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2003 Nissan Altima Base 4dr Sedan Manual

2003 Nissan Altima
Trim Info:
Front Wheel Drive, 4 Door Sedan, Compact
23 mpg city / 29 mpg hwy
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February 25, 2013, 3:08 pm

Jessica W
 

Question: 2002 Nissan Altima went into limp mode, mechanic doesn't know why

My mechanic doesn't know why my car went into limp mode.

I have a 2002 2.5L Nissan Altima (automatic transmission). I was driving ~65mph on the highway, got off an exit and waited at a red light. When the light turns green, the car only limps forward at about ~5mph. I stepped on the accelerator, but no response from the car.

I then put the car in Park, stepped on the accelerator and the engine was revving up normally. I then put the car in Reverse, it reversed normally as well. However, when I put the car in Drive, it just creeps forward, and I can't accelerate.

I then turned the car off, and waited about 5-10 minutes, then turned the car back on, everything was back to normal, the car was driving just fine. Drove for about 5 minutes with the heater on (cause it was cold), started to smell something burning (it was a liquid type of smell).

So, I decided to pull over and have it towed to my mechanic to see what is wrong with it. He took a few days to look at it and doesn't know what is wrong with it at all.

Anyone here can give me some guidance on what to do?


February 25, 2013, 4:14 pm

Elizabeth K
Expert Mechanic

Have the codes scanned. If nothing shows up, the problem is obviously intermittent, so you'll need to drive it until the problem shows up again. If you continue to be able to resolve the issue by shutting down the car and restarting it, that is a strong indication that the problem is electronic. If you can rev it up in neutral but not in drive, then have the shift solenoids in the transmission checked.

And you may ask your mechanic to give you a guided tour of the fluids in your vehicle, you may be able to recognize what you smelled before.


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