I Won the Worst Nissan Altima v6 Ever! Here's Why it Sucks!

[@jonathanberry8255]

As a nissan enthusiast I own 2 of those L31 Nissan Altima SE-R (special editions) I know all about those cars the positive battery terminal is a fusible link, check there first before you dive into the alternator a BITCH to do on those cars, if the transmission is stuck in 5th gear it is the camshaft position sensor is a issue it will put it into a limp mode that does not have a CVT it is a 5 speed RE5F22A the valve body might needs to be cleaned it's a relatively simple job and the valve body is $175 new shipped you will get your money back for it

[@gregcromer8406]

If I owned it, I would replace the alternator, battery, and shift solenoid. I had an Infiniti that had the same symptoms and that resolved them all. Those engines are solid but leak oil.

[@statixbolt]

Hah and coolant.

[@RicardoPCGamer]

I would put an Alternator on it. And the transmission might shift properly. Nissans are pretty picky and with it being fly by wire, it's probably not working right because the charging system is dead.

[@jonathantorres8379]

Yeah my Altima did exactly that

[@alvaradotowing23]

The computer needs 14 volts. Definitely check charging system. Those 3.5 are pretty quick

[@jgruber2482]

The reason for the lights and the way it's running is because of the charging system. Everything is electronic it needs 14 to operate correctly. I seen it on a Chrysler Aspen it wouldn't move hardly at all until I changed the battery it wasn't holding a charge period even with new alternator

[@kenrickbird1239]

It's could easily be some blow fuse

[@ryanravencaller]

What is an alternator and automatic transmission fluid? A few hundred?

[@mike67lego]

It's in limp mode because of the alternator being bad That's what the Brake light + battery light mean also it is a automatic Tranny not CVT at least for my 2.5s

[@shaunwalker2055]

Maybe a limp mode, from the no charging? Some cars don't like low voltage and amperage and do crazy things. Wires could also be damaged from all that motor/trans movement.

[@digitalrailroader]

That Altima doesn’t have a CVT; when you put it in tiptronic mode, it said it was in 5th gear. It’s likely in a limp mode.

[@The_Redkween]

Yeah, the V6 cars didn’t come with the dreaded CVT

[@ClassCraZeTV]

@@The_Redkween they did but ok

[@original__gmebvy]

@@ClassCraZeTV later ones did but that was in the generation after this one. I used to have a 2002 Altima, same gen as the one in the video, and that came with a 4 speed automatic. Later models got a 5 speed auto

[@danjones3402]

​@@ClassCraZeTV New models have the CVT I believe.

[@bigcrowfly]

Any 17 year old car you find a auction: The seller when traded it in knew it was worthless, that is why they accepted the minimal amount in trade. The dealer's techs (who get first dibs on these cars for almost nothing as a perk of employment) went over it, if they pass, it was not worth fixing. Then it goes to auction, and that is what you got.

[@CarringtonHollister]

That generation of Altima didn’t come with a CVT, Randy CVT started being introduced to the Altima as of 2007.

[@antoinegerard7861]

Yes sir you are correct

[@michaelcrockette8694]

it has the “dearded” 5 speed auto.

[@raiderfly]

@@michaelcrockette8694 that 5 speed is bad? I know someone with an older Maxima with a 5 speed and it seemed pretty good

[@JacobLassche-e5n]

CVT is in the Altima came out in 95

[@dominic9440]

These cars have 5 speed tiptronic/auto transmission made by Aisin Warner and when they in limp mode they are stuck in 5th gear, so something is causing it to go into limp mode.

[@jayflyxx]

I use to have a 05 Altima 3.5 SE just like this car and it’s definitely a 5 speed automatic! These cars were sleepers bc they were veryyy quick. 0-60 in 6 sec stock on a auto

[@MapOfEurasia]

Well, that Altima has a good running VQ35DE 3.5 V6 engine that somebody could use ✌️

[@Iwillnotbepushed]

Get the Altima voltage right. Then drive it. Voltage will affect many systems including the CVT.

[@tall_dude1233]

It's not a CVT. Altima didn't get CVT until 2007

[@enjoythepig]

I agree. The 3.5 maxima is a great alternative to a similar Honda Accord or Camry at half the cost. At least put a scanner on it.

