old Aug 27, 2008 | 10:19 AM
  #6  
elitemaxima's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 51
From: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2167277
no mods with the engine, just got stuff on the car like chrome stuff all over thats about it.
Old Aug 27, 2008 | 10:47 AM
  #7  
Apollos2's Avatar
Supporting Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,761
From: Denver, Colorado
Okay. Well that surging is going to be tricky. Probably gonna have to be a dealer thing unless you can find a shop that has the right computer equip. It sounds like a fuel issue, could be related to something with the ECU. Even so, it shouldn't take them a week to check out. How many dealerships in your area? I'd take it to a different one.
Old Aug 27, 2008 | 11:41 AM
  #8  
elitemaxima's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 51
From: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2167277
i have two in my area, one of them screwed me out of fixing the engine mounts by keep pushing it until i was out of warranty and the other dealer is telling me a week, i was also thinking that the car is used to driving with the engine mount broken from before so thats why it might be kicking. is there anyway i can reset the ecu myself so it adapts to my new of driving?

thanks for ur time.
Old Aug 27, 2008 | 11:43 AM
  #9  
elitemaxima's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 51
From: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2167277
if i take it to pep boys will they reset my ecu? if so any idea on price?
Old Aug 27, 2008 | 12:00 PM
  #10  
VQ35MAX's Avatar
Newbie - Just Registered
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 10
2) car jumps sometimes, like someone kicked the rear of the bumper.
3)i get rpm surges, rpm jumps from like 1k to 5k while trying to gas and then goes back to normal and car jumps and then it starts moving.


It sounds like your tranny is slipping, mine did the same thing. It would also buck when put in reverse. Check your tranny fluid for any burnt smell and have them drop your pan and check for metal peices. Get it replaced before your warranty expires. I was lucky I had 2k left on mine before it expired.
Old Aug 27, 2008 | 12:04 PM
  #11  
Apollos2's Avatar
Supporting Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,761
From: Denver, Colorado
Hey if it's your tranny, you are covered to 60k. Resetting the ECU can be as simply as disconnecting the positive cable for about 10minutes.

VQ - why does it say "Newbie - Just Registered" under your name
Old Aug 27, 2008 | 12:09 PM
  #12  
VQ35MAX's Avatar
Newbie - Just Registered
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 10
VQ - why does it say "Newbie - Just Registered" under your name [/quote]

IDK ..i guess i JUST registered hey u gotta start somewhere
Old Aug 27, 2008 | 12:34 PM
  #13  
elitemaxima's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 51
From: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2167277
if there happens to be metal parts in the tranny.. they need to flush it? because i just had it drained for like 6-7 quarts.
Old Aug 27, 2008 | 12:39 PM
  #14  
Apollos2's Avatar
Supporting Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,761
From: Denver, Colorado
LOL, okay, There is more than one VQ35 id out there.
Old Aug 27, 2008 | 07:54 PM
  #15  
VQ35MAX's Avatar
Newbie - Just Registered
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 10
Originally Posted by elitemaxima
if there happens to be metal parts in the tranny.. they need to flush it? because i just had it drained for like 6-7 quarts.
If there are metal pieces in the tranny, it needs to be replaced. I would recommend going to another dealer and getting a second opinion on your tranny issue. Hope everything works out.
Old Aug 28, 2008 | 10:45 AM
  #16  
gianic1's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 26
From: illinois
If they needed to replace your motor mounts, chances are your transmission is next.

Read winterfaust's thread about "bad transmission.... what i have noticed"
Old Aug 28, 2008 | 10:46 AM
  #17  
gianic1's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 26
From: illinois
Originally Posted by gianic1
If they needed to replace your motor mounts, chances are your transmission is next.

Read winterfaust's thread about "bad transmission.... what i have noticed"


