Transmission shifting issue, restarting the car solves the problem?

Tiny
JOSHUAORY91
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 NISSAN MAXIMA
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 172,143 MILES
When starting the car, it takes a little to crank. Once running I have no idle issues. I can shift into all gear while sitting still. Putting the car in drive and taking off I have no issues, but once the car down shifts back to first it no longer has power. Placing it in park and restarting the car solves the problem until it down shifts again.
Tuesday, November 15th, 2022 AT 2:06 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,144 POSTS
So, it sounds like the car is in limp mode; we should run the codes to see what's going on.

Here is a guide to help you:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Also check the transmission fluid level and clean the throttle body.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

See if the fluid smells burnt. Check out the images (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.
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Wednesday, November 16th, 2022 AT 11:34 AM
Tiny
JOSHUAORY91
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Codes come back for crankshaft positioning sensor. Changed it, but no results. Changed the pigtail, and no results. Same codes as before.
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Wednesday, November 16th, 2022 AT 12:03 PM
Tiny
JOSHUAORY91
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
These are the codes:
P0335
P0725
P1574
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Wednesday, November 16th, 2022 AT 12:20 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 54,144 POSTS
P0335 stands for “Crankshaft Position “A” Circuit Malfunction.
P0725 the transmission input speed sensor problem.
P1574 Code Vehicle Speed Sensor

So, these will affect the transmission shifting including the crank sensor circuit issue. Did these problems all come on at once? If so, you could have a bad PCM. I would remove the PCM and check for water damage or corrosion on the electrical terminals if none is present replace the PCM. You can get a rebuilt unit by searching Google or Ebay. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Thursday, November 17th, 2022 AT 2:11 PM
Tiny
JOSHUAORY91
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Yes, they all came at the same time, but the second 2 codes are gone, I replaced the sensor on the transmission as it had some damage, and I unplugged the vehicle speed sensor by the intake and cleaned it. Now the crank positioning sensor p0335 is still on, I had a spare and replaced it but no change.
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Thursday, November 17th, 2022 AT 2:52 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,144 POSTS
P0335 stands for Crankshaft Position A Circuit Malfunction. So, the wiring/connector is not making contact. Here is a guide to help with the test for the circuit and I have included the engine wiring diagrams in the images below to help with the test.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Friday, November 18th, 2022 AT 1:17 PM
Tiny
JOSHUAORY91
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I had an O2 sensor plugged in where the crank sensor was supposed to be, haha I feel dumb.
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Friday, November 18th, 2022 AT 1:21 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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It happens glad you got it fixed. Use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.
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Saturday, November 19th, 2022 AT 10:11 AM

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