I got a problem with my nissan in the crank shaft sensor code cam on and it only works for a few moments and then it does not work again

run the fault codes
pay attention to any codes for crank and cam shaft sensor position problems

Poss erratic signal to the crank sensor, oil leak on the sensor itself is a popular one for Nissan. Make sure u have a good electrical connection, water & oil free. Good luck

there is only one crankshaft sensor so you will be looking for a CAM shaft sensor for it to be on bank 2
go google and type in --location of cam shaft sensors on nissan altima engine ---

HI Chuck! The cam position sensor is inside the distributor on the quest. If the cam sensor has gone bad you need to replace the distributor assembly as it is not servicable. Before replacing the distributor, take the cap off and make sure the rotor is turning when you crank the engine. If it is not then check the timing belt as the distributor is driven by the cam shaft. If the belt is broken the cam shaft will not turn and you could get this code.The cam sensor is located under the plastic cover located under the rotor button

Crank shaft sensor.

The way the newer systems work the engine spins at least a few turns while the computer checks everything for correct readings. In the old days it was "cool" to be able to reach in and "bump" the key and have the car start. It meant you had the car tuned perfectly. Now the vehicle computer will not turn fuel on until it is happy with readings. One trick you can try is turn key to full on position and let it sit for a second or two before turning key the rest of the way to crank. This allows the system a second to do it's checking without wasting power cranking. Had Nissan that was just like this. Just wait a few beats before turn to full crank. You can also listen for fuel pump whine in that few seconds, and then hopefully whine to stop when pressure hits full. If whine never stops fuel pump may be getting weak. If you can get access to higher end code reader you can also check for "pending" codes that may be showing up sometimes (holding start up) but then working (so engine finally fires).

run fault codes to find faulty sensors. Cam/crank position sensors. Check to see if the cam shaft is turning (broken timing belt)

i believe that car comes with a dist,it has a cam sensor built end it.

This is most likely one of your cam shaft sensors. The reason your transmission goes to 5th gear and stays there is because the car automatically goes into "safe mode". This prevents you from running the car on high RPM's which decreases the chance of causing more damage to the engine.
Depending on the code you get from the check engine light, it will be one of the cam-shaft sensors or the crank shaft sensor. A code reader will answer that question.
Often the sensor just fails or oil gets into the connectors which prevents proper reading. This sometimes goes away temporarily when engine is hot but problem will return.
To replace the cam shaft sensors you are looking at approximately 30 min of work. Its a tight fit but not a difficult job.
Cam shaft sensors are about $80. Not sure how much crank haft sensor is.
Hope this helps, and good luck.

A common problem on this vehicle is failure of the Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor. Failure of the CKP Sensor will result in the vehicle not starting. The cost to repair the CKP Sensor is estimated at $29.13 for parts and $26.00 for labor.