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Nissan Altima Owners: Meet the Members

84 messages,  Last post on Jan 20, 2013 at 1:44 PM

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What is this discussion about? Nissan Altima, Sedan

Messages Page 9 of 9

#74 of 84 2001 Auto Transmission by michael1970

Nov 09, 2005 (6:46 pm)

I've got a 2001 Altima GXE (Limited Edition). I bought it used (one of those certified used cars) with 35 thousand miles. The first thing I noticed while taking a test drive was the auto transmission hunting for gears at any speed. Never mind if I was doing 15 or 65 mph, the transmission did not seem to be able to decide what to do and why.
I drive a lot (about 40K miles a year) but at the same time I maintain my cars religiously. The trans fluid gets flushed and filled every 15 thousand miles, I only use Castrol Syntec 5W-30, new platinum tip spark plugs and new wiring every 30 thousand miles (just in case... I don't want to get stuck on a highway in the middle of nowhere...).
The Nissan dealer tells me that this seems to be within the norm (whatever this norm is: they did not let me know about that) but I say it certainly doesn't fit within their "norms" when you think about legendary Nissan's reliability.
My wife has a 2000 Sentra GXE with almost 120K miles and the car shifts effortlessly, smoothly and never searches for the right gear.
The problem seems to escalate during rainy weather or right before drastic changes in athmospheric pressure (honestly, it's like the car has a blood pressure problem). It seems to ease up when the weather's dry.
I'm due for the next trans fluid exchange and (since the tranny's covered by 100K-mile extended warranty) I'm thinking that I should really make the dealer drive this car and do something about because in spite of what I had been told this is NOT NORMAL!
Does anyone else have the same kind of a problem? Perhaps, you were able to fix it and if so, how was that done?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Mike
(I still love this car - the transmission drives me a little insane though...)

#75 of 84 Transmission by gsemike

Nov 17, 2005 (12:50 pm)

If it was doing it on the test drive, why did you buy it? It sounds like you've put 65k on the car and want to complain about it now? If it hasn't failed, maybe it is annoying but normal.

#76 of 84 Re: Transmission [gsemike] by michael1970

Mar 09, 2006 (10:08 am)

Replying to: gsemike (Nov 17, 2005 12:50 pm)
First of all, Dude: I didn't put 65K on the car. You've got it confused with my wife's Sentra. Secondly, I do not need your advice on buying and test driving cars. I was simply asking if anyone else has been experiencing the same kind of behavior of the tranny on this particular model/year Altima.
If you don't know jack about it, why voice your opinion?

#77 of 84 Transmission [michael1970] by arizonai

Nov 03, 2006 (6:16 pm)

Replying to: michael1970 (Mar 09, 2006 10:08 am)
Hey Mike,
 
I started having the same problem. I bought it used with 85K on it, its a 2002. It wasn't happening for the first 4K I put on it. The only thing that happened lately is the battery died and the computer reset. I just hope it isn't going to get worse, because can't afford a new transmission.

#78 of 84 What a great car by lightwave25

Jan 13, 2007 (11:51 am)

I had an 05 Altima for two years and recently turned it in a leased an 06 Altima. It's such a great car for the money. I love how powerful the 4 cylinder is compared to other gas savers. I also love the looks of the car. It looks as good or better than many "luxury" sedans. The 07 looks even better, but I am very happy with my 06. Pictures of my 05 are in my photo album and I'll try to get some of my 06 soon.

#79 of 84 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 Automatic by norwestgal

Dec 11, 2007 (4:29 pm)

Does anyone know or have you heard anything about the automatic transmission sticking when you want the car to go into reverse? My mom has a 2005 Altima 2.5 (purchased brand new in 05). She now has almost 50k miles on it but recently she has had to physically press the transmission release button (built internal into the gear shift box) frequently when she wants to reverse the car. She uses a small pin to press this button and then the transmission is released so that she can shift it into any setting/gear. This inability to shift into reverse can happen at any time and can take several seconds before the gear releases and allows her to shift into another gear) Please post your knowledge. This has become very annoying.
 
Thank you all in advance

#80 of 84 Overdrive in 2005 Nissan Altima 3.5 liter Automatic by senaslaughter

Sep 03, 2012 (7:38 am)

My car stays in D all the time. On the shifter there is park, reverse, neutral, and drive, then to the right is another notch with a + and -, when I put it over there it shows a 1 on my panel instead of a D. Nothing seems to happen if I put it in the + position or the - and as soon as I let go it goes into the middle between those and stays on 1 on my panel, so no idea what they are for. I figure 1 is like 1st gear, but where do I turn my overdrive off if I'm driving in the city or on hills and mountains?

#81 of 84 2013 3.5 SL by mtpete

Sep 04, 2012 (8:19 pm)

Hi all,
 
Purchased a new Altima, loaded with everything but navigation.
 
Very pleased with the car to date - exceptional MPG (see my other posting), outstanding acceleration and braking/handling, very good interior - the NASA 'zero gravity' seats are wonderful and heated. So is the steering wheel, a nice touch.
 
The air conditioning is something that has to be experienced to be believed. In 100 degree weather you have to turn it DOWN. I've never experienced anything like that.
 
So, what's not to love? 40mpg on the highway with this level of performance is very competitive.
 
Interestingly you can see where they put their money the more you study the car. I mean this in a complimentary way; I don't see the need for hood struts or trunk lid struts.
 
My only complaint? Some of the buttons on the center stack are odd and things don't match up in harmony like they could. Also the woodgrain plastic is very nice, but why isn't it on the surrounding plastics on the center stack? The ones they use are different from each other and look a little 'overlooked'.
 
Wish list? Well, a sport suspension would be nice. I really wish the orange/copper exterior color didn't go away, and that orange leather seats were available. I would have paid MORE for the car to get those. Are you listening, Nissan?

#82 of 84 Excessive gas consumption, stumped by culley

Sep 05, 2012 (5:17 pm)

Hello
I have a 1995 Nissan Altima, 195000 miles, it has gone from an ave of 22mpg to 48 miles per quarter tank, this started about 2 months ago, last month, i changed the air and fuel filter, plugs and wires, and the engine doesn't miss... no change, I've had the codes shot, ignition on, and running, the only code is a knock sensor, I would appreciate any help
 
Thanks

#83 of 84 Something wired wrong by culley

Sep 05, 2012 (5:26 pm)

Good day,
 
Another issue, electrical, 1995 Altima, when i start my car, the marker lights and taillights come on, with my headlights on, if i cut the car off, the stereo, lights, windshield wipers all stay on until i turn the headlights off, could someone tell me which wires to look for
 
 thanks

Messages Page 9 of 9

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