Alright, so I'm aware that the VG tranny has issues. The torque had dropped in 1st over the last year on mine, and it slipped just a hair between 2nd and 3rd every once in a while. Last night I leave work, feel a little "whump" and then nothing. My engine and transmission no longer communicate at all... not even a bad noise. What is usually the problem with those transmissions? Is it a repair or complete rebuild job? I'm hoping someone might have experienced the known problem and could fill me in on what kind of damage I'm looking at if it is something typical of this model, and if it goes bad in an identifiable way. I'd rather have an indication of what to expect and/or look for before going into someplace and having a bad torque converter translate into a whole new transmission in mechanic-speak.

 

Oh man, you are not going to like what you'll hear!!!
OK, the VG transmission is by far the worst tranny Nissan has ever put together. From what you described it, your tranny has been slipping for a while and now it has finally gone to that place in heaven where all the transmission go when they die. You have a few options at this point.
1) You can have a tranny rebuild. This will run you anywhere from $2000 and above depending on the current shape of your transmission.
2) You can find a spare transmission and have a mechanic put it in for you. Make sure if you completely replace it you do so with one that is in good shape. A competetive mechanic should only charge you about $500 to swap a new tranny for you.
3) If you are lucky enough to find a donor car and you have good mechanical skills, go for the 5sp swap. It is not that complicated and will avoid you many headaches in the future.

Anyways, if you get a rebuild, make sure you get at least a 12,000 mi warranty on it, for rebuilt VG trannys have been known to fail quite quickly and you don't want to be throwing around $2000 every time.
Let us know what happens and good luck with your Maxima.

 

Thanks man... though I didn't want to hear that at all.
Any idea how much it might cost to have a 5 speed thrown in considering how there will be added parts installed, such as the clutch pedal? I'll hunt for one first... or see if a rebuilt manual will be cheaper. Any other input or experiences would be appreciated.

 

Bouncer, I have a 90 SE thats a 5 spd......a nice running VG engine, and immaculate black leather interior. I'm just along route 2 west of you.....near Gardner. It would be a SWEET parts car for you....your GXE would be real cool with a 5spd, black leather, and rear disc brakes. let me know if you're interested.

 

Sounds great, but I don't have the time. money, or a garage to go that far right now. Right now my priorities are, the tranny, the front struts, a new muffler or catback (muffler fell off recently and is in the trunk.. been a long month), and finally the fiberglass and front end work I need. I don't even know what a shop might want to throw a 5-speed in for me considering all the hardware that'll have to be added. Christ, am I gonna need a new ECU too if I go manual???

 

the auto ecu will work fine with a 5spd