OK, my reverse has been slipping about 50% of the time recently.. I have a '95 auto w/ 100k on it. I took it the shop and asked them, they said start parking in pull through spots and baby reverse as much as i can, but that it is destined, in the next 100k depending on how much I use reverse that I will totally lose reverse! This sucks bigtime. I have never had the tranny fluid changed, so the guys at Jiffy Lube tell me NOT to do it now, b/c the new fluid would break down the crap, and the crap would get stuck in it and kill it. Does that make sense? Is all this true?

The tranny shop told me just to run it till its dead, then fix it. I was like, great, thanks!

The best part was, I went in for Transgo kit and tranny cooler - didnt get that, but instead got a 2000$ estimate for a new, used (low mileage) tranny installed. Yuck. I wanted new wheels, looks like I'll get a new tranny instead.

 

If they said it was about to die, change it anyway(tranny fluid)what do you have to lose.. Except your tranny!! JK What they said doesnt make sense to me but change it and see if reverse clears up. Jiffy lube sucks, go to another place for another diagnosis/let me know cause my 95 has 100k also

 

What is the color of the tranny fluid? Does it look like it's burned?

 

but the places and family friends have looked at the fluid and says it looks ok - the transmission people said probably shouldnt change the fluid b/c I have over 60k miles and have never changed it, and so did the oil change place (jiffy lube) - so that made me wonder. But I would hate to kill my tranny if it still has 50k left on it..

But, I figure, change the fluid, kill the tranny, get a new one, sell the car and get a 5spd I can't sell it how it is, and want a 5spd - so hey, sounds good to me, just an expensive trade.

 

It does make sense, the reason being this, your car adjusts to changes that happen naturally and it just keeps on adjusting with them and if you put a big shock on the system like doing something that should have been done a long time ago, it does have a lot of potential to break down very soon. For instance if you've ever read car questions some people will say they've never changed their oil in 80,000 miles and they are always instructed to not change it now because it would be too much of a shock on the system, since the oil is now all grimmy and crap and if changed will become lose and break off and cause some major problems; to put new oil in could potentially (potentially = will happen for sure on this topic ) ruin it faster.

You sound pretty pissed but maxima's are known for not being the best when it comes to transmissions, and to go 5-6 years and 100,000 miles with no changes/basic maintenace on the transmission, well it's not completely the cars fault or the guys at the car shop.


-Nate

 

yes, its a bummer to be notified of a 2000 bill when you are 16, and it is good to be at 100k miles and still be on tranny 1 I guess.... just guess I figured nothing could ever happen to my max I don't know, I love the car, its been great, and maybe this is just a sign to get a 5spd.

I mainly just wanted 2nd opinions, and to see if that stuff sounded good - and apparently it does from the responses. Thanks! Any other input would be greatly appreciated! I think I am gonna get 1 more persons opinions here locally, a family friend who owns a tranny shop but doesnt do work on nissans b/c their a pain hehe - he said he would look at it and play with it, but he said its either a 2$ fix or a 2000$ fix hehe... and if all else fails, like someone said earlier, I'll just have the fluid changed and if it fixes it, great. If it breaks it, looks like I get a 5spd and a HUGE bill

 

There are several tests you can make with the fluid on the transmission dipstick.

1) Level. It should be up to the full mark. If not, add as required.

2) Color. It should be bright red and translucent. If it is brown or black that is a bad sign.

3) Odor. It should have a clean oily smell. If it smells burned that is a bad sign.

4) Feel. Wipe the dipstick with your fingers and then rub your fingers together. It should be smooth and slippery. If you feel any grit that is a bad sign.

Sometimes the service life of a transmission can be extended by changing the fluid. Automatic transmission fluid is loaded with detergents, so new fluid can clean the insides of the transmission. If you decide to do this, find a shop that uses the Magic Sucker Pump which removes -all- of the old fluid. An ordinary drain-and-refill changes only about half of the fluid.

 

Yeah.......listen to Daniel.....he knows what he is talking about. Maybe try rebuilding it... doing so maybe cheaper.....put a stall conveter if you rebuild.

 

Daniel,

Do you know if any of Maxima's service manuals require transmission fluid change at certain mileage, or replacing transmission fluid is done to prevent transmission troubles by the owners initiative?

 

Nissan says:
<font color="blue">If towing a trailer, using a camper or a car-top carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads, change (not just inspect) oil at every 30K miles or 24 months. </font>

Aside from this Severe Service recommendation, Nissan does not require any change of ATF. However, many owners like to perform this service with the 60K maintenance procedure.

[Edited by Daniel B. Martin on 01-23-2001 at 10:16 AM]

 

Possibly, its an adjustment type of thing. Older cars had clutch bands that could be tightened. The Max has an electronically-controlled X-mission. Ask the experts about it. I doubt its going south if the fluid never got contaminated or has that "Burnt" smell.