I'm having some trouble with the VLSD auto trans in my 94 Max SE. When the trans shifts from 1->2, and also at 2->3, sometimes it 'flares' (rpms shoot up temporarily by approx 500rpm) during the shift. For example, if the shift should occur at 3000 rpm, the trans will flare to 3500 for a second, then perform the shift and the tach then reads 3000. You could also call it a slipping transmission I suppose. I've run the diagnostics that are in the service manual on the trans, and all come back ok (all ten flashes of the Power LED are the same short duration). The trans fluid has been replaced regularly, and was changed approx 10K miles ago. Fluid is pink and clear and filled up to max level on the dipstick. My Max now has 146K on it. This condition only seems to happen during hard exceleration, (i.e. WOT), under normal driving conditions theres no apparent problem. I'm thinking a rebuild maybe necessary, perhaps the friction elements are starting to wear. I guess its time to drop the pan and check for debris. Anyone else had a problem like described here, and if so, what was the cause? Thanks in advance.

 

Sounds like normal crappy maxima tranny issues. Ive got a tranny that runs perfect if your interested in buying it, as rebuilt trannys never really last too long for some reason or another. PM me if interested, but GL

~Alex

 

Yes, slight chance.

More probably your harness PM time has arrived: the box itself is GREAT and will last long. The 'crap' -speak is valid only when ppl dont know, and shops want to rip u.

Self diag is : carbage in --->carbage out ...until u FIRST do THE maint.

The BIG thing is THE maintenance --- nobody explains except here:
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/15

...but start from reading http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/14

 

alex, might want to tell him you have a VG tranny.

 

Thanks for the info. I will try cleaning up the electrical connections first. If that doesn't help, its time to drop the pan and investigate. Not ready for another trans yet at this point, especially not a VLSD. Thanks guys.

 

you should already have a VLSD (92-94 SE models)

 

Yes, I know. I meant I am not interested in a non-VLSD replacement transmission. Perhaps I was unclear.

 

your problem is probably electrical in nature like wiking said.
mine does the same thing on occasion :-\
oh well. when it dies, i'll just replace the car. heck there's already a teg in the garage awaiting my attention ($35 car so far )

 

There are also two 'mech' patch possibilities: one is the solenoid valve upgrade pack 50$ and another is the snake oil additive (non-slip). Might help, dunno, but I'd try before swap...

 

is there anymore information about these trannys I have a loose vaccum line that is not connected to the tranny but there are 2 loose there not sure which it is

 

yeah there is information, u could try to search for it

 

KEhrhardt, use the fsm and check the resistance for all the shift solenoids and line pressure solenoid. a solenoid pack is only around $120 or so, and can be replaced without dropping the tranny.

 

As there are 2 loose, I suppose their other end is connecTed. Tell me where? Got Pics? ...or click through my cardomain pages to see about all of them.

Clarification: Theres a Non-Nissan valve upgrade kit for slipping tranny 50$, see link on my cardomain page.

 

Wiking, are you referring to the shift-kit for the tranny? b/c thats not a valve upgrade, as-in shift valve, but its for the valve body, not the solenoids, and it does not fix a slipping tranny, its only for use with a 100% functional tranny to speed up the shifts. I'm currenlty using the Transgo shift kit, and its excellent, but I don't reccomend it for anyone with a bad tranny.

Wiking, I went to look for the valve upgrade kit on your cardomain page and could not find it. I saw something you wrote about the power and comfort switch, that switching it into power by-passes the dropping resistor, I don't think thats correct, since anyone here who has bypassed it manually knows that the tranny will SLAM gears. I wasn't sure if you read that from the FSM or not, or pulled it out of your ****.

 

I am suspicious how u read, maybe its how u write. Well, ppl have to survive with all they have...

Links are there and well documented, service pack seller answers what theyre selling, not my prbl.