[@Iwillnotbepushed]

@@tall_dude1233 thanks I did not know that.

[@dannycohen8870]

Hey randy you don't have to think about the trans because google says the altima 3.5 se could only have a 5 speed auto or 5 speed stick shift in 05 2007 was when the altima got the dearded cvt

[@faentur]

Adding my Like and commenting here to help support the channel. The Altima is pretty tired. I guess someone with more time than money can hit their local yards and find all the parts sort of cheap. But that is a pretty long list of Needs, not to mention the wants list...

[@johnoksys7713]

Good Video Randy Love The Variety Of Older Vehicles You Have Good News For Me After 2.5 Years I Have A Job In A Grocery Store

[@AutoAuctionRebuilds]

Congratulations bro!!

[@azuproduces]

I think the 5 in sport mode means its stuck in 5th gear, which is why it barely pulls from a stop. Probably is limp mode for a nissan

[@hokman1]

i was stuck on 4th and 5th, until my friend toldd me to fix a metal cconnectioion oon thee circcuit boaard bbehind the vallvee body. ttheerer iss aa probblem with my keeybooaarrdd.. minee wwaas a elgraand ee51

[@jasperstroupe8873]

I’m a transmission mechanic by trade and I do Nissan Altima’s quite often. CVT’s are absolute trash. I would not buy ANY vehicle that has one. Ticking time bombs. However I don’t think Altima’s had CVT transmissions until about 2007.

[@dave3657]

Newer alternator don’t mean much. I’ve replaced alternators and starters several times over the years just to have the new one go out a week later.

[@669mp]

I had one of those Maxima from that year if it wasn't getting a property charging from a bad alternator it would take off just like your Altima did, change the alternator it'll shift then

[@tonybone1025]

Check the master airflow sensor

[@tajaefrazier3095]

Had an 05 Altima, not a CVT. Its a 5 speed auto and they’re also quite peppy. Had an alternator charging issue which had the transmission stuck in 4-5th gear(“limp mode”). After having the charging system and shift solenoid fixed it turned back into the beast the 3.5s where made to be.

[@cateye2324]

Love the different content that your bringing to the channel especially the walk around at either Copart or IAAI. Gives me and idea on what you can find in other states that may or may not be interesting. So keep doing what your doing on content cuz I watch your videos everyday and I truly enjoy them.

[@Jddvs]

Your ‘29 roadster isn’t a “T-bucket”. The last model T was made in ‘27. The “T-bucket” was a name that was given to T model roadster “runabout” or the roadster pick-up by early hot rodders. The shape of the small bodies looked like a bucket after the fenders were removed.

[@dannylim3318]

When your accessment of the purchase is "I've seen worse"...it doesn't instill confidence. 😂

[@aaronschinlaub9704]

If the alternator is not charging it could be causing the shifting issues and stuff and the transmission could be acting up

[@gregoryreffitt7957]

I love all your content. I am one of the few who likes the citation, but already have 2 cars and can't afford another one. I owned a citation and it was a good car.

[@brianhayes7618]

Randy I sure do enjoy what you're doing now taking a chance on these old rigs. So much more entertaining than the copart walk around. Thanks for changing things up

[@Ryan-hv6fq]

I think that the transmission's computer is causing the issues, but then again it's an early 2000's nissan so the transmissions even the non-cvt's are not the best.

[@VicGreenBitcoin]

Get the Alternator, worstcase you can still use the new Alternator on a other car

[@Tainoblazed]

The battery light indicates an issue with the charging system. I’d replace the alternator, battery, and belts… it should drive just fine after that.

[@miketurnidge3527]

Randy I love watching your channel but seriously you got to do what you preach. "NEVER BUY SIGHT UNSEEN! "

[@Zip_Zero_ZILCH]

One person's trash will still become another's treasure... You are the middle man turning them into "Trashures". It helps others see the potential getting back on the road still caring for them and getting them back to another good home.

[@ItsaRomethingeveryday]

It kinda feels like it's a mount issue, I really don't know much about Nissan, Liked vid Voltage will definitely cause alot of systems to malfunction, try a new alternator before sending it, just a thought

[@2003cobramustang]

Wow Randy she needs a lot maybe send it back too the auction! Randy I’ll watch your videos no matter what content it is! You’ve been kicking ass lately!

