Engine has low power when transmission is in drive and there is fluid leaking from under the car

Tiny
VERONICA WIMMS
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 NISSAN MURANO
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 158,000 MILES
Okay, so I've had a lot of issues you guys have helped me with involving my front end; from CV axles to everything. Power steering related to struts, tie rods, and with all these changed with exception to my steering rack being a used replacement, i'm still leaking everywhere under it on both sides in front. Now it seems that when the transmission is in drive it is struggling. Also, I'm going through gas like crazy. I know that the plugs and coil packs have not been changed since I bought it last April. Some of my issues when I Google them can be due to this or it could be my transmission slipping or worse going out. So do you think I should just take it to Aamco and pay them to run a diagnostic on it, change my plugs or just give up and blow it up, lol. I will attach a video of how it sounds when in drive and of the leak locations under it after I verify my email.
Saturday, January 29th, 2022 AT 10:40 AM

15 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

If the transmission is slipping, you will notice the engine RPMs increasing much faster than the vehicle is accelerating. Is that happening? Does it seem like that could be happening when you accelerate? Is the transmission fluid clean and full?

Have you tried having the computer scanned to see if there is anything stored that may indicate where a problem could be coming from?

I feel really bad to know you are still having issues with the rack and pinion. Is that where all the oil is leaking from?

I attached directions below for checking the transmission fluid and what to look for. Do this and let me know what you find. It has a CVT transmission, and they just aren't as reliable as traditional ones.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Saturday, January 29th, 2022 AT 3:18 PM
Tiny
VERONICA WIMMS
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At 1 point yes the rpm was revving as high as 3to4 but that hasn't happened in a while unlike other CVT transmission I've had this 1 has a dipstick under the hood for me to check the transmission fluid and it is full and it doesn't look dirty, but considering I don't know if it's ever been done. I have thought of draining and replacing the fluid but was told it may do more harm than good. So, I havent yet and it doesn't smell burnt ether but when I'm pressing the gas it feels as though its struggling to get power, but no RPM raises higher then 2 to 3 mostly as for the leaks underneath I noticed right after replacing the pump 3 times due to the 1st two times being done by an idiot leaving it half taken off the 2nd time and the eye bolt and the high pressure hose there's leaking coming from somewhere in this area as well as on the driver's side at the other end connection area or the transmission they are so close I can't tell to be honest, but hers all I have changed the rack but it was used the high pressure hose eye bolts, reservoir, pump, drive belt, battery, control arms, both tie rods on both sides, and both axles. I think that's all. I did notice that there are some tiny rubber hoses that look to ne deteriorating underneath of the engine cover but I used electric tape to seal them. I ran a code scan, and nothing came up, that's why I was wondering if I should have a diagnostic ran on it to see if anything comes up. I also noticed the other am that after starting it there was a light white smoke coming from the tail pipe so I googled it and it said that if any of the plugs had gotten moisture or coolant around them these symptoms could be related, but as you see I have been spending a lot of time and money and work done myself and getting nowhere really and the plugs are not cheap nor easy to do the back 3 and cost is about the same as a diagnostic test. So, I don't know which to do 1st or even at all I have not owned the truck a year yet and mind you wasn't driving it for about 4 to 6 months of this time due to all the issues so with all this info. What's your thoughts now as to what to do? Once the sun comes up I will snap a few pics or a video of what I'm trying to explain. Thanks for responding.
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Sunday, January 30th, 2022 AT 5:57 AM
Tiny
VERONICA WIMMS
  • MEMBER
  • 144 POSTS
Also, when I start it it's kind of loud sounding to me and it seems like its idling rather high.
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Sunday, January 30th, 2022 AT 5:59 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

Replacing the spark plugs isn't going to fix what you described. I don't know where you are located, but white smoke could simply be steam if the outside temperature is cool. If it continued and was excessive, then I would suspect coolant was getting into the combustion chamber due to a head gasket. If you said the white smoke came from under the hood, that would be different. If it's out of the exhaust, that is different. Take a look through this link. There is a section discussing white smoke. Take a look and see if it mirrors what you experienced.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Also, diagnostics would certainly be a good idea. See if there is a code that will point us in the right direction.

Veronica, I remember the trouble you had with the rack and pinion. I don't know the overall condition of the vehicle, but I'm starting to question if you will be able to get ahead of the problems. Since you've been coming here, I feel more like you're a family member. LOL And I don't want to take the chance of misdirecting you.

The reason I say about the overall condition is because of the transmission issue you mentioned. If the RPMs are increasing and the vehicle isn't speeding up, it sounds like it is slipping. With a CVT, that usually requires replacement. As far as replacing the fluid, a CVT is different than traditional transmissions, so unless you told me it smelled burnt and was very dirty, you would be fine.

Do me a favor. Video it is starting so I can hear it and see the tachometer. Also, if possible, record what it is doing when driving it. It's as close as I can get to a test drive unless you're in Pittsburgh. LOL

Another question I have is what rubber hoses were repaired with electrical tape? If they are vacuum hoses, that can cause a high, rough idle. Have you checked for leaks? Here is a link showing how:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

When you start it and it sounds loud, does it seem like an exhaust leak?

