Sometimes my 1991 Maxima SE automatic transmission runs ok. Other times when I start it the it doesn't changed gears very good. On the freeway at 65 MPH the rpm is at 3000.

But sometimes when it's warmer, if I turn off the engine and restart it, the engine runs fine. Does anyone know what the problems might be?

 

on the freeway turn OD off. The button is on the shifter near the top but under the handle part. BTW how many miles are on your tranny and what work has been done to it. My tranny is getting serviced now.

 

Thanks, I'll try your suggestion. My tranny has 130K miles on it. I just had 2 fuel injectors replaced and the bushing also replaced. Also my lower speeds have a problem accelerating.

 

I accelerate faster with OD off somehow. I think it's because OD works to save gas so it limits RPM levels and takes out the fourth gear.

 

The problem with the acceleration exists when the car is at a complete stop (ie stop sign, red light). Even if i were to put the accel pedal to the floor the car would accelerate very slowly. In the past, the car would peel-out and burn rubber if i floored-it.

I dont know what the problem is, but all i can do is decribe it as best as i can.

 

you should have your catalatic converter checked to make sure its not clogged or getting cloged because if it is you will lose alot of power. could also be knock sensor and a number of other things but those seem to be the main 2

it could also be the tranny but im not sure, ive read that after people have there auto rebiult the see a significant power increase

 

Yeah at first I thought of my exhaust. I paid to get the whole exhaust excluding headers replaced. I still had problems. My tranny then guzzled the tranny fluid (I had my oils changed three months after the oil changes) Last my tranny is now going into the shop to get repaired.

If you are at a stop and you completely press the gas until the rpm levels hit 5.5k and it only accelerated 2 miles per 100k revs then I know what you are experiencing.

 

Thanks for the advice. I think that I will have to fix my tranny. Do you know about how much it would cost to repair my tranny?

 

Pick a number between 500 & 2500 - that's how much it will cost.
Coupla questions: have you checked the fluid level in the tranny? Have you changed the ATF since you bought the car?

Engine rpm @ 65mph should = 2000 if O/D selected. 3000rpm @ 65mph could also indicate torque converter, fluid transfer or tranny oil pump problem - esp with poor acceleration. If you haven't changed the tranny fluid in a while, do so & see if it helps. Also check the oil cooler in the radiator for gunk.

BTW, is your forum name "kiwi" because you're an ex-pat NZ'r, after the fruit or another reason?

 

Thanks! I'll check all those first before I spend a lot of money.

Also, kiwi is my name for no particular reason.

 

Oh man, if you have to get a tranny be ready to shell out some serious cash. You have many options.
1. You can try to have your tranny rebuilt.
2. Swap in a tranny from a junkyard until you find a VE 5sp.
3. Do the 5sp conversion.
4. Swap in a new reconditioned tranny from.