So my brother has a 97 maxima that he has taken good care of with 85k miles. Two days ago, totally out of the blue - the car would not move in any gear. It would rev fine though. So it obviously sounds like the transmission went bad.

First off - Is that common for a transmission to suddenly crap out with no warning whatsoever??

Second - How much should a full tranny replacement cost, parts and labor separate?

 

I would get a VLSD either from a I30 or newer maxima should be able to get it and have it installed for around $1500. Most of the time a transmission goes with little or no warning signs.

 

It is if the fluid leaked out.

 

5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic?!?!!??

 

its cost me 3,000 for a new tranny and the labor work

 

A tranny for our cars cost between $500-$1k. Labor would be in the area of $300-$500.


I'd say about $1k would be about the price to pay a shop to install a new tranny (with tranny purchased).

If its a Manual, might as well have the clutch replaced at the same time, add ~$250 for a good clutch. (5th gen).

 

u got ripped off haha
the one place around here charges 1600 which includes a new tranny, clutch and labor...

 

Strange. No prior symptoms at ALL?
You have checked the fluid level?
If the level is up to the mark and it won't engage gear, there could be any number of reasons, including electrical. If you don't have the knowledge to check it yourself you'll have to take it to someone who does.

 

Yeah, I'd definetly check out the linkages. If it's an automatic, the cable may have become disconnected either in the console or on the trans housing. Usually these things give some kind of advanced warning.

If it's an automatic, when was the last time you changed the Trans fluid? What color is it now? Discoloration (brown, gray) and burnt odor probably indicate that the clutches are fried. If the fluid is fresh and pink, I'd doubt it's the transmission itself.

 

Check your fluid. If you have a manual and there's none and your transmission is fine, you're lucky. Just find the leak and fix it/refill the fluid, and you should be good to go.

Alternatively, your tranny may be shot. A day before my 5spd tranny completely bit the dust, I was having lots of trouble getting into each gear. It was just really notchy, then I just couldn't get into gear at all. $1600 later including new clutch, my tranny works just fine.