I have a 95 GLE with Auto. Trans (143K miles). It is shifting hard between 1st and 2nd gear. It seems to go into neutral with RPMs around 3500 before 2nd kicks in. Other gears are ok, but it does not downshift well if I click the O/D Off button over 40 mph.

I checked the trans. fluid, looks clean and level was ok. Dealer didn't know anything other than to tell me it failed a line test at 32psi. That bit of info cost me $70. Dealer said not to flush the system because the fluid looks good, and if there are loose bits of metal in there, it's better for them to remain in there than to be flushed away and cause more damage.

Has anyone else had this problem before? Any possible solutons? I think it may be time for a new transmission, but hope not?

 

my signs were....shifted very slowly and hard on first...everything else was ok...then one day my bro borrowed it...without knoeing to give it time to shift into first...the just put it on "d" and drove...all of a sudden a big jerk...then the car would only drive under "1"...

 

heh, yep, those are all signs of dying trannies. Mine is probably on its way out too...but it will last a little longer. I have a warrantee 'til 96k miles, so I have to wait until the slipping is obvious before I bring it in.

Saily driver auto trannies are too weak for driving hard. If I didn't have the warrantee, I'd convert to mtx or get level 10.

 

Very good point. Our trannies are not very strong when they are left OEM, but there are ways to make it a little more stronger. If your tranny is on the way out, please don't make the mistake that I made. Mine went totally out (wouldn't shift into any gear other than park, the torque converter blew up) and I had a total rebuild. I had the torque converter hand built to strengthen it and installed a transgo shift kit and cooler. The shift kit is basically worthless and I wish I had done Don's VB mod. I'm working with Don as we speak to fix that part. My point, after rambling on, is that if your tranny is going to have to be rebuilt anyway make sure you have all the GOOD stuff put in while it's apart. The tranny in autos is the weakest link so don't skimp or you'll regret it sooner than later.

 

I wouldnt be downshifting purposely especially at 143K.. If your in 4th dont hit the OD button anymore. Thats bit of extra abuse on the already not so hot auto tranny.

Shifts are rough between 1-2, its a characteristic of high mileage autos. I'll watch my rpm's today on the shift and note if theres any stalling or fluctuation.

 

Level 10 is actually the best way to go, but it's sooooooooooooo expensive. I probably have to stick with a lovely stocker tranny because of the warrantee as well.

Anyhoo, the problems I've noted recently with my car: will not downshift, when downshifting, cannot find gear and rev's high til I let up then finds gear. It's not terribly consistent yet, so I have to wait. The guy who had the car before me probably slammed the car from r-d without braking.

I have a very large tranny cooler, but it doesn't seem to make a difference. Don's VB mod is very uncomfortable, IMO, although it saves on tranny wear. A kid who has some things done to his car at my local shop has a level 10 tranny; I'm going to have to check it out.

 

If you already have a wounded puppy, you're right is not going to make a big difference. How is Don's VB mod uncomfortable? Elaborate please because I just ordered mine today.

 

the shifts are very harsh, although at low RPM's it isn't as bad as at higher ones.

 

Not so.

People that have Don's VB say otherwise. I've driven a car with Don's VB and the shifts are not very harsh at all. Quicker and firmer, but not harsh.

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....ns+impressions

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....dons+valvebody

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....dons+valvebody

 

Tell em' Clee