blackhawk

Hello all, I'm new here and was hoping you can help me with something. I have an 1996 I30T (yes, I know it's not a maxima but I couldn't find forums for the I30, since it's basically the same car as the Maxima SE, I didn't think it'll hurt to post here). Anyways, I notice that during gradual acceleration, somewhere between 10-15mph the car punches and jerks a bit like as if it's shifting hard. The car was never like this before and it has always been silky smooth throughout acceleration. Let me know what you all think. It's an auto by the way with 65k miles. Thanks!

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

Have you checked the trans fluid level lately?
Have you ever had the transmissin serviced? By serviced I mean the fluid changed or even the transmissions flushed?

As the fluid gets old, the shifts get a bit rough. If you've never had it serviced I'd suggest you have it flushed out. Your local dealer can do this for you or a reputable oil change place as well.

If your shifts are still hard, you may have valve body problems.

RapidMax

iTrader: (2)

My car was starting to make rough shifts and it went away when I got my tranny fluid flushed.

heems27

Try using Redline synthetic fluid. It helped to smooth out the 1st to 2nd shift.

blackhawk

Thanks for all your replies, I haven't flushed it out since I bought the car used about a year ago. I will definitely try that, how much does it usually cost for that service? Is it something you can do on your own?

JeffesonM

iTrader: (5)

I believe it has to be done by a mechanic because they use some machine to run the oil through the tranny.

iwannabmw

iTrader: (3)

You can flush it yourself by doing this:

Below are some step by step instructions that deadrx7conv. wrote from another post:

Or, buy 5 feet 3/8"ID (I think) clear hose($2) at HomeDepot/Lowes/Plumbingsupply....
Connect(use hose clamp) to either A)the pressure line from transmission(see ATF COOLER FAQ) or B)connect to transcooler exit point(flushes cooler).
Drain/refill transmission(~4.5 quarts).
Overfill by 4 quarts(optional) and start motor. Dirty ATF will be pumped out of clear hose into container of your choice. Do not let ATF pump run dry(it will gurgle/burp/bubble before running dry). Always monitor fluid level in container. Stop before the amount that exits is greater than amount used. And, if fluid is not clean, add ~4 more quarts and redo. You will see the fluid in the hose change color(means you are done).
Best if you have 2nd person(to yell at) in car(to shut off engine when container hits the 4 quart mark) with key while you hold the hose(don't hit neighbor's house with ATF).
This will flush your torque converter. The new fluid will displace the old fluid just like the flush machine. And it will save you money because you are not wasting new fluid(drain/refill method).

maximised

I guess synthetic fluid is the way to go? Redline, Mobil 1, are they fine? Should I do this when I have my 60k service done (soon)?