“Trust me.”
A man’s Nissan Maxima started exhibiting accelerator issues. He says it could be an issue with its Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and wants to know if the worst is yet to come.
TikTok user Desert Mountain Biker (@desertmountainbiker) posted a video about his car troubles last week. “This is a question for all you car guys out there or mechanics,” he says to start the video. “I have a 2017 Nissan Maxima Platinum, and the other day I was driving up the road and the accelerator stopped responding. After a little research, I found out the car went into limp mode.”
He took it into the shop for a diagnostic check and found it could be two potential issues.
“The car only has 77,000 miles on it, give or take,” he says. “Question is: How likely is it just an automatic transmission control module or the actual CVT that’s going to need to be replaced?”
Unlike a traditional manual or automatic transmission, the CVT automatically adjusts along a continuous range of gear ratios for the driver without input. That’s both convenient for drivers less concerned with manipulating the driving experience and who want to save on fuel.
Limp mode is a state cars enter when a vital system somewhere in the vehicle is failing or in need of service. Basically, the vehicle slows its systems down in order to allow the driver to get to a service station without causing more damage, either to the failing or other components. Of course, this can signify a host of problems, which can only be narrowed down by a diagnostic.
Unfortunately, Nissan’s CVT has been a target of complaints and even a class action lawsuit that resulted in a warranty extension settlement and repair reimbursements.
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Drivers of models with a CVT that’ve required multiple repairs or replacements may have been able to receive a $1,500 voucher that can be put toward leasing or buying a new Nissan. Those who’ve received repairs at non-Nissan facilities may have qualified for reimbursement of up to $5,000.
The deadline to file a claim was July 3.
In the comments section, viewers did not offer the TikToker a whole lot of hope.
“Trade it in, man,” wrote one. “That transmission is gone. Trust me.”
“It’s time for a transmission,” a second viewer agreed. “That’s about the lifespan of a CVT.”
“In the 77,000 miles, how many times have you done the CVT fluid change?” asked a third. “Fluid change is critical in these Nissan with CVT.”
“One thousand percent the entire transmission,” another person agreed. “You did good if you got 70k out of it.”
In a follow-up video, he revealed that the dealership told him the transmission will need to be replaced. “But they gave me a goodwill discount on it for half the price. So I was happy about that.”
Motor1 contacted Desert Mountain Biker via TikTok comment and direct messages for comment. We’ll update this if he responds.
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