sorry, here is the link

http://forums.maxima.org/6th-generat...e-noticed.html
Old Sep 4, 2008 | 02:41 PM
  #18  
elitemaxima's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 51
From: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2167277
I took my car in yesterday to the dealer agian and they scanned it agian because the engine light came on, and they said that they need to change a transmission valve and they will order it for me. fortunately im covered under the 60k warranty and there gonna call me and let me know when the part gets in to setup a appointment. ill let you guys know what happens. ohh one question i have is, should i ask for my diagnostic $100 charge back since this is covered under warranty and they told me if they found out that its covered under warranty i dont have to pay the diagnostics fee.
Old Sep 4, 2008 | 03:06 PM
  #19  
redls1's Avatar
MAXIN' ON
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,310
From: TN
heck yeah get back what you can. Who knows when it will be back in.
Old Sep 4, 2008 | 03:20 PM
  #20  
po8pimp's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,460
From: Bremerton, WA
you know if both your front and side engine mounts were bad then your back one might be bad too. they should have checked when replacing the other two. If you are allmost up on warrenty and you haven't replaced your rotors I highly recommend doing so. That is probably #1 reason for vibrations and shuttering while braking. Mine warped at 20k miles. For a balancing I recommend firestone. They have a lifetime balancing deal for like 150 for the life of owning the car no matter what you do to suspension and tires. Also sounds crazy but you should get a fuel system cleaner and maybe some seafoam spray for your intake manifold. that should fix fuel issues as far as clogging. ECU reset might help also. these transmissions suck in these cars for the most part so you might need to get a new one. Good luck hope I helped out.
Old Sep 4, 2008 | 06:01 PM
  #21  
elitemaxima's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 51
From: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2167277
Originally Posted by po8pimp
you know if both your front and side engine mounts were bad then your back one might be bad too. they should have checked when replacing the other two. If you are allmost up on warrenty and you haven't replaced your rotors I highly recommend doing so. That is probably #1 reason for vibrations and shuttering while braking. Mine warped at 20k miles. For a balancing I recommend firestone. They have a lifetime balancing deal for like 150 for the life of owning the car no matter what you do to suspension and tires. Also sounds crazy but you should get a fuel system cleaner and maybe some seafoam spray for your intake manifold. that should fix fuel issues as far as clogging. ECU reset might help also. these transmissions suck in these cars for the most part so you might need to get a new one. Good luck hope I helped out.
thx for ur advice,
couple of questions:
1)i already replaced rotors once 6 months ago out of pocket, so dont know if i should get those replaced, dealer said they checked them and there good, dk if there right cause car shakes alot when braking and driving and until what mileage is ur rotors warrantied?
2) i always use fuel system cleaners, (like once or twice a month) and whats seaform spray? where do i get it? and how to you use it?
3) is there anyway i can push the dealer to change my transmission? when i took it in yesterday they told me they will check my transmission for clogging and the only thing they told me was messed up is the transmission valve.
4) and are struts warrantied? if so for how long?

im gonna try to milk the dealer for all i can before the warranties are up.
Old Sep 4, 2008 | 06:05 PM
  #22  
elitemaxima's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 51
From: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2167277
ohh and does anyone know where they sell different front bumpers for my max?
Old Sep 5, 2008 | 03:39 AM
  #23  
aaroncv's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 28
Wow it sounds almost word for word the exact same problem I had! I bought my 05 max used in the summer of 06 and it had 8000 miles on it. I thought wow what a good deal!.... what a mistake that was! All the same symptoms u described started happening. I felt like I was kicked in the rear when I accelerated above 45 mph when I was in the 55 mph range everything was ok, it was just that gear switch which seemed to be very harsh. I also noticed the same exact wheel shake u described, almost like I was getting too close to the divider on the road, it was crazy. My check engine light kept turning on for no reason. I brought it into the stealership who couldn't find the problem and gave me the run-around for about a month! They supposedly checked everything until as a last resort was to replace the tranny which they FINALLY did. I can't tell you what a nightmare I went thru dealing with that dealership, most horrible experience ever! I had even more drama then I'm describing here with them but I'll spare you the details. All I have to say is there's a certain stealership in Jersey City that EVERYONE should stay away from. I brought it to another dealership a few months later to check somthing else out. What a night and day experience, the second dealership was amazing compared to the first. While they were doing a check they found that:
A. last dealership had left some wires loose
B: the car, previous to my purchasing it had been in an accident which had never been disclosed to me. I now know I coulda looked up that info online, oh well u live n' learn.
Anyways, long story short. She's Prrrrrin' like a kitten now (knock on wood). Once the tranny was replaced all my issues were resolved.
Old Sep 5, 2008 | 04:40 PM
  #24  
elitemaxima's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 51
From: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2167277
Originally Posted by aaroncv
Wow it sounds almost word for word the exact same problem I had! I bought my 05 max used in the summer of 06 and it had 8000 miles on it. I thought wow what a good deal!.... what a mistake that was! All the same symptoms u described started happening. I felt like I was kicked in the rear when I accelerated above 45 mph when I was in the 55 mph range everything was ok, it was just that gear switch which seemed to be very harsh. I also noticed the same exact wheel shake u described, almost like I was getting too close to the divider on the road, it was crazy. My check engine light kept turning on for no reason. I brought it into the stealership who couldn't find the problem and gave me the run-around for about a month! They supposedly checked everything until as a last resort was to replace the tranny which they FINALLY did. I can't tell you what a nightmare I went thru dealing with that dealership, most horrible experience ever! I had even more drama then I'm describing here with them but I'll spare you the details. All I have to say is there's a certain stealership in Jersey City that EVERYONE should stay away from. I brought it to another dealership a few months later to check somthing else out. What a night and day experience, the second dealership was amazing compared to the first. While they were doing a check they found that:
A. last dealership had left some wires loose
B: the car, previous to my purchasing it had been in an accident which had never been disclosed to me. I now know I coulda looked up that info online, oh well u live n' learn.
Anyways, long story short. She's Prrrrrin' like a kitten now (knock on wood). Once the tranny was replaced all my issues were resolved.

