Car suddenly stopped accelerating while driving

Tiny
JENNR48
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 NISSAN VERSA
  • 0.6L
  • 170,467 MILES
Hello friends.

So I’m completely frustrated, and just dumbfounded on what is going on with my car and was hoping to hopefully get some clarity, and maybe some advice.

Bare with me I don’t know much about cars, hence why I am here haha.

I purchased this car not knowing it is notorious for transmission problems. Almost immediately weird things were going on with the car, and fast forward probably less than 6 months and my transmission was completely shot. I was put in another predicament where I needed to make a quick decision and I ultimately decided to go ahead and drop 3 grand on a new transmission hoping this would end all my car woes.

Well I’m driving my car down the interstate, probably going a steady 70 mph and everything is working perfectly fine. No weird noises, car is accelerating perfectly, car is driving smooth, and all of a sudden my car starts shaking, and it almost felt like I was going over something bumpy but nothing was in the road, and it makes a noise then my car just flat out stops accelerating and begins to slow down. Fortunately I was able to go off to the side of the interstate and turn on my emergency blinkers. I park the car, and turn it off and step off the brake for a moment and realize my car is rolling back. So I turn the car on again, it starts fine, put it in drive, and press on gas. Engine is revving, but no movement, put it it reverse same thing no movement but engine is reviving. And like I said when it was in park it was rolling, so I turn off car, put on e brake and call a tow truck.

Unfortunately I won’t find out what is wrong with it until later this upcoming week, and I have a gut feeling it’s the transmission again. It’s been over a year so I have no warranty on it, called Nissan and they said that I have barely put any miles on it since the new transmission but since it’s out of warranty there is nothing they can do.

I know I will find out answers later this week but I wanted to know if anyone has any ideas as to what happened because I am completely dumbfounded. My car has not been showing any indicators that anything was going bad. The last time my transmission went out there was all sorts of warning signs. There is no check engine light, the car hasn’t been making any odd noises, it’s been driving good up until this incident I’m just baffled. :-(

Does anyone think there Is any possible chance it could be something not major, or do you think the transmission is done with?

Thanks so much in advance!
Sunday, November 10th, 2019 AT 1:24 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi

Based on your description, it sounds like one of the axles were not full engaged when the transmission was rebuilt or a CV axle joint has come apart.

Now, since you recently had the transmission rebuilt, the axles were removed. The reason I feel that either a CV joint has broken or the axle wasn't fully installed is because there is no park. Basically, the transmission is no longer attached to the axles / tires. That would also explain no acceleration and the major vibration you felt.

How long has it been since the work was done? If I am correct and one of the axles were not fully installed, they should fix it at no charge.

Take a look at this link. It describes how and what a CV joint does. Also, I attached a picture below. In red, I circled the splines at each end of the axle. One side goes into the transmission and the other into the wheel hub assembly. If either side isn't fully installed, the car won't move and you won't have park.

In blue, I circled the CV joints. They are under the rubber boots. If they break, the same thing happens. The car won't move.

Here is a link that explains what a CV axle joint does:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-cv-joint-works

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions. Also, let me know what is found.

Take care,
Joe

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Sunday, November 10th, 2019 AT 10:06 PM
Tiny
JENNR48
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hi thank you so much for your response!

My transmission was replaced a little over a year ago so unfortunately it’s out of warranty and the Nissan dealer told us there was nothing they could do.

My car is at a shop right now though so will hopefully be hearing some answers back in a few days. If it is the CV axle joint will this be an expensive repair?

Thanks so much. Jenna
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Monday, November 11th, 2019 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
JENNR48
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
So I actually just got a call, it was indeed the CV axle and it’s not going to cost that much to fix. So relieved! Appreciate the response so much it definitely helped to get an understanding on what happened!

Have a great day.
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Monday, November 11th, 2019 AT 2:29 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi, Jenna. I had a feeling it was related to that issue. Now, I don't know where you are located, but to help protect you, they shouldn't be charging for more than 2.2 hours for labor. Plus, and just FYI, the entire axle with two new joints can be purchased for under $100.00. They will most likely mark it up a bit, but it shouldn't be some crazy amount.

Please let me know if you have questions or need help. Heck, if you want to do it yourself, I can get you through the operation. LOL

Take care,
Joe
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Monday, November 11th, 2019 AT 6:44 PM
Tiny
JENNR48
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you so much. They charged me a very reasonable amount, it wasn’t much at all. Just super relieved it wasn’t anything worse, and I can have my car back. This dang car has been causing me problems every couple months it feels like this past year. Hopefully I can catch a break for awhile, but it is a high mileage car so I guess that’s how it goes.

Thanks for looking out!

Kind regards,
Jenna
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Tuesday, November 12th, 2019 AT 2:34 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
You are right. It has high mileage. At some point, determine if you would be further ahead to sell it and get a new one. Pay attention to how much the monthly average repair is and then determine if it's no longer worth it. Eventually, it will get to that point. Plus, it has to be a pain when it ends up in the shop and leaves you without a vehicle.

Please feel free to come back anytime you have questions. We'll be here.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, November 12th, 2019 AT 5:58 PM

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