When I got the car ('93** model), it wouldn't go over ~20mph, but the engine would continue revving without a problem. I drained the automatic tranny fluid, and didn't see an obvious metal flakes, although the fluid was black (if not blacker than black). I would have changed the filter, but the Haynes manual said it was not changeable. I spent forever refilling it through that damn tiney tube, along with some tranny additive. Much to my dismay, I noticed no difference. Should I start shopping for a used tranny?

**The title for the car says it's a '93, but the haynes manual didn't match for '93. I had to get the '92 manual, which matched my car. When I bought the tranny filter, it looked like it wouldn't go in my car, even though I told them it was for a '93. Weird. I guess it's really a '92. Sorry for the long post.

 

an easy way to tell what year your car 'really' is, is to put your vin # in on the carfax website and it will tell you all the basics about your car. (year, engine, etc.)

 

There are some models of auto transmission that do not have an operator-serviceable filter, at least so I am told by the several shops that I have visited. My 90 GXE does not have a pan on the bottom like most, and the filter is internal to the transmission.
In other words- not much for you to do but look at a used/rebuilt tranny, like I am doing now. Be prepared for anywhere from $1200 on up for the rebuild, unless you know somebody.

 

If your transmission fluid is black, then you have SERIOUS problems. No amount of fluid change--filter or not--is going to fix that.

As for the manual, '92 through '94 Maximas are practically the same.

 

Thanks for the input. I guess I'll have to start shopping. Any opinions on junkyard trannies, as opposed to a rebuild/remanufactured tranny?

 

I was thinking of that route too, If I could find one that I knew didn't have a million miles on it already. Then you have to find someone to install it, if you don't have the facilities to do it yourself. Basically, it seems like it boils down to finding someone you can trust, whether you are getting it rebuilt or buying a used one. I would definitely chance the used one if I could find it.