Can we fix my $250 Nissan Maxima for $60? *Catastrophic Failure*

[@drewrivera1766]

I had an 01 Maxima a couple of years back and had a very similar problem, it turned out to be a bad MAF sensor. Replaced it and it ran perfect!

[@christopherhamilton5557]

It would be worth a shot!

[@AVC-Works]

MAF sensor's indeed can give all kinds of strange issues

[@christopherhamilton5557]

The way the car acts, would lead me to believe that it is an electronic problem not a broken transmission. However, I am not a mechanic by any means. C’mon Randy! Dig a bit more! You rebuilt swamp Vette! You’d rather save a Chrysler 300 with the 2.7 liter (yuck) engine? That’s probably ruined? “Auto Auction Rebuilds”, you gotta commit to the bit! Also, good to see you wrenching again… 👍

[@ItsaRomethingeveryday]

Same thoughts here

[@ItsaRomethingeveryday]

I almost wonder how plugged the air cleaner is on this one

[@AVC-Works]

Don't give up Randy. This is content we like to see.... Please check the MAF sensor

[@Kirawolf1971]

Also check the IAC. Idle Air Control valve on the throttle body.

[@br549rdr]

I agree. Had a 2000 and it would do this on cold starts. Ran perfect after car warmed up. Changed IAC it fixed it.

[@alexiszubia2279]

Check the catalyst, I had a problem on my maxima (2007) in the “transmission” because it didn't work well because the catalyst was covered and did not let the gases out of the engine. Finally, remove the bad catalyst and it worked perfectly. maybe is your problem

[@christopherhamilton5557]

The 2000-2003 were the last of the “good maximas”. They definitely went downhill after these years. Not sure about the newest gens, but they have CVT’s.

[@miguelvega7769]

Right because I love my GLE 2003. Easy to work on and looks good overall

[@GodLovesYou4444]

I definitely agree my 3.0 is bulletproof

[@christopherhamilton5557]

@@miguelvega7769 my 2002 has definitely seen better days cosmeticly, paints faded, leather is worn, etc, but she still gets down the road and will outrun or at least keep up with a lot of so called performance cars. Rolling into that throttle still puts a smile on my face, and I’ve had it since 2004.

[@larryvercher9809]

Reset your computer after changing a part like that.

[@mikeclay9918]

@@miguelvega7769 ya that the one I have.other than some sensor issues it runs like a bat outta hell

[@Flanker84]

My friend. I got a 2001 Maxima and it used to got the same codes that in yours. The P1320 is not a problem with the coils, the problem is with the IGNITION CONDENSER (located in the main harness just above Cylinder4) and the P0300 can be caused by dirty fuel injectors. I almost sended my baby to the junkyard thanks to that codes that caused rough idle when you put the car in gear. You can still save her man!

[@jonathanberry8255]

It is probably the ignition coils, on those they have a specific type of coils to use, and on the wire harness there is a ignition condenser on the wire harness that might need to be changed as well

[@WthaHatchet]

Definitely seen that problem from the vehicle speed sensor being faulty. Known issue with DE-K cars. Clean sensor or replace. Easy fix. Weirdly the MAF can cause the same issue but is less common. Id try the vehicle speed sensor.

[@rogermartinez78]

More common than you think my friend, especially if you keep the car for 20 years like me, I had to replace my MAF sensor to fix a problem similar to this dude in my 2K Maxima.

[@WthaHatchet]

@@rogermartinez78 Not nearly as common as the VSS. Ive seen it a bunchhhhh. Maf too but like you said it takes 20 years. VSS would fail when dirty 😆 Not just broken and with in years not decades.

[@rogermartinez78]

@@WthaHatchet you are talking to a guy who still owns his 2K Maxima and I have had my MAF failed, and when it does its gradual with zero check engine light. When you keep a car this long you will have a few issues and I have, also I did reply VSS with a dealer bought part and that did not fix the issue, but replacing the MAF did!

