Hey everyone, well I have had this 96 Maxima SE, automatic, since she had 55k on her, now that I'm around 75 it started to slide down hill, heres the problem, crank it up, I let it heat up to full running temp...shift into drive, and it holds first gear up to like 4.5k rpms..then shifts out really hard every single time...then if I try to floor it, the rpms just do like a wave, acts like it doesn't konw what to do and picks a random gear between 3rd or 4th..list of what I have done in hopes of correcting the problem.
Tune up
injector cleaning
full tranny fluid swap and gasket
pcv valve
fuel filter
I have an extended warranty, but if they have to drop the tranny pan, and whats wrong isn't covered under my warranty, I have to pay for the drop...200+ $$...let me know what you guys think I should..and thanks for all of your help!!

Worried Nissan Driver...Josh

Here's what I found in the troubleshooting guide of the Techtran manual for the Nissan RE4F04A transmission.

"Too sharp a shock in change from D1 to D2"
1. Fluid level, control linkage
2. Engine idling rpm, line pressure
3. Accumulator 3-R, Ignitiion switch and starter
4. Control valve assembly, shift solenoid
5. Fluid temperature sensor, Accumulaator N-D
6. Low and reverse brake band

"Gear change directly from D1 to D3 occurs"
1. Fluid level, control linkage
2. Accumulator 3-R, Ignitiion switch and starter
3. Low and reverse brake band

Hope this helps.

My car does the same exact thing. I got the level ten tor conv and dons vb. but nothing really seemed to help. my most recent diagnosis has been that the auto clutch is shot. thus i am going to probbaly go through wiht the level ten tranny upgrade with a buddy of mine. if your interested let me know. does your max sometimes drive fune and other times hold its gear liek u talked about??? if u find anything new out please keep me updated.


thanks

Check the fluid level and color. Pinkish in color and it should feel smooth, not gritty. If it's brownish or smells burnt, you may want to do a trans drain as opposed to a trans flush. Good luck & keep us posted.

The factory service manual mentions one more possible cause, a misadjusted Throttle Position Sensor.

You have a transmission problem, not an engine problem. Therefore everything on your list, aside from the fluid swap, did not address the problem. It was not wasted money, but could not provide a benefit.

Alright well I will take this with me to the dealership and see what they have to say...haven't had much luck with dealerships but it looks like my last resort, got to get her fixed, all the jerking and hard shifts worries me about the car..thanks for everyones help though! hopefully I can get it worked out!

Thanks Josh
96 Pearl White Maxima
94 Jet Black Grand AM SE

How do we readjust the throttle position sensor?? Please help before I go ahead with level ten tranny. Does it make a differnece on how we should adjust it id we have a sc???

THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP!!!!!!!!

Instructions for this procedure are found in the Chilton manual (page 4-19) and the Haynes manual (page 6-9). You may buy these books in any large bookstore or auto parts store. You might find them on the shelf at your public library.

At http://www.motorage.com/tsb/1200imp.htm I found this:

Technical Service Bulletins

Nissan: All 1995-1998 with OBD II

Subject: A new standard TPS adjustment procedure has been developed for all earlier OBD II models regardless of transmission. Previously this procedure varied and it was easier for the closed throttle position switch (CTPS) to be improperly adjusted. Incorrect CTPS adjustment can cause one or more of the following codes: P0120, P0510, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P1447, P1705. The bulletin supercedes NTB99-053 and includes illustrations and complete instructions for using feeler gauges and a DVOM. Bulletin NTB99-053a.


Perhaps you can get this procedure from your dealer or from a for-fee service such as AllData.