That sounds a lot like what mine does! Shifts are smooth at small throttle openings, but get firm with more throttle, and it immediately shifts right at 6K with WOT. What was done to yours?

 

Sorry, I was a bit slow on the last reply. Perhaps it does have the basic kit, it doesn't seem quite as aggressive as yours in the review. I can say that mine does shift precisely, but the shift firmness depends on how you use the throttle, which takes some getting used to. I find the firmness of the 3->2 part throttle downshift surprising at times (especially when it barks the tires), since every other AT car I've driven would need WOT.

FYI; In the simplest explanation: The governor(s) up-shifts the AT based on VB fluid pressure. The modulator intervenes depending on throttle/load/rpm and other factors to manage the shift points. Older AT modulators used only throttle position and vacuum control. Most modern AT modulators are also electronically controlled to some or all extents by the ECU and associated sensors.

 

Oh ok well its definitely not stock since the shift kit install required some drilling of holes and plugging of holes in the VB that would change fluid pressure.

Yea I doubt you have the hd2 shift kit because trust me you'll know but maybe you have the basic kit, I wonder how we can find out?

Stock I was able to bark the tires when shifting from 2nd to 3rd sometimes but with the shift kit its almost natural. Maybe you should contact the previous owner and ask?

 

What has Aaron done with his automatic? He (NWP) currently has the fastest N/A Maxima (3rd gen 3.5 swap) and it's an automatic.

 

Don't know, but it proves my point. All the MT lovers always think AT=less power and MT=more power for some reason. Its even been argued that AT is better when going FI but people still don't give it its props just because its not a MT.

There's AT Max's on this site putting down around 260 whp more then most MTs and the AT still gets no props. The fastest track records are set by ATs both N/A and FI and the AT still gets no props. Its just ridiculous IMO.

 

There's really no way to do that. I bought the car from a used car dealer, who bought it at an auction, etc.etc. The only thing I know by CarFax is the car was last in MA. in CT. prior to that, and originally ordered/sold at Bob Sharp Nissan in CT. I suppose if the tranny blows up I'll know it shifted that way for all the wrong reasons!

 

Anything with paddle shifters is essentially a manually controlled AT.

 

I'm not sure if Aaron's car is street driven or not. From the looks of it, I don't think it is. From watching his vids, it looks like it shifts really fast and firm. I've had rides and driven muscle cars with fully built auto's, and they are no fun to drive on the street, especially in traffic. They're just way too harsh. When you put the go-pedal down, it's a ****-ton of fun for sure.

 

Oh well hopefully it doesn't but if it ever goes out ship me your VB and I'll check it out for you I feel like a VB expert after installing the kit

 

Yes they are, and they seem to be the new fad in exotics and newer performance cars but unfortunately by many the AT is still underestimated.

Fully built AT >>> MT imo for racing, tracking, etc. Now for street driving I understand where your coming from my Maxima kind of feels like that but I don't mind driving it on the street but I would hate to drive it in rush hour especially with this terrible chicago traffic.

 

I say go for it, all cars will have problems here and there, but Nissans a little more, would I trade my car for a Honda Accord and no problems, Hell No..

 

Yeah Pezz sounds like at the least, you got aftermarket products, but it's always hard to say, and opinions are subjective.

I just want to clarify, I'm not damning this tranny, it's a good tranny, I just feel it's out of its element mated to a DE-K and especially to a 3.5. We're talking about pretty amazing engines, and these trannies just don't match, that's the point here.

And ***** out, it's great! But normal driving, especially spirited, requries large throttle increase to cause downshifts, this is especially taxing when cornering, you either have to drop gears manually or spike the throttle to get the govenor to drop a gear.
In a straight line, save for the huge lag starting out, the tranny is very responsive, but it just can't find the proper gear, and having only 4 to choose from makes it even more difficult. Granted, compare it to many models in the same time frame and it will win in most areas, but compare it to the not so distant rivals, the BMW, Audi, VW, Honda, Acura, list goes on, and this transmission and it's electronic controls are ancient for its time.

