Okay, there are three things about my oh-so-beloved Maxima that I'm slightly concerned about. Not quite worried, just concerned.

01) When I start my car, the tach shows that my revs go up around 2000rpms, which I've read is normal. However, while it's starting, it makes a noise as if a "switch was on too long." I'll link to a youtube video of a car that makes the same noise.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Awp3gXe-Rs

That guy was a little dumb to rev it so much so cold though.

02) When I'm driving, particularly when it's around 6000rpm+ which is pretty rare, before it shifts, it almost seems like it sits at redline, thinking about it, and then shifts into the next gear. Also, regardless of how high the RPMs run, it almost sounds like it's gargling. Not quite sure why, ha, but that's the best way to explain it.

03) When you shut the car off, as long as it's been running for a few minutes, the whole car shuts down, but then something around the engine sounds like it's still running, and then shuts off very delayed. It almost sounds like somethings spinning...

Sorry for all the typing, these are just the best ways to describe the noises my car makes. Thanks!

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01 -- This is normal. I don't have sound to my speakers at the moment, but you could be hearing the electronic motor mounts.

02 -- Sounds like the TCM or solenoids on your tranny is going out. Which gear is it happening from and to?

03 -- This sound is your electronic motor mounts. It is completely normal.

 

Hey.
Both the gargling noise and the stopping and thinking-type noise happen in first gear. It gargles at a low speed, and while accelerating. For example, from a stop sign to around 25mph, but only while accelerating if I remember correctly.

And it "stops and thinks" a little past the 6 on the tach, and stays for about a second, then shifts, lowers in RPMs, and then they raise again to go to third gear, but then they shift smoothly.

 

Those aren't noises you put in the OP, but I would say the engine is knocking. Try a higher octane of gas and see if it changes.

The tranny slip sounds like the TCM if from second to third. It is easy to replace yourself, but the part can be expensive.

 

Oh, I thought I did put them in there, woops. Also, I use premium at any gas station I go to, so I'm pretty sure that's as high as I can go.

And you could be right, but tomorrow I'll bring my camera and a quality mic out with me, i'll record all three scenarios and post it on here for further analysis just so it all makes more sense.

Thanks for the suggestions and help so far.
Oh, and sorry a newbie question: What does the TCM stand for?

I also need to change my oil. May do that tomorrow, could this be a contributing factor?

 

TCM = transmission control module.

Try a different gas station. The premium fuel at BP makes my car run poorly but the premium at Shell/Conoco makes it epic win.

The oil may not have anything to do with the knocking.

BUT check your transmission fluid and replace it if necessary. (I believe it shows how to do this in the car's owner's manual)

 

Thanks for your replay. I researched some videos of car knocking online, and the sound my car was making was a little different. We changed the oil today and the noise went away. The transmission still pauses then the car sorta has a jerk feel, but not bad. Just slight, not worrying about it so far though. Just curious as to why. Love it to death.

 

POST

 

Here's a video that has a good sound of the start. You can hear the odd spinning a little, but it wouldn't do it as I shut off the car. Generally, the RPM's also start at a higher RPM then it did tonight. (Drove the car for about 20 minutes.)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezgfQig0cXg

 

BUMP.

 

sounds like the shaft in your starter is not moving freely

the sound after you shut off then engine most likely the engine mounts

 

Thanks for the reply. Are these two things that I should try to get fixed and be concerned about, or are they normal problems and could the Max live with them for a little while without damage?

 

I wont say they are normal, but if they are not getting worse and youre fine with them then dont bother.