Took my car to a tranny place... still don't know what to do!
 

So I took my car to a transmission place today because of my 1-2 flare/slip. They said they did resistance and pressure tests and both were fine, so it must me something more serious and internal, and I'd have to have some major work done on it... BUT, my A/T Check light occasionally flashes on startup, and the engine is throwing a code for a "bad shift solenoid"... I don't know what to do! Does anyone have any advice? I'd rather get a cheap used transmission than have mine rebuilt, but I'd rather replace the solenoid if that's the only problem.
The guy at the tranny place thought it was more serious internal problems causing the flare/slip, even though there is a code being thrown for bad shift solenoid. Should I maybe take it to the dealership? Can they replace a bad solenoid?
Someone please help me out ASAP!

They did resistance checks on what? And what pressure tests, line pressure?

The dealer can do anything you want them to, at a price. Change the solenoid pack. I'd start there first.

I can't speak to your specific tranny, but if it were on a 4th gen manual, it looks like an easy user replaceable $100 part. Booktime for a dealer is 2hrs which sounds like a better option than swapping trannys.

That is essentially the same as a 5.5 gen. The only difference is on later model 03's, the solenoids were different sizes.

As seen here:


Bottom side view in the drawing.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...00416-1022.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...00416-1022.jpg

Yeah, I would assume resistance tests on the drop resistor for line pressure? and yes, line pressure tests. Ok, well I'll probably head to the dealer... sigh...

Solenoids are fairly easy to replace. It takes time and patience and where with all in following detailed instructions. This is a DIY job if you are detailed oriented and can follow directions well.

Took my car to the dealer. They are gonna run some scans/tests on it tomorrow. The guy said solenoid replacement is expensive (didn't mention how much). Should it be expensive?

It is time consuming as was mentioned earlier. That's where the money will add up and where the price gets high. I would just do the install on your own.

Are there instructions I can follow? I've never worked on a tranny before besides a regular drain and fill of fluid... And I don't know which solenoid, etc...

Fsm is a good friend during this process as well as the vb removal write up on vqpower for the 4th gen.

Yeah, i've seen the vb removal write up. Where can I get the FSM? Is it online somewhere? I remember seeing it about a year ago, but can't remember...

So I took my car to the dealer, and the code I'm getting is for "line pressure solenoid valve" ... The line pressure has been tested and is ok, but the guy thought that maybe I'm getting a slow 1-2 shift because this "line pressure solenoid valve" is malfunctioning...by this I mean that it IS moving, so line pressure is ok, but it's slow to move, so shifts suffer. Does that sound possible? Is this the part I need to order and replace?
http://www.courtesyparts.com/31940n-...t-p-49880.html

I am assuming this assembly in the link has the line pressure solenoid valve in it?

... also, from what I can gather, the "single solenoid" mentioned in step 9 of the VB removal write-up on vqpower is probably the part I'm looking for (the line pressure solenoid valve). Can anyone confirm this?
http://www.vqpower.com/v2/articles.php?article_id=60

-come oooooonnn all you transmission experts :D

PM Jime.

BUMP. I'm also having the flare....except really bad in 3rd.

.

^^^just did. Thanks

I have a set of slightly used solenoids, long enough to swap them in, drive it for 3 minutes only to realize they didnt fix my problem. If you want them PM me.

My light A/t Light Flashes 15 times when I start up, If this solves it Ill take em?

It will always blink 15 times, you have to see which blink is the longest.

The last 12 blinks are what to pay attention to (length of 'judgment lights').

PM sent:)

Don't think I am going to be much help. I went out in the garage after reading this to see if I still had a set of solenoids that i could give you but I guess I had already tossed them, sorry.

The solenoids are easy to change, its not necessary to remove the VB, so very easy as a DIY.

I'm not sure if they are the cause of your problem but that would be my first step, especially if you can get them cheap. Never had a problem with the 1-2 shift so I won't speculate.

If it does get into having to go deeper than the solenoids it might be a lot cheaper to buy a used trans. I got one from a 99 with only 5k on it for $500. carpart.com

For my 2002, do I have to get a tranny specifically for my year, or will an 03 work? Other years?

^ I wonder if the 5AT from a 6th gen would fit...

You might want to reread my post with the pictures and the statement regarding different size solenoids re: early and late model 03s.

As far as the 6th gen 5at, search threads started by me in the 5th gen forms. I asked the question, kevlo911 chimed in with a link to where he had the same idea. Jime has also has this thought as he had some good input regarding fitment and electronics. A few of us have thought it. Matt verified I believe it will fit its the software I'd be worried about.

Yeah, I'd definitely opt for the 5AT if I had the money at this point (and if it is possible). Unfortunately at this point I'll probably just go with an 02 tranny due to ease of replacement. How easy is a tranny replacement? Would I be able to do it? I've never done it before. My experience is limited to headers, exhaust, IM stuff... Just wondering if anyone has directions or a writeup, and how difficult this is. Also, can anyone give me an estimate as to what labor time/cost would be on tranny replacement if I pay someone to do it? Thanks for any answers!:)

Whazzzuup has a writeup with pics. Search for threads started by him. I would post links but I'm on my phone and it takes forever.

Thanks! I found it.

Good luck getting that to work with a 4AT TCM and a 5.5 gen ECU.

The 4AT was made through 2004 and was in the I35 and in some of the 6th gen Maximas.

Yyyeeaah, I'm just gonna replace the solenoid pack first, and if that doesn't work (heaven forbid), then I'll look into a used 4AT. I'm not in a position to be trying experimental transmission swaps right now :)

Please let me know how it goes!

:laugh: Yeah, I'd love the 5AT too if there was an easy way to get the TCM and ECU to handle the extra gear. We have a really looooong 3rd gear with the 4AT.

found out my code.

overrun clutch solenoid (circut)

I hope this is what is causing my horrible shifts/.

I'll take the 4AT over the 5AT any day. I had a 5AT and was not impressed with the gearing or its ability to handle extra power.

Yeah, I'll update this thread when I change out my solenoid pack. It's on the way right now. Now I just gotta order the tranny pan gasket. Is this the right one?
http://www.courtesyparts.com/31397-g...ml?cPath=1956&

stupid Nissan calls their parts by the dumbest names, or calls more than 1 thing by the same name. (the transmission pan gasket is called by the same name as the oil pan gasket)

and that's surprising to me (but good to know) jime, that the 4AT is better than the 5AT. But yeah, 3rd gear is reeeaaallly long... Anyway, I can't emphasize enough how much I hope this solenoid pack replacement helps my shift problem. I really don't wanna have to replace my transmission...

Gah, and today, some cocky kid in his early 2000's accord v6 pulled up to me at a stop and then took off almost as fast as he could. I was pretty miffed that I couldn't deflate his ego cuz Im trying to avoid WOT slippy shifts!!!

i'd also recommend picking up 5 quarts of ATF, just to have everything ready

anybody in here got a suggestion for me.I have a 5.5 auto and I want to swap either to the cvt auto tranny or make it 6sp.Anyone?

Yeah, i will...

i have 2 suggestions...

1.) search

2.) start your own thread