Please help us
 

Hi,

My good friend has this tidy Japanese import JN1 3.0 litre Maxima.
I suspect it's a 4th gen vehicle, but can't be sure, as I am being sent all the model details by SMS, and I fear there are digits missing.
To add to my confusion, I got beaten and robbed last night at the supermarket, but I hope I'm making SOME sense at least.

Garbled transaxle are either: RE404B FN37, or RE4F0B FN37.

PROBLEM:

Only got first and second gear on the transmission. Can drop pan, and replace valve body, but unsure of which part to buy off e Bay.

Engine is VQ30(DE) 2988cc

As I say, it is a used Japanese import, and I can't be certain what generation it actually is.

I might post this on the Gen 4 and Gen 2 pages, cos this thing is a mystery to me.

Hope that's ok - don't want to waste anyone's time.

Cheers from NZ

Andy

VQ30 is likely 4th gen, 95-99

Maxima seires ID
 

Hi, kind Canadian person.

That's helpful, and gives me somewhere to start.

I've been to Edmonton, albeit when I was 10 years old, but still recall it, and the rest of Canada, fondly.

Wish I could afford to go back...

Cheers for your response.

Andy

Im from New Zealand. By the information given, especially VQ30 it will be an 4th gen A32 Nissan Cefiro, which was badged as Maxima when sold here new. I cant recall seeing a 3.0 litre 5th generation A33 Japanese imported Cefiro, they all seem to be either 2.0 and 2.5's (VQ20 or VQ25), so more than likely its an A32.

In the United States and Canada, the model number of the transmission used in the 3rd generation Maxima (1989 to 1994) with the SOHC VG30 engine is RE4F02A 27X79. For the DOHC VE30 engine it is RE4F04V 80X01.

For the 4th generation Maxima (1995 to 1999) with the VQ30 engine, it is either RE4F04A 80X17 or the RE4F04V 80X18.

For the 5th generation Maxima (2000 to 2003) with either the VQ30 or VQ35 engine, it is either the RE4F04B 85X05 or the RE4F04W 85X06.

From what you posted:

it almost appears to be the 2000 - 2003 transmission with a non-locking differential.

Wow!
 

Hey, thanks so much, people.

Armed with your precious info, I think we can now make some progress.

Will let you know the outcome, and hope to be able to return the favour one day soon.

Ask me about Ford Laser weirdness, and I may be able to help, along with Hyundai Accent gutlessness.

As for the wretched BMW 318i - the answer is simple. Wash it, then drop it from a great height. Laugh insanely.

Problem solved.

Solenoids
 

Ok,

I'm probably making myself look even stupider than I actually am.

I AM fairly stupid, in all fairness.

So if the third and fourth solenoids are dead, can these be replaced as single items, or are we talking valve-body assembly?

Someone I know, (yes, one of those people), reckons the solenoids can be replaced singly, yet he has no idea how to remove/replace, nor any idea as to sourcing them.

Is he away with the fairies, or am I doing him a massive discredit?

Cheers, Andy

Welcome to the club, we forgive the humble that are mistaken. Hopefully someone can help you.

not missing much here besides snow in September lol

theres this Youtube video of a guy tearing down the auto trans, might be worth watching. i would imagine the solenoids get covered in it

For us, the solenoids are sold as a wired together set. I have not seen anyone on Maxima.org ever claim that they bought a single solenoid. The concept of changing just one solenoid is valid, but the cutting and splicing of the wires had better be done perfectly as the solenoids are inside the transmission in the oil.

Solenoids
 

Hi people,

Thanks so much for your suggestions.

I'm fairly certain that we are going to be buying a valve body, as I really think that the single solenoid theory is a nice idea, but a non-starter...

This forum is wickedly good.

Wish there was one as good as this when I foolishly owned a BMW. NEVER AGAIN.

Worst car I ever owned. Even my Lada was heaps better, not to mention the Daewoo/Pontiac Le Mans. And these were not exactly top-of-the-line automobiles, but at least they started when I needed transport.

Beemers. Why?

Toyota Camry. NOW we're talking. 500000 km. Crappy old 2.2 litre four cylinder. Died of neglect. Totally my fault.. Best car ever made, apart from the mighty KE70 Corolla, and, of course, the 910 Bluebird wagon.

Got 480000 kms out of that before the rust killed it.

Thanks, you guys...

Cheers.