[@WthaHatchet]

@@rogermartinez78 Doesn't really prove your point at all. Its 20 years old lol. Both parts fail. One more than the other. Both easy to replace. Replace most common or test if not replace other or test and replace. Have a nice day. 🙂

[@WthaHatchet]

@@rogermartinez78 Ps I own a 2002 Infiniti I35 still too. 😎

[@P.R.lover71]

Randy...chech and clean the MAF...the trans also uses the MAF also for the trans...its also could be the reason for the misfires also..the ECU is not reading correctly from the MAF and causing that issue. Also check the PCV valve..had a car doing the same thing and it was a stuck PCV valve...but anyways good luck....and greetings from Puerto Rico....watch you vids all the time

[@markfreeman7392]

I have a '99 Maxima, with essentially the same drive train. I had a shop pull the transmission to repair an engine oil leak. When I got the car back, the transmission did this exact same thing. With nearly 250,000 miles on the clock, I feared the transmission was done. A deep Internet dive led me to check the shift linkage. It turned out that while the shifter showed it in "Drive," it was actually half-way between drive and neutral. A 30 second cable adjustment fixed it. I've gone another 1,000+ miles since, and NO issues. May not be YOUR issue, but it is a place to look.

[@thevacdude]

The last good Maxima were these. They weren't the same after. Thanks for the video, Randy.

[@toolzshed]

Randy you should hire an assistant to organize the projects and keep you on a schedule 😂 if you're hiring let me know 😁👍🏾

[@bernardheight6871]

I owe a 2000 max had same misfire had to replace all 6 coil packs and plugs. Change mass air flow and best to change all shift solenoids now I am at 400k miles and counting .

[@michaelgilbert2357]

Yes she's worth it please don't give up I got a 2000 GLS non spoiler striped Nissan Maxima best damn car I've owned since my gen 1 1980 Toyota supra u will go through 3 transmissions before the the engine gives out yes I had to get another used transmission but been okay ever since

[@jimmyjimjims7483]

A long time ago I had the exact same Maxima in pearl white, the intake gaskets leak and cause it to refuse to idle until warm (in which case they begin to seal shut with heat and the car will progressively idle better). I tried a new MAF, cleaning the throttle, cleaned the IAC, camshaft sensor, etc. It's those gaskets, it's a very common issue on these after 140k miles and it solved all my other issues once I changed them. Beyond that I can't wait to see the Citation get cleaned up and painted!

[@rogermartinez78]

By the time I had this issue you mentioned I had already installed a wide band o2 sensor in my exhaust so I was able to diagnose that I had a leaky manifold gaskets.

[@ryanravencaller]

Willing to bet with the throttle sensor causing it to stall out, since you can restart automatics in neutral, It got dropped from neutral to drive while being revved to keep it running, and or maybe they two footed it at stops to keep it running and burned out the clutch packs in the transmission, very harsh firm first gear shift says a lot, Maybe I’m completely wrong, But we’ll never know. very sad for this little car to say the least, This car was before this cvt nonsense of 2007.

[@thomasbossman]

Randy this maxima needs a crank shaft position sensor and AutoZone sensor's won't work on this engine that's why the car dies I had an 2003 with the 3.5L engine . It would drive then shut off.

[@fasteddy917]

Not every one is a success. Given the number you have brought back letting one go to save others makes sense to me. Great video once again. So many out there waiting for you.

[@chrish352]

This brings back so many memories, my 02 would do the same shifting BS. Never did figure it out, after 4 new transmissions and running out of warranty money, Nissan bought it back.

[@dwightsmith859]

Had one of those cars with the same problem. The pins on the connector to the abs pump gets loose and causes a bad connection which caused it to limp out. Open up the pins to get a tighter connection. That solved my problem.

[@russell11fitzgerald]

If both sensors still throw the same code check the wiring for the sensor omeit out check for resistance stop just throwing parts at it

[@toolzshed]

I don't think it's the transmission, it's going into limp mode for some reason 🤔

[@chrisnewman6406]

A lot of vehicles take several drive cycles to relearn idle strategy after replacing TPS

[@kerrjason8537]

Cam sensors mass air flow coolant temp sensor.

[@beezy364]

I ended up junking my maxima for this same problem. I thought it was throttle sensor too. Definitely curious to see the problem is.

