S Cranaw

This past weekend I was driving along and noticing my car shifting oddly at low speeds and high speeds.

Now I just got a CEL and it is code 11 - 03 (Improper Shifting to First Gear (A/T))

What exactly does this mean, and what part if any should be repaired / checked out. This code description is a bit odd... yes I know my car is shifting improperly.

Any insight is welcomed. Thanks in advance.

-Steve

cashoit

I dont have AT but seems like a sensor is going bad. Shouldnt be too much of an issue. Replace sensor and u all good.

I would be more worried if there were no codes...

EDIT:

I jus checked the FSM...looks like it could be shift solenoid valve or control valve. Might jus be loose wires.

ajm8127

iTrader: (8)

Check the fluid level first. Let us know what color it is and if it smells burnt.

JtzMax

iTrader: (5)

I agree, check the fluid (level and visscocity *does it feel gritty between your fingers, smooth, does it leave a residue on your fingers, smell burnt / look burnt (dark in color). I'd start there, but if it's throwing a CEL, it's likely giong to be more than that.

The A/T is controlled by the TCM, if it's acting up, or if a check valve / solinoide or pump inside the trans is going / gone, then it's a trans R+R / swap or rebuild. Have you noticed it slipping at all, like if you are on a hill stopped - does the car want to roll backwards, or when going up hill / acclerating, do the RPMs jump quite a bit? If so ... it's slipping and that could be low fluid or any of the above listed issues.

How many miles on the car / what kind of driver are you (do you baby it or drive it like you stold it)? Has the car been serviced on a regular basis? Need more info ....

S Cranaw

Sorry for the slow response guys but I just wanted to update you all and the ORG with some useful information for anyone else that might go through my situation.

It all came around today. I got another CEL and it was for the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor). I was experiencing a rough idle jumping then plummeting and almost stalling out, but everything at higher speeds was fine. All of these are symptoms of a failing TPS.

To answer all the other questions. Transmission fluid is red, full and not gritty or burned at all, and I haven't been experiencing slipping in shifts or on hills. My car still performs great for a '96 with almost 180,000 miles.

Like I said, just wanted to help others out so if you pull this code, think TPS sensor.

-Steve

Maxima-4DSC

iTrader: (1)

do what i did. tak the autotrajic out and replace it with a much lighter more reliable manual tranny :-) oh and change the TPS

S Cranaw

Tranny is fine. Just the TPS needs to be changed... as stated. I think 180,000 miles and not a sign of slipping means that "autotragic" transmission is anything but tragic. Thanks though.

JtzMax

iTrader: (5)

I have an extra TPS laying around if you need one. PM me. $35 is what I'd need out of it.

cashoit

a wk ago i was reading through the AT section of the FSM...and all diagnostics sd to check TPS first then look at AT issues. Seems like sound advice.

i wonder if cleaning TB wd have fixed this issues ????