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Odd Tranny Issue - random downshift 4th to 3rd

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Old 09-24-2009 | 12:24 AM
  #41  
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Flush your transmission oil, and make sure to diagnose your car to see if any failed sensors...
Old 09-24-2009 | 12:52 AM
  #42  
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It's okay, your a newb for a reason. Never straight up tell someone to FLUSH their transmission fluid after that person has just stated that they have a crap load of miles. I know you are just trying to get your post count up, but c'mon.
Old 09-24-2009 | 05:59 AM
  #43  
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All of this guys posts have been wacky.
Old 09-24-2009 | 06:01 AM
  #44  
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smell the tranny fluid... see if it has a burned odor.
Old 08-02-2011 | 08:41 AM
  #45  
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Originally Posted by djfrestyl
Realized I never updated this thread with the outcome. Though a machine flush was done every 30k, the screen/filter was never cleaned nor replaced. I had my rear main seal replaced a few months back and asked my mechanic to look into the issue at the same time. From the moment I described it, he was certain it was a clogged screen. He changed it at the time of the rear main seal job - and the problem was resolved.

Long story short, the clogged screen/filter was not allowing for proper cooling.

When the temperature got hot enough, it downshifted as described above.

And just to add his opinion and methodology - Nissan transmissions require Nissan fluid, he swears by it.
THANK YOU!!! This exact same problem just started happening to me this year. '02 GLE at 105,000, btw. I too have a new radiator due to a rock getting up in there and after the same symptoms occurred for me, I had my mechanic flush the ATF. The problem persists to this day. The first time I saw this issue, I was traveling from flat area (in Houston) to Hill Country out west. About an hour into the drive, and this is at the beginning of summer, my engine gets a bit hotter and my gears start slipping like you described. *THEN* I get to the hills. Oh man, that was not fun. I noticed if I kept the speed low, around 60mph and didn't push it, I can keep the heat low enough for there not be high RPM and slipping issues. After the ATF flush, I basically babied it but just this weekend, I drove just a half hour in the morning and no problems, but upon returning, at the hottest part of the day, my engine starts to get hot. I didn't push it at that point because I know what'll happen if I do. Anyway, I'm going to immediately get the filter checked out. I hope that fixes my issue too!
Old 08-02-2011 | 09:07 AM
  #46  
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Originally Posted by djfrestyl
Realized I never updated this thread with the outcome. Though a machine flush was done every 30k, the screen/filter was never cleaned nor replaced. I had my rear main seal replaced a few months back and asked my mechanic to look into the issue at the same time. From the moment I described it, he was certain it was a clogged screen. He changed it at the time of the rear main seal job - and the problem was resolved.

Long story short, the clogged screen/filter was not allowing for proper cooling.

When the temperature got hot enough, it downshifted as described above.

And just to add his opinion and methodology - Nissan transmissions require Nissan fluid, he swears by it.
I'm curious...how much was it to replace your rear main seal? Mine has a slight leak right now. Nothing major, but it gets the oil all over the bottom of the engine and tranny and gunks up my air filter (Injen intake).
Old 08-02-2011 | 09:30 AM
  #47  
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Originally Posted by foodmanry
I'm curious...how much was it to replace your rear main seal? Mine has a slight leak right now. Nothing major, but it gets the oil all over the bottom of the engine and tranny and gunks up my air filter (Injen intake).
I can't tell you how much it cost to change the RMS because I did mine myself. I did have an observation, though. In my experience, the half moon gaskets are almost always the main culprit to oil leaks at the engine for Nissans. I believe many people incorrectly diagnose the leak because of the proximity to the RMS which is, generically, a lot more familiar term to most people(including numerous mechanics). These gaskets can be changed by dropping the oil pans. The RMS, on the other hand, requires dropping the transmission and oil pans. Translation? It's expensive. I only did mine because I had the transmission out to R&R the clutch and reseal the upper and lower pans.
Old 08-02-2011 | 11:39 AM
  #48  
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Originally Posted by nelledge
I can't tell you how much it cost to change the RMS because I did mine myself. I did have an observation, though. In my experience, the half moon gaskets are almost always the main culprit to oil leaks at the engine for Nissans. I believe many people incorrectly diagnose the leak because of the proximity to the RMS which is, generically, a lot more familiar term to most people(including numerous mechanics). These gaskets can be changed by dropping the oil pans. The RMS, on the other hand, requires dropping the transmission and oil pans. Translation? It's expensive. I only did mine because I had the transmission out to R&R the clutch and reseal the upper and lower pans.
Thanks! I'll check with my local shop on the cost for replacing the half-moon gasket. I have seen the same type of problem from others on the board where it is the half-moon gasket and not necessarily the RMS. Hopefully it won't be too expensive...
Old 08-02-2011 | 12:27 PM
  #49  
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The whole job was $600 in labor and Nissan parts/fluid. He dropped the trans, replaced all the seals (and the filter) and bundled it back up for me.
Old 08-02-2011 | 12:47 PM
  #50  
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Originally Posted by djfrestyl
The whole job was $600 in labor and Nissan parts/fluid. He dropped the trans, replaced all the seals (and the filter) and bundled it back up for me.
Sounds very reasonable....how many hours did it take him?
Old 08-02-2011 | 01:30 PM
  #51  
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I'm not 100% sure. I left it with him for 3-4 days while I went out of town.

This was ~6 years ago.
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