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Problem while towing camper
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lmaras
New User
Feb 2, 2017, 3:45 PM
Post #1 of 4
(1663 views)
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Problem while towing camper
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Hi all--I'm hoping someone can shed some light on a weird problem I'm having when I tow my camper. Any help would be great appreciated.
Problem: After towing camper about 20 miles, it feels like the brakes are locked up on the camper when I leave a stop sign. Once I reach 30 mph, I get a surge as whatever it is lets go.
2005 Nissan Xterra Tow Vehicle.
2003 Jayco Kiwi Hybrid Camper
Start out driving, everything is fine.
After about 20 miles, if I stop for a stop sign, upon leaving it feels like an anchor was thrown out, or the brakes have locked up. With the accelerator to the floor, it slowly picks up speed. Once I reach 30 mph, whatever it is lets go and I get a surge in speed.
At this point, I stop and look underneath the vehicle because I can smell something hot. “Smoke” or steam is coming from the transmission area, and from all the seams in the exhaust system. Fluid is dripping from the frame.
Also, when stopped, the brake controller is reading “SH” as in short to ground according to the controller manual.
The Xterra OBD gives a code of p0744.
With the exception of the brake controller reading, the exact same thing happens when the trailer wiring is unplugged from the tow vehicle. This ONLY happens while towing.
Any ideas?
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gsferraro
Veteran
Feb 2, 2017, 6:22 PM
Post #2 of 4
(1653 views)
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Re: Problem while towing camper
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Hello,
This is whats happening, the P0744 code is a transmission code for Torque converter clutch. The function of the torque converter is to lock-up and not slip( when i say lock-up that means transmission locks to engine rotation, this wil cut down on the amout of heat generated by the transmission and torque converter) with the extra weight of towing a camper the converter cannot lock to engine rotation so the converter is slipping, generating a large amout of heat(at this ponit the transmission control module sees this and flags the P0744 code) With all the heat that is being generated, the fluid may be coming out of the transmission vent and with the code the computer is putting the trans into limp mode(3rd or 4th gear only, thats why its so sluggish on take off. I hope i explained ok, any questions im here to help. Gary(transmission shop owner)
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 3, 2017, 5:33 AM
Post #3 of 4
(1633 views)
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Re: Problem while towing camper
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This is not related to your issue, but there was a recall out for trailer hitches on those. If it has the Nissan hitch, make sure the recall was performed.
MAKE/MODELS: MODEL/BUILD YEARS:
Nissan/Xterra 2005
MANUFACTURER: Nissan North America, Inc.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V458000 MFG'S REPORT DATE: September 30, 2005
COMPONENT: Trailer Hitches
POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 12500
SUMMARY:
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with a Nissan accessory tow hitch, inadequate quality of some welded joints in the hitch assembly may result in separation of the hitch from the vehicle when being used to tow.
CONSEQUENCE:
This could result in the trailer separating from the vehicle and cause a crash without warning.
REMEDY:
Dealers will replace the tow hitches. The recall is expected to begin on October 24, 2005. Owners should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
NOTES:
Customers can contact The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236; (TTY:1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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gsferraro
Veteran
Feb 3, 2017, 9:52 AM
Post #4 of 4
(1625 views)
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Re: Problem while towing camper
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Hello,
Another little tidbit on this truck, the radiators like to go bad and the transmission gets full of water. gary
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