My transmission is going out. I plan on buyin a brand new one from a dealership. Have the new 4 speed auto transmissions been improved? Or are they still considered to be weak?

 

Usually tranmissions fail due to lack of maintenance. Have you checked to make sure the TCM, solenoids or valve body are not the problem?

 

How much do they want for a new transmission?How many miles on your car?

 

Let me add abuse is the biggest reason for trannies to fail. WOT's are one of the many tranny killers.

 

WOT shifts aren't nearly as bad as you think. Full line pressure and no slippage. As long as the transmission is built to handle the power the car makes, full throttle shifts aren't going to hurt it. Manual downshifts on the other hand...

Heat is the #1 killer of transmission. Any transmission specialist will tell you that.

 

Yes but our automatics dont always shift at full line pressure when going WOT...especially holding gears.

 

I guess a shift reprograming kit would be the best solution if you want to go WOT a lot. Sure wish our cars had an adjustable shift cable like my old Accord did. Slightly tightening it up would noticably firm up shifts. 3/4 throttle and up, I could chirp the tires on the 1-2 shift once I adjusted it properly.

I know my Maxima always shifts more firmly when I manually upshift at partial or WOT. When I leave it in drive, WOT shifts are slightly firmer that at part throttle but the shift itself is a lot faster.

 

About 4 months ago dealer was offering me a brand new transmission for $2200 (not including labor = $600)
I went with the partial rebuild for $1600. The 1/2 and 2/3 is acting up again. But one big difference is the self braking of the engine. Although the RPM fluctuates while slowing down from 15mph - 0mph (complete stop) I have no problem with this. The only thing is the computer always is relearning the points and as long as I'm easy on 1st gear to 2nd, I have no problems with the transmission.
When flooring the car all shifts are smooth.