[@NoahClay6]

Love the fleet of cars and these sight unseen videos Randy! Great videos and love watching them. Always a good day when you upload. Can't wait for more videos on the other cars as well.👍👍

[@amirahmed3752]

Definitely need to put a new alternator on it to fix the problem you are facing. We win some and lose some. Keep on going, love the content.

[@Get_yotted]

These third gens have a normal auto, it’s the fourth gen that has a CVT. The 2.5 Altimas are the problems ones, they consume oil like crazy. But if you got the V6 it’s a solid car. But Nissan was have a ton of issue with alternators during the mid 00’s. The alternator went out in my mom’s 06 Pathfinder a year after they bought it.

[@marcpacey]

There’s less lights on in Times Square than on that dash after the drive !

[@johnDingoFoxVelocity]

Yeah I would replace the alternator and see if that fixes the charging problem the battery light may also be a computer issue if the car has a computer Sometimes some cars record when they lose a battery or when they lose battery power Nissan's do it so do Toyota's and BMW is the worst offender of them all so replace the alternator give that a shot can't wait to see the next bucket that should be pretty badass if it's a yellow one it should be really badass does have an air scoop on it

[@IxAMxABU]

It's been a joy binge watching your videos. Like your enthusiasm & assessments on each vehicle seen.

[@dbeldovski]

Low voltage and transmission do not work properly. Change alternator. You are a good.

[@carguy0583]

hey randy i don't know you notice but when you revved it to 3500 at 18:16 both the break light and the battery light went off

[@turbo1997hsm]

So far from all the cars I've driven, Toyotas, Hyundais, and Nissans have some of the longest lasting ACs

[@brandonyee9845]

Well, i got a 2014 nissan maxima from copart last week, when i got it serpentine belt was missing, AC compressor locked up, got it fixed and now its ready to be sold!

[@antwon7522]

China alternator 1year 8 month run time.🤣🤣🤣 Randy's a old ladie that bought a lemon😂😂😂

[@gtflips]

that altima just needs some love lol

[@Tazda_Jazda]

My grandmother used to own a 2005 Altima 2.5SL and it blew a head gasket before 200K miles but the transmission started to shift extremely rough

[@vincehoffman179]

cvt is what my scooter also uses, in bigger cars it is metal to metal wherease in scooters it is almost always metal (from vario & centrifugal clutch) to rubber (belt). it is basically a system where you have two pulleys that are adjustable in diameter. the vario makes the gap between the end of crankshaft and vario itself smaller when the engine spins faster (because there are weights in the vario self or the vario is electronically adjusted which forces the vario to move outwards) this means that the belt moves outwards resulting in a larger diameter (because it cant go anywhere else). Because the belt now needs more room at the front the belt wants to make the gap from the outgoing shaft larger (smaller diameter). There is a spring in the rear shaft which pushes onto the belt forcing it to the outside (larger diameter), but when the engine spins faster and the front wants more belt, the belt forces the spring to contract making it a smaller diameter. This was my attempt to make the cvt understandable idk if I said everything correctly, because recently learned about it. I hope it was usefull!

[@Mike.D.843]

That noise at 3:16 100% is not the power steering. That is the timing chain. It will need the complete timing chain job done. All new chains, guides, and tensioners. It's a very common problem on early Nissan VQ series V6 engines.

[@kylerwalker]

Love the content man it's really one of the major channels I watch

[@koaaloha7461]

Nissan’s are known for transmission issues, but those symptoms don’t yell transmission problem necessarily. It might be worth throwing a cheap or even used alternator in it, and clean it up.

[@DJRicoche]

Seems like a limp mode to me. All the dash lights will come on in limp mode. CVT's will wind out like a regular trans. Run codes, do a trans service. Clean it, paint it. 140k is low miles for an altima

[@exoticveganrecipes5655]

Man Nissan lost it after 2002, yes they're cvt's all the altimas and maximas from those years came cvt's also sentras. You should buy 90's Japanese legends those are workhorses and easy fix most of the times. Keep it up! 👍🏼 That 80's accord 🔥

[@vqmedia7513]

I know 30 people have commented about it. But, it’s a 5 speed auto. When you shift it in sport mode. The cluster is saying it’s stuck in 5th gear. But looks like an S for sport mode. Not sure how far down the rabbit Hole it would be. But usually the slightest electrical problem on these Nissans will screw everything else up

[@Senseless-vf3dp]

The citation you probably take it to LKQ and get around 250 dollars as long you have everything with it. (Battery, motor, Trans, doors, etc.)

