I was just wondering if anyone else noticed this in there max's...But it seem like when i get up in the morning to drive my car, as soon as my auto tranny switches from 1st to second gear for the first time it sorta jerks a little bit, but not as much to say that my transmission is going...its just a little jerk that i notice----but as soon as the car has warmed up it seems like it goes away pretty much. im not sure if this is because it is cold out or what, but does anyone have a suggestion for me? and if this IS my transmission is there anything i can do to keep it from going on me???? it has 97,000 miles on it, and nothing has gone wrong with the car at ALL....its been really great to me, im just wondering if i should take some steps to make sure that it stays that way, for a while. Im planning on keeping this car for a while, and probably going to put some high miles on it.

Let me know what i can do,
Thanks
JOe.

95 Max SE....Pearl white metallic, every option except leather...........

 

This phenomenon is typical and not a symptom of impending failure. If you haven't already done so, consider replacing your Automatic Transmission Fluid. There are two methods for changing the ATF.

Method 1) An ordinary drain-and-refill may be done by the home mechanic. This method changes only about half of the fluid, but is easy and inexpensive. The cost is 4 or 5 quarts of ATF, plus your time.

Method 2) Most commercial service facilities use the Magic Sucker Pump which changes all of the fluid. The cost is about US$80.

My Maxima is a 5-speed so the issue of ATF change does not apply. I maintain a Honda Accord for a family member. On that car I do a drain-and-refill ATF change with every oil change. It is not a big deal, as the car is already up on jackstands and my hands are already dirty. This costs about US$8/year in ATF and the car is always running on almost-new ATF.

 

I did the full replacement again last week and the 'morning thud' is still there, but about half as noticable as before. Get the flush.

 

Regular ATF, like motor oil, is thick when cold and causes the hard shift when cold. Changing to synthetic ATF, which maintains its viscosity over a much larger temp range, should make that first shift smoother.