2014 Nissan Sentra
Replaced with rebuilt transmission recently… last symptom was automatic gear shifter needs to be pushed all the way to park or won’t start… after filling up gas from gas station, now engine won’t start even when gear is in park, and car still moves like it’s in neutral. First I tried jump starting it but won’t start. AAA tower tried banging on starter still won’t start, also he was messing under the gear panel inserted a flat screw driver sliding it back and fort don’t know why( maybe he made it worst)… battery check ok but was told its on last quarter life and need to replace soon. Machanic obd’d and no code showed, gave a guess it’s gear problem and quoted $900 to fix I said he’ll no!… I just spent $3000 on transmission, it might be just the starter. What might be the real problem that I might fix on my own for less. Any expert suggestions or theory Scotty Sir? I’m desperate. I let my daughter drive my suv while her Sentra not working.
Since the car rolls when in Park that suggests the shift linkage is out of adjustment, or if shifted electronically there's an issue with those controls. Could also be a problem with the neutral safety switch, or some deeper electronic problem. Since it's all computer controlled a high-level bidirectional scan tool is needed for all but the most simple attempts at diagnosis.
The starter itself can be tested by hotwiring the solenoid but you'd want to be really sure the transmission is in Neutral or Park before doing that.
Thanks and May God bless you for the expedited feed back Chuck I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and expertise on this matter, I’ve been in hold what to do couldn’t make up my mind, what you say is a fair expense to fix for the possible issue you mentioned?
That depends, I'm not familiar with your car but the evidence you presented is that the trans is not going into park and if that's the case the neutral safety switch would prevent the engine from starting. I have no idea whether your transmission linkage is mechanical or electronic and that's going to determine what needs to be done to check it.
Thanks again… after watching YouTube videos of same car gear shift issues I believe mine is electronically controlled by sensors… a co worker suggested it’s an easy fix with remedying the shifter linkage connector that might be disconnected but after watching videos I hesitated doing it myself with the multiple parts involved needing to be removed. I can handle few parts but not many parts.
A mechanical linkage would be pretty easy to check but unfortunately electronic controls don't lend themselves very well to being worked on at home. It might be worth just checking to see if anything related the shifter is disconnected.
I greatly much appreciate all your time and support on this forum, with everyone affected by the rise of cost of everything and trying their best to do things on their own to save some money, you guys are are unsung heroes behind the scenes that not many people give credit enough dedicating your priceless time to give a care helping us out here in the real world with real problems. Even before I can start my prayer for you guys, I know by faith God had already answered it and planned for divine blessings to manifest in your lives, so please May you continue with your gifts to help others as you have helped me. I will probably have to save this shifter inspection for a long weekend off, one day won’t be enough… I’d hate to start and never finish and forget where parts go for reassembly.
I will probably have to save this shifter inspection for a long weekend off, one day won’t be enough… I’d hate to start and never finish and forget where parts go for reassembly.
AutoZone owns Alldata and one of their stores may be willing to print out the shifter assembly and wiring information for you at no charge. Also some larger libraries have shop manuals in their reference section.
Failing that, a short-term AlldataDIY subscription is not very expensive (1 month for $20) and would have all the service information for your vehicle.
Also, before taking anything apart you should take photos at each step documenting how everything gets put back together.
Don't buy any more Nissan vehicles!
Great advise Chuck… I previously had knowledge about a cvt issues with this specific car before I bought it for my daughter as a used car and even mentioned it to her… but she supposedly knew this kid from high school who’s family owned this mini used car dealership so we test drove it, it went fine, the kid even assured them put a rebuilt transmission in it so I figured it’ll last her for a while till she can save for a new one, couple yrs passed she had replaced it again without telling me and eventually to its current non starting state. If I ever get it running again I’m selling it asap just to get some money for it. Can’t sell what doesn’t run.
If you are in a position to sell that thing off once it's running again that would be a good move. Nissan in recent years is not at all what they were back in the Datsun days.