vilmaxima

So the past week my car started to shift weird. 1st shift is good the second, and third the rpms raise about 500 but its not really pulling, itll just shoot up for a couple seconds, then itll drop down and be fine. Does this mean its slipping? I just finished doing the tranny coolant, and took it for a drive, its a little better but still not shifting right. Any ideas or suggestions? Also once in a while when I start the car the o/d will blink 16 times, but only sometimes. I checked for tranny codes but nothing (10 of the same flashes).

erty67

iTrader: (104)

I had a problem very similar with my 98, back when I had my VB done. They had put all new soleniods in and one was defective. They replaced it and it was all set. This may not be your issue, but I'd suggest getting it looked at soon. A solenoid is a lot cheaper than a tranny. I've heard they're only expected to last 80k or so. Hopefully, someone here can give you more info.

vilmaxima

thanks for the advice! If I need a new tranny, I think I might go 5 speed.,

maximomo

iTrader: (2)

Try using some SeaFoam TransTune before you pay someone to replace your solenoid bank. Often times the problem is varnish/residue build up that makes the solenoids stick or run slow.

Drive it for about 200 miles after and do some manual upshifting and hold it in each gear until at least 3500 rpms. This gets the ATF pressure up and helps clean the varnish.

Rob20

i hear the change from auto to 5spd is alot of work. tons of places that you can go wrong on. my 4th gen shift weird too. 2nd will change but rpm will drop.. from like 3.5k to 2.7k and then to 2.1k in like 3 secs.. btw its a auto.

i dont kno much about cars but is there a lot of reasons why this could be happening

vilmaxima

Anyone know what the 16 blinks is from o/d light? It only does it sometimes. I searched but found nothing that answers my question.

webjohn

my car shifts weird too. somtimes when i accelerate let it go and then quikly accelerate again it really shutters, its almost like the cars teeth are shattering.

phatryan69

sounds like you need to maybe talk to someone at autozone or something they might kno whats goin wrong never heard of O/D blinking though

vilmaxima

I just also noticed that when the o/d light blinks 16 times my cruise control wont work either...wtf. Lately its been problem after problem, nothing major except for this. I dont have the money for a new tranny.

maximomo

iTrader: (2)

The O/D blink can indicate there is a code stored. You need to use a code reader to find out what AT code is actually stored if any.

Sometimes it's not even the tranny. If your TPS is flaky or bad it can cause issues including weird shifting.

There are a couple of ground connections that could be causing you trouble too. On the frame beam below the brake master cylinder area there are two bolts with ground cables on them. They get rusty and need to be taken off and sanded and lubed.

If you don't have the downloadable Field Service Manual you need to get one.
Do a search on FSM.

vilmaxima

Yeah I already checked OBDII, p0500 (vehicle speed sensor malfunction), I dunno why I keep getting this code Ive already switched it, and erased the code. Checked the codes from tranny but nothing (10 equal flashes). I did notice that its also leaking a little tranny fluid, so that may have brought down the fluid level a bit. It feels as though its not downshifting, or shifting right. i checked the connections for the tranny, cleaned all my grounds, and a few days ago changed oil, spark plugs, valve cover gaskets and spark plug o-rings. I have the FSM but it doesnt really say much about my problem.

maximomo

iTrader: (2)

Did you ever put SeaFoam in your tranny?

kdarcangelis870

If the overdrive light is blinking and cruise control won't work, it could quite possibly be the Vehicle Speed Sensor (Nissan calls it the Revolution Sensor). Had a similar issue with my 2000 Maxima. I would try and find someone that has a consult II scanner so that they can scan the transmission for codes. As far as I know and have experienced, autozone can only read OBDII codes, not transmission codes.

vilmaxima

Allright I think I fixed the o/d light blinking, for now anyways. I tightened all the screws on the back of the gauge cluster and it hasnt blinked yet. Tranny still shifting weird though. No I havent put seafoam in the tranny.

ZaxWhite97Max

iTrader: (4)

Mine was shifting similar to this, then I blew the main bearing and got a motor and transmission with 24000 registered miles. after that 1-2nd shifted quick no hesitation. 2-3 had slight hesitation but was still pulling. New tranny seems to be working extremely strong. Try what everyone else did auto trannies for the 4g are easy to find and they go for cheap around here these days. 5spd swap would be fun though

vilmaxima

Im thinking it might be a TPS, or TCM issue. I also noticed after driving my dropping resistor was pretty hot.
I found a drop resistor so Im gonna switch it doubt itll do anything but worth a try. And Im gonna test the TPS.

vilmaxima

Anyone with problems like this, what did you do to fix it? Checked my TPS the numbers came out right, put in that drop resistor I found in the basement, still the same. Good news is my dad had the whole solenoid, pressure line setup brand new from Nissan also sitting in the basement that I just found.

elemax

iTrader: (17)

You said you just finished changing the "tranny coolant?" That means you changed the transmission fluid right? what kind did of ATF did you use? was it a drain and fill or a flush? what is your level like at operating temp in neutral or park?

vilmaxima

Yes. Drain and fill with Mister Transmission Premium Dexron III. Level is in between the cross hatched mark.

vilmaxima

I picked up a gasket kit that comes with the tranny pan gasket and new filter. Looks like Im gonna have to change the solenoids. Heres a pic of it. I might do a little write-up on how to do this, I wasnt able to find anything through searching. If this doesnt solve my problem I have another TCM, I just gotta find out if its the right one, and then swap.

vilmaxima

Just put in the new solenoids, still the same. Couldnt take pictures my camera wasnt with me. Looks like Im gonna switch the TCM.

vilmaxima

So I switched TCM's, its better but still noticeable...dont know what to check next?

heynow

iTrader: (1)

i'm sorry to be a buzz-kill, but maybe your tranny is on it's way out

vilmaxima

Yeah Im startin to think that too. Its weird if Im accelerating slowly it wont do it(rpm spiking). Wide open throttle also is fine. Also after I come to a stop (like at lights or something) it seems like my rpm's will stay around 800 or so for a few seconds and then drop down to bout 600.

heynow

iTrader: (1)

dude, it sounds like you have no problems. It's normal for the tranny to do that.
If i doesn't spike during normal shifts (or @ WOT), then you're fine.

It's 100% normal for it to go from 800 to 600rpm.

Oh, and mine can also "spike" when going into 4th. The best way to avoid that is to gently ease off the throttle between 35-40mph (or right before the last shift in general). It used to drive me nuts, but i learned how to control my foot to make smooth 3-4th shifts and TC lock-ups.

vilmaxima

Well looks like I need a new tranny. Its slipping for sure, the fluid is starting to smell a little burnt. Autos are pretty expensive around here, and I dont want another auto. I got a couple quotes for around $800 from a junkyard for auto trans. I wanna go 5 spd but havent been able to find any parts around my area, especially a tranny. I would be doing the swap.