This happened all of a sudden today. I went to the store, came back started my car, pressed on the brake and went to push the button to move the car in D. Well the button wouldn't push in as if I didn't have my foot on the brake. So I turned the car off, pressed and held the button(it pushed in this time) held it in and started the car with the button already depressed, then I was able to move the car into drive. Oh and once I get the car started the **** works like normal with no problems.

I went out about an hour ago and had to go through the same ordeal to get the into drive.

 

I don't know what to tell you, but my car started acting up today too.

sometimes when i shift quickly from reverse or par to drive the car thinks it is set to neutral. when I shift to N then back to D it is fine though.

 

your problem is one or both shifter bushings. I have had 3 maximas and have had to replace the bushing in all 3 under the shifter (under the car behind the heat shield). I had to replace the shifter bushing on the trans only on one of them and I dont think it was actually messed up but had the part so figured I would change it anyway.

they are only a couple bucks from the dealer.

MaximaGuy719 your problem sounds like the solinoid that prevents it from coming our of park but the way you can get it to work is kinda confusing so I am not sure.

 

Micheal, or anyone else that has done this. How do you replace the bushing under the shifter. Do you have to replace it from underneath the car or can you just take the shifter apart to replace it.

 

you have to do it from underneath the car. remove the 2 or 3 heatshield bolts on the drivers side and you should be able to get to it. If not remove the rest of the bolts on the heatshield.

do not be suprised to see no bushing there. On two of my cars the bushing had completely worn out and it wasnt even there.

 

What exatly is a "bushing" I was never quite clear on the term.

Also it it near the transmission, or the shifter assembly?

 

Can someone help me out a little bit more here?? Where exactly is the heat shield and what does it look like? I tried to search the chiltons site Jeff posted in the Faqs, but I can't find it. Sorry, I'm still fresh on some of these things.

 

Go to this page and check out the FAQ section. Then, under Transmission, click on Sometimes when I put it in Drive, it stays in Neutral Fix.

This is a step by step by Bryan Tisch on how to replace the shifter bushing, which is called an "insulator" by Nissan, and is a small, white plastic piece that looks like a wide-brim hat. It costs about $1.51 at the dealer, and this fix took me about 10 minutes. Afterwards, the car feels like it's almost brand new for that instant you shift into drive.

Good luck.

 

Gjohnson, it's probably another job for me.

you have to remove the heat shield above the cat- which requires you to be completely under the car. not something everyone can do with a cheapo floor jack, but it's not really a difficult procedure other than getting around the heatshield.

 

Actually, I just finished up. I had already replaced the bushing at the transmision, but couldn't get to the one at the shifter. I only ran into one problem, which was trying to get the pin back in after changing the bushing. I was struggling, then it fell into my Cat. So, I had to try to remove the rusted bolts holding it together and one of them snapped. So I only have three bolts holding to cover on my Cat. Oh well, guess that means I need a new exhaust. So Matty, the only job left for you now is the oil leak. ( I'm not going anywhere near that. My luck, two weeks down the line I would be looking for a new engine.) Thanks, for all the help fellas. This has been a good day, replaced a windo regulator this morning and shifter bushings this afternoon.

 

Where is the tranny one located?

And can anybody help me out on the original question of this thread?