[@juliobabilonia1388]

You will need to place a volt meter on the leads of the TPS sensor and adjust the new TPS sensor to read as closest to12 volts for it to ride smoothly

[@Minecraft_brothers69]

Why is a Nissan maxima acting like a 2009 Malibu is the universe trying to tell us something😳

[@CarlosSTech]

To adjust the TPS you need use electrical tester on oms and it needs to be .5 volts closed and 4.85v when full thottle use the signal wire for positive and negative to a ground and adjust as needed to you get voltage right @auto auction rebuilds

[@subarulegacy4203]

As many as iv changed iv never done that iv only ajusted them and they work perfectly fine

[@dgxldegamersxl6404]

Randy never give up on a car they will be back alive sometime

[@rogermartinez78]

Listen to the people who comment on replacing the MAF sensor my friend! Cost to fix both the shift solenoid and MAF sensor was less $500 if you do the work yourself, at least for me it did!

[@bradgilpin9740]

The 02 03 Maxima with the VQ35DE and 6 speed is the best generation. Well to me it is. It’s maybe not as reliable but a great 4 door sedan. I bought one with a blown head gasket and in the process of rebuilding it.

[@richroj]

great video Randy, you did your best with the car and I commend you for it. you can't always bring all of them back. you are one of the hardest working people I know 👍👍

[@bfromo747]

Randy I was having issues with my nissan murano. Thinking it was the tps and other things. Turns out it was some simple. It was the air breather hose had cracks and holes I didn't see. That was the problem the whole tim. It did simular things that yours is doing. Maf sensor could cause so.e of the same issues as well.

[@cdman78564]

If it has a separate TCM it uses the crank sensor Data to determine shift points if it has long crank time and shift issues something to Look at.

[@priesttaylor7419]

The reason trans isn’t shifting is the speed sensor at the wheel I promise you I’ve had 10 of those

[@AiXtz]

could be a weak fuel pump. Injectors not getting enough fuel hence possible misfire then the limp mode

[@ezesrebuilds1174]

Literally to the 1% who's reading this, God bless you, and may your dreams come true, stay safe and have a wonderful day.

[@dfields9511]

I have a 2001 maxima, my son was driving it one day at college and he came to a stop and the car just shutoff, started right back up but as soon as you put in Drive it stalls again. Later I came to visit . He had some help pushing it to the side of the road out of the way. I came up there and started it and it idled find until it warmed up and put in gear. my scanner had no codes for it. I just SWAG , l of it disconnected the TPS and it idled at 1800 rpms and stayed running. He then was able to drive it 1/2 mile back to apartment where it was parked for 10 days until I could come up next. What I did next was with my scanner verified the TPS was fine. and it was. I wasn't going to do anything with the Idle Air Control . I then did a quick and dirty Throttle Body cleaning with a shop towel, tooth brush and TB Cleaner. this was after I removed the Air box to get to it. I also shook out the filter. which didn't look good. Put it all back together and it idled fine even after warming up. drove it a little in parking lot and it was ok. since I was alone I didn't want to risk getting stuck I just parked it back, and also put in a bottle of high mileage Fuel Injector cleaner. in tank. about a week later had time to go back to evaluate driving it 2 hours back home. during this time we had gotten better newer used car. were were unknown what to do with the maxima at that point. but was willing to give it a gamble. Since I noticed the Air filter didn't look good I had ordered a $5 air filter from amazon and just change it out. it couldn't hurt, and if it didn't help I would only be out $5. anyways. drove it around after that some and then proceeded to drive 2 hours to my home. and it made it not even a check engine light. before this all started, I was going to do a front brake pad replacement and rear struts replacement and had already purchased the struts (2 rear quick struts $72 off amazon, when they came it was really Duralast brand however on amazon they were branded as TOPAZ. the same identical parts if purchased at AZ would of been 212 instead of 72. so what I really think caused it to stall out was a clogged air filter and or some dirtyness in the TB plate the car has 243k miles and has had a transmission code p0744 for 4 years now living 2 bottles of Lucas in addition to a 3x drain fill of ATF to get it to move under its own power. and has been drive 41k miles after it started.

[@dfields9511]

Shift Solenoids block ? see NTB00-039d power steering fluid leak onto exhaust was the smoke ?

[@jonah8961]

You gave it an all American try. Atleast we know what it might need. We can't win them all .

[@brandongomez6172]

Having similar issues with my 2000 se maxima and when driving without rubber duct on throttle body (only way it runs and stays idling) the car won’t go past 2k rpm’s and sounds like crazy misfire. But doesn’t seem to have issues shifting NO HARD SHIFTS

[@brandongomez6172]

Drove the car in the freeway and it shifted all gears fine cruised in 60 wouldn’t go past 70 before it started jerking and sounding like a misfire. Same thing when I take off around 20 mph and 2k

[@wizeonez6418]

there is a transgo shift kit that might fix that transmission, check it out. around $50 bucks online.