[@alt7488]

it's in limp mode, run the scanner on it and see the codes, hope you have better luck with the craparo :)

[@sshawns9]

13:27 it's in limp mode straight into "5th" gear on the dash

[@DavidGragg82]

The VQ35 will use oil like crazy. Great motors if you can keep oil in them. CVTs are CVTs. Keep the fluid changed and replace the trans filter every once in a while and don’t beat on them. They aren’t too bad.

[@gopats85]

David Gregg, I’m thinking about getting a Maxima eventually you think the newer CVTs are any better on the Nissans than the older ones or do you know? Thanks.

[@DavidGragg82]

@@gopats85 my wife drove an 06 Murano for many years. I got it with 67k miles and traded it in last year with 235k miles. The week I got it I drained and filled the trans. Always used Valvoline CVT fluid. Changed it every 30-40k miles and replaced the filter twice. As far as I know, it had the original transmission in it when I traded it. Like I said above, the VQ35 uses massive amounts of oil past about 140k miles. From what a tech told us, the piston rings Nissan used wore prematurely. Don’t know how true that is. From what I’ve seen at least on the Murano pages, the reliability of the CVT hasn’t improved. But who knows how they were serviced. I’m a Nissan guy. I own an 08 Titan that has been extremely reliable. Just turned 185k miles. Traded the Murano for a 2015 Xterra Pro4X.

[@gopats85]

@@DavidGragg82 Yea the last couple of cars I’ve had are VWs knocking on wood no problems on the Jetta I have but have always wanted a Maxima since high school and loved them since the 1990s boxy ones. Lol.

[@trevhoward8595]

Randy, your luck holds up, I love buy it know sight unseen. I bought a 1927 Chrysler and a F100 engine n transmission like that

[@Dwntherabbithole222]

Your right randy you sure got a variety there but man seems like good content coming, oh and that 83 Camaro I bet Santa's workshop would like that.

[@dcpoolsvc]

Might be worth a shot to troubleshoot the charging system as others have said to see if it solves other things. Anxious to see more on that Camaro. I have a vision in my mind of that thing with a fresh engine/tranny/rear and the rest being restored/modified to an 85+ Z/28 look.

[@pedroadelino100]

Love this old cars,you have my respect,continue with your big work and nice videos. Have a good one.

[@terrykinman3009]

I for one do love all the older vehicles when you get them.

[@nn200485]

I think the carburetor needs a good cleaning. One of the jets is probably clogged. And check the blinker fluid while you're there, the reservoir is right under the carb bowl.

[@robbiemiddlebrooks8188]

Wire that controls sport mode always breaks lose from the connector! It’s under the console at the shifter

[@barryphillips7327]

Later Nissans use Jatco CVT transmissions they are NOT good quality units, before Nissan merged with Reno later Mitsubishi they built quality vehicles, maybe that newish looking alternator is not hooked properly???? I would say the CVT is screwed, the Honda Civic is old and rough looking but back then they built solid cars with some work it could be good again. The Honda Accord will serve someone for many years yet, even the Chevy Citation may find an owner some would hate it another will love it.

[@TheMajorLeagueGinger]

I would love that old boxy Honda if it was running well and had the looks all fixed up, I love the vintage boxy look ❤️

[@larsmanson9577]

Houston people be like let me smoke this blunt and I'll fix it that's the problem here in Houston

[@pracruz88]

CVTs started getting put in Altimas 2007 until current year

[@codybose515]

Definitely try the alternator im a mechanic and had one come in for that very not shifting issue and batt light replaced alternator and went out of limp mode shifted normal after that. Just give the chance of an alternator if anything that car deserves a little chance.