You know what im gonna do to save on the heartache in the future?
once they change the tranny valve im gonna keep telling them i have the same problems in order to push them to change my tranny.
Old Sep 5, 2008 | 04:42 PM
  #25  
po8pimp's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,460
From: Bremerton, WA
go to another dealership and have them fix the transmission problems. I really want you to push this issue because if you don't you will be paying around 4000 for a replacement. As for the seafoam go to shucks or Autozone and ask at the counter they will show you what I am talking about. Amazing stuff. easy to follow instructions on the can. Take your car in for a free inspection from Firestone on your brake system, and do an alignment.
Old Sep 12, 2008 | 05:00 PM
  #26  
elitemaxima's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 51
From: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2167277
K took my car in on wednesday to change the valve body, got it back thursday. drove 60 miles so far and the kicking and surging is gone, yeeepy!!!!
now i dk if i should keep hasseling them to see if i can get them to change my tranny? so i dont come into any problems in the future?

thanks everyone for there help.
Old Sep 14, 2008 | 01:36 AM
  #27  
elitemaxima's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 51
From: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2167277
bump
Old Sep 14, 2008 | 07:46 AM
  #28  
thecritik's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 280
From: On an Island in NY
Originally Posted by elitemaxima
K took my car in on wednesday to change the valve body, got it back thursday. drove 60 miles so far and the kicking and surging is gone, yeeepy!!!!
now i dk if i should keep hasseling them to see if i can get them to change my tranny? so i dont come into any problems in the future?

thanks everyone for there help.
my experience with dealerships has always been a bad one. they usually frown upon people with too many "in warranty" problems or those who know too much. As far as a tranny though, I had a buddy who brought his vehicle in and stated to them the clutch was bad within 20,000 miles. They checked his car called him up and said there is absolutely nothing wrong. They even go as far as to take him for a ride and when the problem is present they say to him, oh it's normal. Needless to say 2 days later the clutch blew out completely. Then they slap him with a $2000 repair bill.

I have lost total confidence in dealerships altogether. I'm researching as of now, the service levels at different manufacturers so that the next car I buy I don't have the problems I've had with my Max. The car can be a piece of junk but when something goes wrong, smile in my face and make me feel fuzzy and at least TRY to fix my car.

I have experienced almost every issue you have spoke about and having the .org to visit hasn't helped because when you have access to this type of information and you go to a dealer service advisor with the 'I already know what my problem is' attitude they get quite upset and the end result is one in which they don't help you. Warranty or not .... Consumer affairs or not ... they all sleep in the same bed.

Sorry to go on a rant but everytime someone mentions dealer and major repair in the same sentence I get all in a tizzy ...

As far as your braking problems, whenever you figure it out let me know. I have done everything but replace the brake lines and mine still get warped after about 7,000 miles.

Last edited by thecritik; Sep 14, 2008 at 07:50 AM.
Old Sep 14, 2008 | 08:19 AM
  #29  
NIKV69's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 819
From: Bay Shore, NY
I have to say I am glad I don't live where you guys do! My dealer is awesome. My 05' has never had any of these problems suffice to say I had a little rattle with my rotors and when I did my brakes I bought drilled and slotted rotors and that went away and my stopping is awesome with no vibration. As for the tranny issue I doubt anyone is going to eat a tranny. Especially since seems nothing is wrong with it. See how it goes and try to find a better dealer. I wouldn't let Pep Boys put air in my tires. Keep posted on tranny issue though.
Old Sep 14, 2008 | 09:41 AM
  #30  
elitemaxima's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 51
From: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2167277
yeh so far the car is ok besides the shaking part...im gonna eventually get that checked and if it comes to it, im gonna change my rotors to ones that are drilled.
Old Sep 14, 2008 | 09:52 AM
  #31  
po8pimp's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,460
From: Bremerton, WA
I have drilled and slotted and had the same issues prior to changing them out. I love my rotors now. Awesome breaking power. Bought mine on ebay and have had them for 2 years+.
Old Sep 14, 2008 | 09:57 AM
  #32  
elitemaxima's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 51
From: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2167277
Originally Posted by po8pimp
I have drilled and slotted and had the same issues prior to changing them out. I love my rotors now. Awesome breaking power. Bought mine on ebay and have had them for 2 years+.
what rotors do u have?
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Lakersallday24
6th Generation Maxima (2004-2008)
10
Jun 16, 2019 01:35 AM
kjlouis
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
11
Nov 24, 2018 06:09 AM
beboski
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
2
Aug 16, 2015 05:23 PM
Trin1j23
5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)
1
Aug 12, 2015 08:31 PM
yat70458
5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)
2
Aug 3, 2015 01:16 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:57 PM.