ECU 1205 problem continuation.. it's not the resistor
 

Sup guys... this is a continuatio of the transmission selenoid probelm I'm having.

Hey nick, hope you're reading this.
I checked all the wirings and they were fine.
Although I didn't actually check the ohm meter on the resistor, I really doubt thats the problem because if the resistor was bad.. I'm pretty sure that I would feel the shifts, don't you agree?
It wouldn't be a sutle difference. When your resistor is disconnected or bad, you know it is.

My car is shifting just fine, but I got the cel again. I checked and it was 1205.
I tried to do the autotranny ecu reading, but I coudln't follow along the directions.

There a part were you're supposed to turn the od/off, do something, and turn it off again. How? It's already off?

Anyway, if anyone knows how to do the reading for a 96 max... share your wisdom plz.

I dunno what I should do...
Just replace the selenoid (if that's whats causing the problem)
or really start to think seriously about a MT swap.
Although... I recent events, I am liking my auto just because it's less of a hassle during rush hour.

Plus, bullet proofing sounds good, but also expensive.

What should I do next?

bump...

anybody?

Check the resistance of drop resistor - it should read 12 ohms, if not - replace it- start with the cheapest possible part.
if you are still getting 1205 code there could be wiring problem with the dropping circuit.

If all else fails - let the dealer diagnose it - let him know that he'll need your permission to pull the tranny out. In meantime he can check for bad grounds/bad ecu's/etc - he should do line pressure and stall testing which cost about $140 in labor.

i'm still 99% positive that the bad drop resistor is causing your 1205 code to flash
the tranny might seem fine and smooth to you , but to someone else could feel harsh.

remember - replacing solenoids @ the dealer will run you $750 or more.

Nick.

also , did you reset the ECU properly ??? - that could be the cause of it too

here's a pic of tranny solenoids:
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...07_91_full.jpg

Nick.

Alright... although I'm positive it's not the resistor, I would be glad to be proven wrong. That would mean that my car actually can shift smoother than it already is. ^^ that would almost be like a toyota tranny. hahaha

I'm gonna get a ohm meter now.

Quick question, 12 ohm when the engine is running in park. correct?

no, engine off. The resistance should be 11.2-12.8 Ohms.

Nick.

Yeah, it's not the resistor, it read 12 something...

Hmm... so now what... Do i go over to the dealer and purchase the selenoids?

if you think you are capable of changing them yourself - go for it , otherwise let someone else do it professionally, You'll need 5-7 quarts of ATF, and new gasket for tranny oil pan.

do you have FSM for your maxima ? it shows how to test the solenoids without taking them out , try ebay for those FSM on CD's or ask around the .org for it

whatever route you'll choose you can rest pacefully knowing that you did whatever could be done to diagnose the problem yourself.

Nick.

good luck

What's FSM?

Granted, I've never done this before... I hope I am able to do it..

There's the technical service guide on the stickies that I can use for a guideline plus my hayans manual.

I figure I should lift the car, perhaps on a ramp... take out the tranny fluid and then go on from there...

I don't think it will be like changing the oil, but, I must say it doesn't look impossible... just a bunch of liquid, some bolts, and some wires...

now , thats an good approach !!!

replacing those solenoids is actually quite easy job and with proper instructions and TSB ( thats what i have used ) it should be a breeze
plus you'll save over $600 !!!


look up the website for VB Mod install guide - it shows very detailed pic - it's somewhere here on the .org

also - don't overtighten the oil pan bolts - or you'll end up with leaking tranny on top. Keep the work area clean and take you time , notice the position of the plunger and spring for later assembly.

Before you tackle this job - you might want to consider having your car diagnosed by tranny shop or dealer to make sure that problem lies with the shift solenoids.

good luck !!!

Nick


FSM - factory service manual :wall:

Cool. alright, I'll take it to the dealer to get it checked by a professional.. I guess I don't wanna make the job worse. hehe
Plus, I can just pick up the parts on my way home...

How long you do think I should estimate... I'm thinking something like 5+ hours...hehe...
just getting comfortable under car will take an hour or so...

well if i had to do it again - it should not take longer than 2 hours max, now dealer will have it for atleast 5-6 hours @ $75 per hour plus parts, plus test drive.

Nick.

I haven't checked it out yet, but I wanted to double check the list of things I'll need.

Selenoids
Tranny Pan Gasket
A lot of TB cleaner (or is it brake cleaner....??????)
at least 5 quarts of ATF
Indoor garage, with clean floor.
FSM
jack stands, (can't use a ramp because I have to test and see if the wheels turn when I shift the gears).

um...
torque wrench...
ziplock bags to distinguish nuts and bolts
oil pan to gather tranny fluid.

um...
that's all I can think of now...

Anything else?

that should do it , here's link to instructions courtesy of Mobiletek racing
http://www.mobiletek.net/vbinstruct.html

Nick.

hmm, now I'm thinking... maybe I SHOULD get the vb mod instead.. I mean, doesn't the VB mod come with new selenoids anyway?

Might as well kill two birds with stone if you know what I mean.
It could be three birds if I place a tranny cooler also...

hmm....