[@jeremyTallen1]

I threw a bunch of sensors at an Nissan Altima with the same kind of issues and it never did shift right. I swore off anything with the CVT after that

[@tommyhall2768]

Good luck hope you an family are doing great. Buddy see you soon

[@nicholasprofeta1179]

Randy you shouldn’t buy anymore cars until they up for sale just trying to help out . I had a 1992 Sabaru Legacy it was my grandmas she passed away in March 17 2003 she gave me her car. It sat in my driveway for years it needed a battery 2011 we tried to start it fired right up. It needed a lot of work to be done to the Car. I got rid of it. Awesome video 😎😎

[@jamesjohnson9483]

Yes MAF sensor

[@mrbrooks9969]

Thanks for making these videos, all the content is great, plus the good comment section.

[@fowlermichaele]

I own two 4th generation cars, one is straight gas(petrol), and the other is propane and gas(petrol), and yeah, I have replaced the coils and MAF sensor in both, crikey mate, poor man front wheel drive Skylines now, 32 mpg now, or better, at 25 mph no bullshit mate 👍

[@marvinshenk]

I have a 2011 Accord, and the starter motor was going bad. If it took more than 1 second to start, the car ran like total crap. No acceleration, misfiring, etc. Put a new starter in and it runs like new.

[@realmac3k]

When I had an 2003 Maxima the crankshaft position sensor needed to be replaced. It would die randomly in stop and go traffic. That was in 2008, faulty design at its finest.

[@larryvercher9809]

It doesn't seem like you want to put any effort into anything you do man you got to work on the damn thing to get it running s***

[@larryvercher9809]

That's the best car out all of you have rest of them are junk

[@realmac3k]

@@larryvercher9809 Ironically my 2016 SV has been free of major problems at 73k miles and I saw the 2003 model 6 years ago on a salvage yard online with 196k miles. Wrecked due to flood damage. So you have a point with proper care they can last a long time. Even the cvt models.

[@gtflips]

Love the content like always Randy !

[@bungeycord5971]

Looks like someone kicked the front quarter panel. Previous owner who got tired of it ?

[@stephenbailey1485]

Did you try replacing the mass flow air sensor that can also cause it to misfire and not right because I have a 08 impala LT that had the same issue and it was the mass flow air sensor

[@andrewherrera2736]

Did it actually blew a gasket while sitting or did the waterpump took a dump?

[@brandongomez6172]

Any help ? Before I change the VSS AND MAF my only codes are showing

[@frijolero6411]

I have one I bought it for 400 I just swapped out one coil pack and it ran normal and it’s been my daily I recently resealed the engine and put in a vortex suppercharger

[@Michael_MJ]

MAF? Check all vacuum hoses and add fuel octane cleaner fluid?

[@r50nation42]

These use a different intake from the Maximas from 1995 to 1999, 2000 they upgraded the intake

[@ALEXGAMES439]

Shift solenoid going from 2nd to 3rd gear. Change that and it'll be fine.

[@جميلةاغسطس-ع7ه]

Check the crank pulley and the vvt solenoid

[@dna59]

I had a similar issue with mine with the transmission, turned out to just be that it needed a fluid and filter change.

[@r50nation42]

Good content with this maxima Im an auto technician myself for Nissan Infiniti and let me tell you if I was you I would fully restore the car and maybe sell it the engine alone can last over 400 to 500,000 miles pretty much stock i’ve seen a VQ30 DE with 499,999 on KZbin..

[@stevec2196]

My friend's Maxima had several bad fuel injectors so I would check them.

[@slooob23]

Check the coils, if it's missing bad due to several bad coils then it will go into limp mode. Coils are a weak point on this model.

[@ItsaRomethingeveryday]

Believe or not, bad plugs and wires did cause or transmission to shift rough, after changing them it hasn't shifted rough since

[@Oscarch2306]

I would try to fix it, it might be a vacuum leak, bad spark plugs or Maf sensor.

[@adityadharni5027]

P1320 is ignition coils, had all the same problems you had

[@heroknaderi]

Keep trying man. I enjoy your videos: I would try to replace the ignition coil and also try flushing the transmission too.

