I'm wondering how your tranny service is coming along. I'm taking mine in tomorrow morning with the TSB in hand. I wonder if I should present the TSB first or if they argue with me. They didn't give me any problems replacing my TCM 7 months ago. I notice that the TSB shows are newer part number for the TCM and of course the new solenoid too.

 

First off, thanks for all the work on the TSB getting up online. Secondly, I brought my car in today for diagnosing. Without having to say a word, the guy noticed what I wanted to tell him....2nd to 3rd gear slippage and it's not even MAJOR yet. I just happen to know it will be because of my other 2001 and because I'm a freak about "listening" to my car when it tries to tell me something.

I did present the TSB (as well as handed out copies generously at the service department to other maxima owner, hah hah....make nissan PAY!) but they didn't even have to look at it. One person had no idea what it was, but thankfully the manager I dealt with who road tested my car new all about it from 2000. So he said he's going to change the solenoid and the TCM for sure. But he also is going to check inside the valves for "metal debris" as he put it since he said the pan could be deceiving. There could be shavings in the valve body and valves themselves that haven't worked their way to the pan if it JUST started.

SO thankfully I'm getting good treatment and good service from someone who knows what's going on.

Thanks for all your help so that I don't have to return this Maxima and go for my third 2001 maxima in 6 months! (because I wouldn't, I'd get another car without all these problems, BUT I LOVE MY MAX!!!)

 

Well my stuff is still on order. I should hear from them by Wednesday at the latest. Sorry I have no news for you guys as of yet.

 

Which stuff is on order? The solenoid, TCM, or the new tranny?

 

I believe all three. At least the TCM and Tranny.

 

I told the service advisor about my 1-2 shift delay. He retrieved their head mechanic and we took a short test drive. He really didn't get a good chance to display the symptoms. The one time we had open space (rush hour) to do a WOT run, the tires slipped on icy pavement. He kind of got it to do it once and asked me if that was the problem. I told him yes, but usually a lot more prevalent. He seemed somewhat dismissive. He told me they replaced solenoids in an Altima recently and it didn't help much. He said the car was safe to drive. I agreed, but I told him I was concerned about the longevity of the transmission. He nodded. I gave him the TSB and he had not seen the updated one yet. (39a) He said that he was going to call Nissan and ask them about it. He said something about ordering parts. I think he said something about calling me back or I'm supposed to call him back. Hopefully he'll call Nissan and I'll have a new TCM and solenoid.

 

Example of how the slipping tranny can be dangerous:

Mine has gotten to the point where it will slip for 1-2 seconds and then slam into gear and torque steer.

Here's what happened. I took a road trip to Cali. On the way back we spilled a drink, I pulled to the side of the highway to clean it up. At the edge of the highway is one of those textured strips (makes noise when you run over it, to keep sleeping drivers from crashing). After we get the mess taken care of I go to get back on the freeway, traffic is pretty heavy so I have to get on the gas pretty well. Right at ~40 I'm crossing the strip as the tranny slips, then shifts, major torque steer plus coming off the textured strips causes me to swerve pretty badly. Luckily I had given myself plenty of room. That was when I decided I wasn't going to take no for an answer (I'd been in to the dealers about 4 previous times to try and get it fixed).

 

I called my service dept. at my dealer today. I just told him that I was having some issues with the tranny slipping, especially between 1st and 2nd gear. I made no metion of the TSB or anything more than that. He said I would have to drop the car off for a whole day for them to check it out. So, it seems that they are aware of the problems. I will probably take it in on Thursday. Maybe tomorrow if I get the chance. Wish me luck!

 

Who's your dealer? Maybe I can go there.

 

Herb Gordon Nissan in the Montogomery Auto Sales Park. Next to the Briggs Chaney shopping center. I will probably be taking it in Thursday since I will have to set up a ride to get to work after I drop it off.

 

By the way, Paul: Who is your dealer that you take it too? Just in case mine decides to not do anything....

 

I brought mine to Kings Nissan in Brooklyn and they have the parts on order and are supposed to arrive tomorrow (Wednesday). They gave me a little card from the parts department that listed my order number along with the part numbers. I checked them against the TSB when I got home (since I handed out all my copies to other maxima owners, hah hah) and they were right on point! So they gave me no trouble, without feeling much of the slip, but since they know about it they're doing it as a precautionary measure before the problem starts.

Hope that helps someone if anyone on this thing is in NYC.

 

I had my maxima in last week for the tsb. The service manager acknowledged the problem and recommended that the valves be replaced first and then the TCM if necessary. It worked to some degree the slippage has been eliminated, but the damn thing stil shifts in & out of overdrive while on the highway. Only between 65-80 mph, either steady throttle or cruise. Took it back to the dealer, they acknowledged the problem but are unaware of how to fix it. Service manager claims to be a bad throtle position sensor. This is my 3rd maxima, I hope it wont be my last!

 

So far they've been good, but I feel them digging in on this one. I'll know for sure in a day or two. So far the replaced the TCM 7 months ago, no questions asked, and replaced my rotors too. They've fixed by bumper as well. I've been very courteous with them, which is why I think they've seen things my way. But we'll see about this.

 

Just got my AC blower fan replaced, i am going to schedule appointment about my tranny next week. I talked to service advisor, he seemed pretty firm on following what Nissan tells him to do, Have to Verify the problem before doing anything on the car...bummer!!!!

BTW, it's Bellevue Nissan that punkpork has been going to....

Tim

 

Cool...I work in Gaithersburg on Montgomery Village Ave., so it is probably nearby. Good if I need to take it there. I'll let you know how it goes. I will take mine in tomorrow to Herb Gordon.

 

Punk<B>pork</B> eh... am I honey-glazed?

 

I saw that and busted out laughing.

 

TCM is in tranny is backordered (surprise surprise).

Not much of an update.

 

Just kidding.

Anyway... My dealer called back. They want me to bring my car in for a full day next week. They've ordered parts and are said they need the car for the whole day. Looks promising.

 

I dropped mine off this evening. They are going to check it out tomorrow and let me know whats up. The guy said that it may be the solenoid just like it says in the TSB or, worst case, they may need to drop in a new tranny. I also told them to fix the A-pillar and the wind noise coming from the rear passenger-side door. Lets see how many they take care of.