skidz88

iTrader: (1)

So I have an 03 auto, recently had some tranny troubles(slipping 2nd to 3rd) and had a Transgo shift kit and new shift solenoids installed. Tranny works great.

Today I took a 60 mile trip down a highway, did 75mph or so the whole way. Once I got off the highway I realized I had no 1st or 2nd gear. Car would take off from a traffic light in 3rd!! I reached my destination and decided to take it for a bit of an extra trip around the block to see if I could figure out the problem. Even if I matted the pedal, the car would just take off in 3rd, which is very slow and loud with my exhaust. I tried reverse and it wouldn't work at all...so I matted it in reverse and suddenly it popped into gear, backwards. Tranny was completely fine after that. It was not overheating, the fluid is fresh and red, and there are no codes to read off the ECU or TCM. I'm sure it isn't a mechanical problem, because the car drives fine in the city. On my return trip of 60 miles it did it again once I was off the highway, but this time it recovered once I matted it.

Seems to me that since I don't use 1st or 2nd on the highway, the TCM thinks there's something wrong and locks them out. Once I'm back on city streets and needing 1st and 2nd they don't work. Any ideas?

maxximaa

iTrader: (10)

i wanna know too, mine stuck in 2nd on take-off every now and then, when that happens i have to shut the car down, take out the key and restart again and it's back to normal, however the A/T CHECK flashes every start-up.

skidz88

iTrader: (1)

I don't get that light.

denny_1986

iTrader: (1)

read post # 6 in my thread
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...ring-vids.html

P. Samson

It sounds like the tranny is going into fail-safe mode due to a fault. In fail- safe mode the tranny is locked in 3rd. Has the tranny check light ever been blinking after turning the IGN. sw. to ON? In the long run your best bet is probably to get the TCM scanned.

skidz88

iTrader: (1)

Like I said, I don't get a tranny light, nor are there any codes being thrown to read.

skidz88

iTrader: (1)

Read the post. Unlike that guy, I don't intend to let this drag on for 6-8 months until my tranny goes kaboom...If I need a new TCM I'll get one, but it's pricey so I don't wanna be throwing away money if I don't need it.

denny_1986

iTrader: (1)

true....adding to your misery.. 03s aren't known for bad TCMs
did this start happening right after you did the VB mod? Maybe the guy messed something up..

P. Samson

Instead of everyone including yourself guessing on what might be going on I still believe that you need to get this car hooked up to a scantool, and with someone with experience. You do not want to be throwing parts (like the TCM) at this thing. The tranny is not "working great" if it's doing what you are describing. Did it do this before the shift kit and solenoids were installed?

Scottwax

iTrader: (8)

I'd go back to the shop that did the shift kit install. Could be something is binding, installed wrong, or worked its way loose.

unrealii

iTrader: (8)

^^ Get it checked out by a professional with experience. I wasted almost $500 dropping in a new TCM in my car.

skidz88

iTrader: (1)

It did it once before the shift kit and new solenoids, again after a highway run. The car has been hooked up to a scanner, there are NO codes to speak of. I should probably say it works fine mechanically, until the TCM puts it in failsafe after highway driving.


Is there a updated TCM or reflash available for 03s? I know TCMs were a problem in 00-01, but I haven't heard anything about 03s having the issue. If the TCM is the same in all 03s then I can just head over to the wreckers and get a used one for $100 or so with under 60k miles on it.

skidz88

iTrader: (1)

Drove around for a couple of hours today in the city, plenty of time to allow something to go wrong but nothing happened. Tranny works flawlessly...this has something specifically to do with driving on the highway where speeds are higher and 1st and 2nd gear aren't needed for prolonged periods of time.

Leaning more and more towards a bad TCM.

skidz88

iTrader: (1)

So anyone else with this problem or is it just me?

knight_yyz

iTrader: (40)

according to the FSM the MIL will light up if the tranny goes into failsafe mode
*2: When the fail-safe operation occurs, the MIL illuminates.

knight_yyz

iTrader: (40)

There is a TCM self diagnostic test you can do, but it's pretty complicated to put it all down in here. I will send you the pdf file, you want to read pages 53-58. Basically after you perform the test the a/t light will flash. You want to count the flashes and pay attention to the flash that lasts longer than the rest. I think it flashes 12 times. So a longer 8th flash means something different than a longer 7th flash. Maybe you can figure out if it is the TCM or might even be the vehicle speed sensor.
When you find the problem it will direct you to another page to click on to see what can be done about it.

skidz88

iTrader: (1)

Awesome, thanks!

skidz88

iTrader: (1)

Jump bumping this back for anymore input from org members. The self diagnostic didn't seem to work for me.

SmokinMax02

Sounds like a similar problem that I'm currently having with my 01.

Read posts #1 and then #20-25, and see if that might be your problem?

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...n-help.html#20

Also, here are some pics of the ABS Speed Sensor installed:

http://picasaweb.google.com/cefiro.calsonic/P0720VSS#

If not that, then its probably your TCM or Solenoid on its way out.

Hope this helps!

daredevil514

iTrader: (1)

I personally would get it checked by a pro... you're willing to spend the money on a new TCM but not willing to let a certified mechanic check it out first.