Let me know and take care,

Joe
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Sunday, January 30th, 2022 AT 5:11 PM
Tiny
VERONICA WIMMS
  • MEMBER
  • 144 POSTS
Okay, I will but no the RPMs stay steady between 2 to 3 and it accelerates; still, it's just what I feel when I'm pressing the gas pedal it feels like its struggling and leaks. Haha LOL, I swear the leaks this dang thing got going on now I never see anything coming out when its running or parked but say I clean my driveway today park my car the next morning I will have spots of fluids under it.I rarely have to add any oil transmission or power steering fluids to it. I will go pop my hood and then have my son record the sound when I start it and again showing the dash info and the other stuff you mentioned.
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Monday, January 31st, 2022 AT 6:12 AM
Tiny
VERONICA WIMMS
  • MEMBER
  • 144 POSTS
Oh, and no codes at all come up and no check engine lights ever have come on.
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Monday, January 31st, 2022 AT 6:14 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Sounds good. I will watch for your video. Also, pay attention to the color of the spots on the driveway. Maybe even place a piece of cardboard under it to catch the leak. Then see if you can confirm where it's coming from. The color itself can be very informative, so let me know if you can tell.

Veronica, not being there makes it a bit more difficult for me. Based on what you are describing, it doesn't sound like a transmission issue. I (and this is a theory) have a feeling you are hearing the exhaust and have a partially plugged catalytic converter causing the power loss. Often, I question my theories because not being there may make it sound off. But, if it is louder and has lost power, that may be where the issue is coming from.

Take care of yourself and let me know as much as you can.

Joe
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Monday, January 31st, 2022 AT 5:13 PM
Tiny
VERONICA WIMMS
  • MEMBER
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Okay, so I'm going to try to upload again. My phones acting up and wouldn't let me yesterday.
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Tuesday, February 1st, 2022 AT 9:21 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Veronica, the bar at the bottom indicates the miles per gallon you are getting at a specific time. When you accelerate, it will drop to the left. The harder you accelerate, the further down it will go. That's normal.

I ran both videos two times each and I cannot hear the engine no matter how loud I make it. Also, the transmission doesn't appear to be slipping, which is a good thing. Sitting here, it seems to run well.

Let's try to determine what is leaking from under the vehicle. Have you been able to identify a color?

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, February 1st, 2022 AT 3:47 PM
Tiny
VERONICA WIMMS
  • MEMBER
  • 144 POSTS
Okay, so here are the little hoses I mentioned earlier that I thought someone had cut at first until I looked closer and saw they are deteriorating and there's a unconnected hose. I don't know where it goes other than somewhere under the breather box. I'm cleaning the MAF Sensor and throttle body now then my plugs. What rare your thoughts?
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Saturday, February 5th, 2022 AT 2:49 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I watched the video you provided. First, on the passenger side, it appears that there is a purple vacuum hose that is disconnected. Is that correct? As far as the one by the air box, that looks like it could provide vacuum to the brake booster. Note it is much larger. If you follow it, where does it end?

I attached a pic below showing the vacuum hoses to the brake booster. Let me know if it is one of them.

I apologize. I can hardly hear what you are saying. It's likely the result of the tiny computer speakers.

Let me know

Joe
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Saturday, February 5th, 2022 AT 5:02 PM
Tiny
VERONICA WIMMS
  • MEMBER
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Wow I swear I had responded yesterday sending 3 videos and now I don't see the feed at all from that so il try again so its not the passenger side that hose comes off the tranny and I to idk what but it runs under the air filter box now on to my most latest progress I cleaned the maf sensor and the throttle body and this is what I got out of it im including a video there looks to be a fiter or something like it inside the flap thats stained and a lil bent still but much cleaner I also put a new air filter in im going to change my plugs and the throttle body air intake housing hose thing cause its been mended enuf prior to me buying the truck when driving its got more power now but while coasting it will jerk slightly as if trying to stall out I also got a piece of cardboard to place under it tonite to see leak spots
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Monday, February 7th, 2022 AT 5:07 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Veronica,

Good to hear from you. Listen, is it possible for you to take a pic of the hose coming from the trans? There should be transmission fluid cooler lines, but nothing to do with vacuum. Let me know. I'll watch for your reply.

Joe
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Tuesday, February 8th, 2022 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
VERONICA WIMMS
  • MEMBER
  • 144 POSTS
Okay, so here are a few different pics of the hose and what it is coming off of. Also, I got a piece of cardboard big enough to fit under my truck side to side so I can show you all my leaks. I will send it in the morning. Sorry, this is at night, but I got off work too late.
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Wednesday, February 9th, 2022 AT 4:51 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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I looked through the pics. That is a transmission vent. It doesn't attach to anything on that side. See pic below.

Let me know about the leaks.

Joe

See pic below
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Wednesday, February 9th, 2022 AT 6:08 PM

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