I know I'm putting hate on the Maxima, and I expect to get taxed for that, all I'm trying to do is call it how it is. Drive a G35 Sedan with it's automatic tranny, then come back and tell me how great your 4AT is.

Well, there isn't anything I know of that will work let's say. I haven't honestly investigated it much, and seeing as there is no DIY or anything obvious, I would doubt it.
About the only thing I could think is adjusting the stops on the LCA, and that could cause some major issues, not to mention who knows how long the gearing is in the pump, it could skip over and b1tch the steering rack.
I would like to compare front end suspension dimensions with a 4th gen, as they're almost the same setup, I wonder if you could interchange some parts and gain some decent turning capabilites....... hmmmmmm.

And as for it getting less after lowering... maybe an inch or something just due to improper camber/toe, but if you're at factory settings for allignment there should be absolutely no difference.

 

I feel like your argument is based off of an apple to oranges comparison. AT Maximas have proved to match and in some cases exceed the "skills" if you would, of MT Maximas. Not saying the AT is better then the MT, just saying that AT or MT whichever you prefer you are still going to get what the VQ has to offer.

 

Manuals and auto's, in general, have their advantages and disadvantages depending on driving situations. There are exceptions I believe, such as Porsche's Tiptronic and now PDK double-clutch automatic transmissions. Having driven both, they are extremely responsive and fun to drive, especially the PDK. Getting back down to reality for us that can't afford such technology, let's stick with our Maxima's. If I were to build a Maxima for drag racing, or alot of stop-and-go traffic, or just basic A to B transportation, I would rather have an automatic. For more spirited driving, such as back country twisty roads with alot of up and down elevation changes, I would much rather have a manual.

 

I agree that's why I stated I thought his argument was comparing apples to oranges BUT this does not mean one puts down more power then another which is what most MT guys think "oh its an AT its slow" BS.

Anyway I think this has been one big threadjack

 

Whoops... Back on topic now... So hopefully the OP got a little taste of what and what not to expect with his transmission choice with such a thoroughly thought out discussion of auto's and manuals

 

Actually what I said is the opposite. I said that the 'power' doesnt actually change (it does but we're talking about minimal numbers in retrospect) from a manual to auto. The problem I personally have is that it's never in the right gear. As I said, it's very good performance in a ***** out situation, but half throttle, and daily cornering, off-ramps, etc, and the automatic is never in the right gear. It's either all-out, or nothing with the auto. In the manual, you can control EITHER situation. This is one of my biggest pet peeves with the car aside from the turning circle, so I apologize if i'm overstating the issue, but personally, I see the 5th gen Automatic as a terrible one for the application, and especially the price-point the Maxima is in. This is a car that is comparable to the higher end cars like Lexus, BMW, Acura, etc, and the transmission doesn't represent that. It's literally almost the same trannyas the old Altima, nothing new.

Again, go drive a G35 sedan Automatic. I'm not bashing automatics, I'm bashing the 5th gen automatic, because it sucks for daily driving IMO.

Well said. Save for the "A-B transportation" part IMO.

 

Just my $.02 worth...ALL transmissions are a COMPROMISE...Economy vs. Performance, Road Conditions (city/highway, hills/flat, snow/dry, etc.), and the biggest factor Driving Style! IMHO the MAXIMA 4AT isn't perfect, but not too bad in this respect. Engineers can't possibly be expected to take all of these factors into account. The BIG difference is a MT allows the driver to choose gear ratios at will. But to be totally honest, in some situations the perfect ratio isn't in the MT gearbox either! In my 40 or so yrs. of driving experience, I've driven vehicles with abysmal and good MT and AT setups. I think the main issue here is that the G35 AT is geared (no pun intended) for smooth luxurious driving vs. performance. So the real question is, does it deliver in THAT aspect?

 

There was a blurb in today's automotive section in our local newspaper which was gushing over Chrysler's new 8AT in the 2012 Dodge Charger.

