I bought this 94 Maxima knowing the trans was out. Pulled the trans and
found the band and 3rd gear clutches burned up. I rebuilt the trans
replacing all clutches and band. On the first test drive I discovered why
the damage in the first place... the trans is slow to decide to shift from
2nd to 3rd. After the shift finally commences, third takes forever to
engage. It seems to downshift fine 4-3.
I replaced the selonoid pack... shifted better but still no 2-3 shift. I suspect
the 2-3 shift valve or maybe this possible problem:
The valve body diagram in the service manual wasn't very good. I could
make out the steel ball position on most of the *****, but a couple wasn't
very clear (I might have a couple of the ***** in the wrong position). Can
anyone shed light on my problem and maybe direct me to a better drawing of
the valve body showing the correct ball positions?

 

what are you using to hold the ***** in place?
and see if you can get an ATSG manual.