Limp mode in drive and reverse?

AARONROSE

MEMBER
2005 NISSAN MURANO
3.5L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
162,000 MILES

Car starts and idles great but when I shift into drive nothing happens. Rpm can only Rev to 2,000, same in reverse, P, N everything revs normal. Cannot move the car in neutral. If I turn the car off and put it in neutral it will roll. Another thing is sometimes it will move in drive or reverse but not for longer than 10 to 20 ft until it just stops completely locked up again. I can shut it off and back on and it will move again for 10-20 ft again. The shift knob moves and dash lights match the gear it's in. I can even move the shifter knob from where it hooks into the transmission. Just changed the transmission fluid with the cvt ns2 fluid.

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

First, if you haven't already, I recommend having the can-bus scanned to see if there are related diagnostic trouble codes. CAN stands for controller area network.

Basically, the different modules in the vehicle are tied together via a few wires. This type of scan will retrieve codes regardless of the module storing them.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Also, is this the original transmission and how dirty was the fluid when you changed it? I ask because it could simply be a faulty transmission or there could be a line pressure-related issue. If you look below, I attached the tests for checking line pressure.

I've seen the transmission cooler become restricted causing low pressure. However, keep in mind with a CVT transmission, often times this indicates an internal problem.

Let me know.

joe

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Wednesday, November 8th, 2023 AT 6:43 PM

AARONROSE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you. I changed the fluid because I found out that a auto shop in my town put global ATF synthetic fluid in the car and not CVT ns2. It was dark as black coffee and I'm pretty sure that ruined the transmission. It ran for 20,000 miles before I found out this was done and changed it. Sounds like it was too late. Not one single warning light or code about the CVT. I even checked to make sure the ground was good from frame to transmission. My problem is I don't have the money to tow it to a shop because it won't drive but 10 to 100ft before going into limp again. I will try to find a friend with a can scanner.

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Wednesday, November 8th, 2023 AT 10:01 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

If someone used the wrong type of fluid, that is certainly a bad move. I was actually surprised it lasted that long. The sad thing is when CVT transmissions fail, they usually require replacement and not repair.

Let me know what you find when you get it back home. As far as not being able to afford to have it towed, I totally understand. Things are out of control.

Take care and stay in touch. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Joe

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Thursday, November 9th, 2023 AT 7:30 PM

AARONROSE