[@jojojeep1]

You have to remember, cars today need the correct voltage for everything to run transmission included I would start with the electric and I bet you the tranny will run just fine

[@jargo7251]

Keep up with the great content man and screw the haters!

[@mexichanicmobileautorepair6944]

Thanks for posting real videos

[@garagerebuilds1604]

Great video randy keep up great job u do

[@allthingssamsung1988]

The 2005 Altimas are a regular Automatic transmission, which makes their own transmission called Jatco. 2007 and up that's when Nissan put CVT's in their newer and updated Altimas.

[@Jimsathome]

Randy, as a long time subscriber I worry about your recent foray into buying suspect cars sight unseen. I assume you are experimenting to see if viewership will increase, but I like it better when you physically search out the vehicles, and inspect them before purchase. I hope your revenue will be enough to offset these "duds" so you don't end up broke. Thanks for keeping things interesting.

[@Travelingcarguy1]

That’s a regular 5 speed automatic. The CVT introduced in 2007 and onwards to the present

[@ryanravencaller]

No cvt til 2007 randy thats a regular auto replace alternator check and change transmission fluid maybe motor mounts if you feel ballsy but i feel like thats too much lol

[@tazm3514]

It's just a gamble like you've been saying, you win some and you loose some. but have heart plenty of diamonds in the roughs out there.

[@jeffreyrigged]

you def dont want the flooding randy. i got 30 inches inside my house in 8 mins and its never flooded on my property ever. lost 4 of my cars and done tons of damage to my home.

[@barzanali4674]

Randy, I'm pretty sure the battery light has something to do with the transmission, so shange the alternator if it fixs the problem all good if not then check the transmission fluid

[@thevacdude]

Thanks for the video, Randy.

[@loganlovescarsandmotorcycles]

I have no experience with Nissan but my Chevy CVT was a year old 25,000ish miles and just like that. The thing was dangerously slow accelerating and got horrible gas mileage for a non turbo 1.4 Ecotec. I wasn't sad when it was towed away.

[@alvaradotowing23]

Randy that’s a 3,500 dollar car all day in Chicago.

[@dant4802]

Sometimes we win sometimes we loose you are still overall winning with the majority of your cars

[@God.bless.America.forever]

Your videos rock Randy

[@johnvickers574]

Your one ofe the best channels on utube

[@phantomking3556]

this actually pained me to watch because I own the V4 2.5 special edition of this car. They are NOT a CVT, that hard knock shows that the gears are worn bad and is slipping. that's a really expensive fix so yeah this is trash, my suggestion is draining the trans fluid and putting in some of that thick non-slip trans fix fluid. Maybe you can get lucky, But man I promise you if you can find a good 05-06 Nissan Altima that was taken care of I would pick them over these newer Altimas any day.

[@markamcampbell6340]

when the battery gets low things start quitting.

[@charliebruckman8661]

OH NO!!! THE CAMARO!!! Randy, two words....SWAMP VETTE. If anyone can do this it's you. Interior and a bigger motor plus paint. Yeeeeeah.

[@jimmieromero8181]

I agree with the alternator, but I am not wondering if it lost the throttle position after sitting dead for weeks and needs to be learned. The learning process is free from my understanding, worth a shot

[@markamcampbell6340]

the newer cars do not last as long as the older ones.

[@billystreetman9996]

Great great video Randy I loved the walk around great 👍😁😁

[@acuratl200]

The battery light did go off when you gave it gas

[@tommyhall2768]

Your doing great on videos buddy

[@davidtaylor1384]

Any time I buy an alternator from the box stores I have them check it before I leave. You'd be surprised at how many are bad out of the box.

[@YOCOSMINMAX16]

How?

[@7588wardogg]

doing a good job Randy keep it up

[@altezzagarage9341]

I 100% gurantee you it’s not a CVT. Had one of these a couple months ago. always had a mass airflow code. One day it ran like trash and when I replaced the mass air flow sensor it ran nice. same exact thing with the transmission. it’s all from the mass air flow sensor.

[@2jz-_-241]

I think you should fix the charging problem first. Because my murano has the same 3.5 motor and when I had alternator problems the whole car will go into limp mode. Good luck changing that alternator. It took me 3 long hours to change because its in atight spot where the radiator, fans had to come out