Hi guys, long time (used to be a multiple time 4th gen owner for those of you who may remember me)

There is a new family that moved to my church from Ukraine who just picked up a used 04 Maxima with 13x,xxx miles (if I remember correctly). For what they paid, I would say it's a decent first car when moving to a new country.

Anyway, my father and the new owner asked me for my help as I've owned two Maxima's (and currently am on my second Infiniti M model) but I'm not sure.

They had it on the lift and put the car into drive and after rolling along for a few minutes the car started to buck (RPM drop) and the wheels would stop, then start again, etc. New owner said when he was driving it back from when they picked it up it seemed to do the same thing, like forcibly breaking the car and then easing up.

The car DOES have codes for P0300 (random misfire), P1271 and P1281...the latter two of which I attributed to AF possibly being off from the misfire? He already changed the front 3 spark plugs (they were BAD) and is probably going to change the back 3...not sure if we need coilpacks yet. But the main question is what is the car doing with the stopping and starting of the wheels rolling on the lift? That's new to me, no car I've ever had on a lift has done that.

Hope he didn't get himself into a pickle with a car that is going to require thousands to get running right (new cats, coilpacks, various sensors, etc.). That would suck.

 

No one?

 

Was the transmission scanned for codes? If none, I guess there are internal issues in the transmission. You might end up with a replacement.

 

Hmm, I'm unfamiliar with that process. How does one scan the transmission for codes?

 

A scan tool that has the capability to scan the tcm.

 

Hmm, interesting. I wonder if my OBD-II BT scanner that I use for my M56x can do that. Never tried before hah.

 

One more thing. Since it's a 2004, you didn't disclose if it was 4-speed or 5-speed tranny. You may post the VIN.

 

Sorry to be so blunt, but based on Bluebook, this car is worth maybe between $800 and $1800 (tradin to retail) in the condition you've mentioned. If it's not a $50 sensor with free labor to install, I'd convince them to scrap this thing and get something more reliable. Seriously, look up the Edmunds.com resale value and show it to them.

 

Serious food for thought.

 

I'll see if I can get that info and get an update on the car in general as he's been tinkering with it (changed the ATF, etc.).

He paid within the top portion of that range but this seller was sneaky and cleared the CEL before they came. My dad is older (late 60's) and this guy is an immigrant so neither of them knew enough to check for that. Kinda wish I had gone because I would have knocked off a ton on the price.

Do these codes on the ECM suggest a generally larger issue?

Thanks for the posts guys.

 

One thing is clear, plugs and coil packs on both banks will have to be addressed to resolve the misfire codes. But it's more important to know the state of the transmission and the model: RE4F04B or RE5F22A.

 

Got it. Will provide that once I get the information. Thank you.

 

Early year 6th gens are notorious for transmission problems as well as timing chain issues.

 

So, I couldn't find the VIN plate I'm used to seeing in the engine bay of a car but it's the slapshift version so I'm assuming it's 5AT. I know usually on that plate (as it does on my M56) it will also listed the model of the transmission. The driver side door jam also didn't have that sticker with some other info which is weird...was that just how it was in 2004? I remember my 1999 having it.

Also, he changed the spark plugs (rear too) and they were just as bad as the front (MASSIVE gap) and looks like the misfires have ceased (no CEL). I haven't had a chance to scan the car to see if the other two codes are pending or not but will soon.

At that time I'll see if my BT scanner picks up the TCM too, but I don't think it does.

 

Wow. That car has sure seen better days. I believe the car documents should have the VIN. If it's 5AT he should note to use Nissan Matic-K ATF.

 

Easy way tell to 4 spd vs 5 spd.

4 spd looks like this...



5 spd looks like this...

 

Yep. He has a 5AT.

He's installing a new radiator today I think and will start driving the car to see what else is needed. That car has definitely seen better days...they (my father and him) did a REALLY bad job looking it over and evidently previous owner (who's a major **** by the way - if you're on here you should be ashamed of yourself!) ran into a curb or something because the subframe is bent (luckily not cracked) on the driver side right behind the bumper...at least I believe that's the subframe.

Other than the transmission and small cosmetic things, not much else wrong with the car now. Spark plugs were probably NEVER changed as they had a gap the size of 5 stacked quarters. Surprised the car even drove/started they were that bad.

Needed some TLC but for a first car after moving to a new country...could be worse. Could be a $200 Geo or something.