Hey People,
I have a 98 SE w/auto trans and 50,000 miles. When it shifts from 1st to 2nd it jerks a little, regardless of normal or fast acceleration. The jerk is more evident with faster acceleration. This only happens between 1st and 2nd gears. All other shifts are very smooth. Is this normal? If not what could be the problem. I want the dealer to address it before the powertrain warranty runs out. I appreciate any info anybody has.

Thanks!

Napster

 

I have '97 SE with the same problem, I still have about 1K of power train warranty left. Anybody know if it's normal wear and tear or is it something repairable?

 

I have a 95 with 65k on it and mine does/did the same. I had the tranny fluid changed at 30k and again at 60k. Each time it went away for about 15k. I think that some of it is normal. It's better that it shifts fast like that b/c then its not slipping the internal clutches as it shifts. However, to harsh and it can eventually ruin the internals if things don't 'line up' right when it shifts; much like shifting a manual and not getting the clutch depressed in time...GRIND! ANyway..this won't happen; gears grinding on an auto that is...but same, basic, theory I guess. I'd suggest you get the fluid changed and see what you think. Have them use Redline or Amsoil...it's pricey but mine is real smooth now after using Redline!

SHUMAX

 

I'm not sure if that is normal or what but i do notice that too. I have a 99 w/ almost 30k miles. I have serviced my trans over 3 times now. Two drain and fills and 1 full trans service (T-Tech) and it does that when its cold. Does it sometimes when its warm though. I guess this is normal or it could be the TCM. Check the fluid level too.

 

i have the same problem with my 96 max with 64k on it. My boy mike has a 97 with 30k and his does the same thing. I guess it might be normal for all Maximas. We should ask that guy Daniel B. Martin. He would help us out. He helped my out twice already with other probelms.

 

it sucks i just did my 60k but i only have 52k miles i out 50bux worth of redline atf and it still does it well after 1 nice day. my car goes up 500 rpm them shifts in transition to 2-3 its a b***h espacilly when im racing some body i would like some imput too

 

Can it be related to this 2 Service Bulletins??

Service Bulletin Number: NTB98049
Bulletin Sequence Number: 174
Date of Bulletin: 9805
NHTSA Item Number: SB601722
Make: NISSAN
Model: MAXIMA
Year: 1997
Component: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
Summary: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN ON AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SOLENOID VALVE ASSEMBLY. *YC

Service Bulletin Number: NTB98049
Bulletin Sequence Number: 328
Date of Bulletin: 9807
NHTSA Item Number: SB603261
Make: NISSAN
Model: MAXIMA
Year: 1997
Component: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
Summary: INFORMATION ON F04 AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SOLENOID VALVE ASSEMBLY. *YC

 

Mine does that too, and so does my friends GLE, I think it is just the way maxes shift(auto) sometimes I even get a chirp if i am on it hard enuff! I have had my cv joints replaced and it still did it before and after, who knows

 

will VB mod solve the problem?

John

 

I have a '95 maxse auto, w/ 103k on it and it has never done anything like that.. it shifts just how I like, smooth when I am driving normal/easy on it.. and hard when I am hitting it. I do have a problem with reverse though... it only engages about 50% of the time, the other 50% it takes it to like 3000rpm before reverse engages and then it is like the clutch or whatever catches and jerks it real bad.. so I just typically put it in drive, go an inch forward, try reverse again and hope it works that time. Anyone have any idea what that is?

 

Just in case you have not done so, check your inner/outer cv boots to see if they are cracked/torn. If they are and it has been a while, your cv joints could be wearing out.

 

check out the 5Th Gen forum...this is just the opposite that most 5th Gens are complaining about....maybe this was supposed to be a fix in the 2K Maxs but they made the shift too soft...in fact soft enough to the point that slips sometimes. There is a TSB to replace the TCM to firm up the shift that I had done.


Heh...sounds funny to hear people mention too hard of a shift while it is exactly the other way over at 2K world

 

It's normal. The Maxima's automatic transmission isn't smooth to begin with. I had a full Redline ATF flush recently and that helped a little, but shifts are still not as smooth as a Toyota Camry (the benchmark for smooth automatics).

So live with it, crossing your fingers, toes, and eyes hoping that the transmission will last 150k. The harshness is normal, provided your ATF is filled up. Just change your ATF (drain and refill is fine, about 3 quarts) every 15k and your transmission should be fine.