☰
GET A QUOTE

Q: Experiencing intermittent transmission issues

asked by on September 29, 2016

So the transmission issues started when going uphill over 40mph, causing the car to go into "safemode" which locks it into 4th. Restarting the car puts it back into first. Then the transmission became slow to shift from 1-2 and 2-3 automatically, but I can slide it over to manual and forceshift just fine. SES light on. Took it in for diagnostics and was told the problem is internal (as in, they don't know) , and it needs a new $6k tranny. Decided to drive her til she's done. Found Bar's Leak AT repair, put it in and the problems stopped, light went off on its own. Fluid was low when I added the Bar's Leak, now a couple weeks later fluid is low again and the problems are coming back, light is back on. Cannot find a leak anywhere, not getting into oil or coolant. Where is the fluid going and do I just keep adding to keep the transmission going as long as I can? Not looking to dump a bunch of money into her, just need the car to run for a few more months.

My car has 131600 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Recommended Services

Smell in the car Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Transmission fluid is leaking Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Or For Any Other Auto Repairs Get a Quote

Hello.

If your vehicle is losing transmission fluid and there is no noticeable leaks then it may be possible that the transmission is burning the fluid.

I would check the fluid for any signs that the transmission may be burning the fluid, any hints of a burning smell or excessively dark fluid.

If that is the case, and you wish to continue driving the vehicle, you will have to continue adding fluid as you drive. If this is indeed the case, also keep in mind that the issue will likely worsen until the transmission eventually fails.

If you decide to get it fixed, consider YourMechanic, as one of our mobile technicians can come to your home or office to pinpoint the transmission leak firsthand and help you fix it accordingly.

Nissan
fluids
transmissions
Maxima
2005
V6-3.5L
leaks
shifting
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Power steering problems.
While steering wheel fluid cleaning is common in other vehicles, your Toyota Yaris is instead equipped with what is known as electronic assist steering. This means there is no fluid to flush or clean. Instead of looking at the steering...
Read more
Oil in the water
If you open the oil cap and see a white moisture on the top of it, you may have a head gasket cracked. A block test should be performed to verify a head gasket crack. If you would like to...
Read more
Rear end squeaking noise
Hello. It is possible that the axle bearings are causing the squeaking noise that you hear, but axle bearings usually make a roaring or humming noise. Another possibility is that the rear brakes are low and causing a squeaking noise...
Read more
P2173 error code related to AIR DOOR ACTUATOR?
Hello. The ETC (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-are-the-different-codes-that-can-light-up-on-my-dashboard) and ESC (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-does-the-electronic-stability-control-esc-warning-light-mean-by-spencer-cates) lights are likely not related to your air door actuator. The air door actuator is an AC component, and not really connected to the electronic throttle control or stability control systems. The ETC...
Read more
Battery was replaced. In the morning when crunk to let warm up, after 2 min. It shuts off. When going to restart it takes a minute
This may be likely related to what is called an idle air control valve/module. This unit regulates the air flow into the motor at idle or low speeds as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the...
Read more
The ABS and VSS lights are on!
Your car is equipped with wheel speed sensors at each of the four wheels which monitor wheel speed while relaying this information constantly to the ABS and traction control system which are controlled by the car's ECU. When the ECU...
Read more
Installed new front calipers on my car and they keep sticking
Check to be sure the mounting bracket (torque plate) for each caliper is not bent and that the sliding bushings/pins on the caliper/torque plate assembly are free and move easily. If you have rear drum brakes, there is a metering...
Read more
Cracked Manifold
Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. If there is a crack in the exhaust manifold, there will be a tick noise or a smell of exhaust emission under the car. For the jerking motion, that would have to do with...
Read more
Hi my belts squeels randomly when I turn my car on. Today for the first time while I was driving it started to squeel, what could
Noise of that type is often due to a failed or failing bearing in one of the pulleys or accessories (e.g., alternator, water pump, A/C compressor) that is driven by the serpentine belt, the belt is not properly tensioned, or...
Read more

Related articles

What Causes Leakage in the Shock Absorbers?
Every car, truck, and utility vehicle sold today has at least one shock absorber (informally known as a shock) for each of its...
Read more
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Nissan Xterra
The The 2012 Nissan Xterra is designed for those who want a true sport utility that can still handle off-road driving with ease. Built on the same F-Alpha platform seen in the Titan and Frontier trucks, the Xterra also sports...
Read more
How to Replace a Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
A few signs of a faulty power steering fluid reservoir include the smell of power steering fluid burning and a whining noise while turning.
Read more

Browse other content

Estimates
Cars
Cities
Maintenance