[@gilron9585]

nice video. why not send it directly to junkyard. I think you get the same money after fees etc..

[@brianmontes4211]

Good morning Randy!!! Subscriber since 2017

[@dannycohen8870]

My family had a 2006 chevy equinox with the 3.4L v6 which was the only engine option in 06 and we put 125,000 miles on the damn thing until it got totaled in a acident 5 years ago and we loved it it was the best family car we ever had until we got our chevy traverse. also our 19 traverse has almost 22,000 miles on it we don't drive it that much because the best mpg we got out of it was 19.2 mpg

[@ryanravencaller]

We have a 2011 traverse with 186,000 miles on it, we only use full synthetic oil and we get it done before the dash indicator says to since GM put out a service bulletin saying not to go by that, Still on the original chains and we take it from rhode island and back and drive it daily around the city

[@1984Cutlass2nv]

Maybe it's a defective part. Bad transmission wouldn't cause it to idle weird.

[@dakotawiden3728]

Randy my dad had a 97 that would do that and all he done was had the intake cleaned along with the throttle body.

[@pracruz88]

Could be mass air flow sensor, cam sensor, transmission shift solenoids, ignition coils?

[@r1986-FRP]

I have seen several times in your neighbour's garden and in your videos, an Audi A6 which looks a lot like the one you had. Is it yours?

[@benl4707]

just a heads up with older nissan Hitachi is oem.

[@justinbailey6515]

Same tranny issues with my 2000. Had wiring harness replaced, speed sensor and it would run for awhile before going into limp mode. Used it for in town travel but did not trust it for long trips.

[@2003cobramustang]

I was hoping that sensor would fix it but i guess you can’t fix them all bummer!

[@elaineg7443]

This one’s perfect for the mail lady!

[@aksgarage3230]

Hey Randy the plate in the transmission may have broken metal lines going to a shift solenoid.

[@Glock23rtf]

change the fuel pump on the tractor look for cracked fuel lines only problems I've had with mine

[@larryvercher9809]

Tighten the ground cable for starters. What fight?????

[@antwon7522]

I see starter, 1 lift, 1 man ,tools,and a diagnostic machine he has never shown.

[@DairwoodBarton27]

Transmission speed sensor and revolution sensor to just went through all of this on my 2002 Nissan Maxima

[@DairwoodBarton27]

Both sensors are really easy to change they are just right behind the driver’s tire strut You just have to take the tire off

[@Ticncae]

Check spark plugs ? clean the maf pleeeez

[@jeffbarnes54]

Send it back to Auction

[@DocMackGarage]

Does the Ford Model T horn go ahuuuugaaa

[@chrisg998]

Would a vacuum leak cause the idle issue. Like a bad one, have you looked for one?

[@five6viiate]

Maxima's of this generation are known for bad fuel gauges as well - could be out of gas as well.

[@1217257]

Try shifting in manual mode If it doesn’t shift-it a trans issue

[@bobbyray7978]

Randy great video. Brother you did best you can on the old girl you can't save them all but be proud of trying and giving them a little more life then they had before you got them

[@gsgangganggang6445]

You think you would check the fluids

[@dave3657]

I had a throttle position sensor go bad and died while driving. ??

[@neilmurphy845]

That trans is definitely broken sounds like a bad clutch It could be a dirty MAF sensor as well

[@dextermorgan4337]

He should pull the transmission pan and see how bad it is

[@neilmurphy845]

@@dextermorgan4337 Ya you might get lucky

[@AVC-Works]

clutch?

[@robertbanter5199]

Whatever happened to the Chevelle you took on Power Tour

[@amerrushdi5077]

thanks..... but more time can solve the problem ......check other sensors.......

[@fogguy2530]

I learned how to drive by driving one of those riding mowers.

[@darkwing4475]

It is a safe bet that the craftsman tractor will come back to life,, check the oil,,, Check for compression,, check for spark,, squirt a gas/oil chainsaw fuel in the spark plug hole,, and see it it will fire,, if it starts but will not start normally, then clean the carb,, If there is a solenoid on the bottom of the carb,, make sure it works when power is applied,, Watch mustie videos,, 🙂

[@baitse7676]

Sure, you can do it!

[@eddierawling6646]

Def try the mag sensor I have a 02 altimeter with the 3.5