Car not shifting properly and no codes? Is it the transmission or something else? Follow this Real Fix to see how a bad camshaft position sensor caused the transmission to not shift at the proper speed.
Vehicle
2005 Nissan Maxima SL 3.5L
Title
Transmission Does Not Shift, Replaced Camshaft Position Sensor
Complaint
The customer states the transmission does not shift.
Cause
Confirmed the customer’s complaint and found the transmission did not shift at the proper speed. Inspected the transmission fluid level and condition, but found no faults. Road tested the vehicle, used the scan tool to monitor live data and found the camshaft position sensor signal parameter intermittently dropped out. Performed a visual inspection of the camshaft position sensor and found no obvious faults. Backprobed the camshaft position sensor, ran the engine, monitored the sensor signal on a lab scope and found the camshaft position sensor signal observed on the lab scope intermittently dropped out. With the key on, engine off, used a multi-meter to measure the resistance of the camshaft position sensor circuit by disconnecting the control component connector and probed the respective connector terminals. Found the measured resistance was within specifications, which indicated there was continuity through the camshaft position sensor and the camshaft position sensor circuit. These test results verified the camshaft position sensor was faulty.
Correction
Replaced the camshaft position sensor and verified the vehicle operated properly. The customer’s concern did not return.
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