Eight forward gears! That's amazing.

 

Allison Transmission makes a 16 speed AT for Detroit Diesel powered Trucks and Buses. And there are some Truck MT/Axle combinations that can give something like 36 forward speeds! If memory serves me correctly.

 

All quite true sir, save for the g35's tranny, it's not set up one way or the other (luxury/performance), it adjusts to how it's driven, because it's a higher tech tranny that operates based on heavy electronic controls, making it smooth as well as responsive, depending on the application. It also has a manual-select mode that further amplifies its versatility in either aplication.

The 04/05 engine even adjusts to how it's driven, and also adjust to most modifications (intake, exhaust, even a change of muffler, or an exhaust leak for that matter).

IMO, this is the tranny that at least the 02/03 should have had. Anyways, it is what it is, and if anyone with a 4AT really wants a different auto or a manual, they can always go get one! (me)

yeah the Bimmers, etc in europe have been running 7-9 speeds for a little while now. Good to see someone stepping up to the plate and coming out with something new and better.

 

While I'm no fan of automatic transmissions for enthusiastic driving, I'll say this in all honesty. The 7AT in the current G37 is really, really nice. And the 6AT dual-clutch in the current VW CC 2.0T is like butter... but that's a dual-clutch.

 

I just read a thread on the.ORG http://forums.maxima.org/all-motor/5...omatics-8.html

This looks like a VERY interesting mod for the 4AT.

SupraStick http://www.latentsolutions.com/suprastickuv.html

Paddle Shifters http://www.worksbell.co.jp/en/produc...mn_shifter.htm

 

Though probably way off topic, this is slightly transmission related. I had an incident yesterday that's making me crazy! With all the talk about the AT I decided to replace the burned out bulb in the shift selector. All went well UNTIL when getting the console over the E-Brake & Shifter I accidentally knocked off the temp control slider ****. I saw it go into the area under the console, and then heard it fall down somewhere into the abyss. It sounded like it landed somewhere under the drivers seat. So I took it all apart again, removed the seat and lifted the carpet up in an attempt to find the sucker, felt around every nook and cranny possible, and even used the vacuum cleaner to try and suck up the little bugger. So far it's nowhere to be found! From the initial sound of where it may have ended up, could it have possibly gone under the shifter and/or into the inaccessible cross beam space the front of the seat bolts into? I'm hoping not, but Murphy's Law is a *****! I know the next step is removing the shifter, but before going through all that I'd like a little info on what's under there. So I don't waste my effort, time, and patience (which is pretty thin at this point) on a wild goose chase. You MT guys that have replaced OEM shifter bushings with ES must have seen what's going on down there. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

LOL @ "way off topic".

Thanks for the transmission update and dissertation. I'll look for a 7th gen instead.

 

More gears to fail faster than ever before! You think our trannies suck now? Just wait. With 8 gears it'll die before 85k!

Quick, get their marketing dept on the line.

 

You just cant convince MAXIMA KING he believes that AT is GOLD. That's good that you like the AT tranny. I HATED it....maybe using "robs Power" is not the correct thing to say. I agree with NMEX about the AT tranny not being matched with the engine at all and it takes alot of the fun away from driving the car. Even without a tranny mod you get that small learch from 1-2 gear, but when you add that tranny mod it gets worse. It's cool that you like it and not trying to put down the AT at all, but it could have been WAY better. Go drive a Lexus/Toyota or Acura/Honda V6 with an auto then go back and drive the Maxima Auto. You will what we are talking about then.

 

First of all I never said it was made of gold if it was then why would I feel the need to add a transgo shift kit?

Its not as bad as you you "over exaggerators" like to make it out to be. Robs Power? That's why the fastest maxes at the track are AT. That's why their dynoing higher then YOU. Oh wait we'll wait for you to tune then dyno some real numbers so we'll put that off for now.

"Go drive a Lexus/Toyota or Acura/Honda V6 with an auto then go back and drive the Maxima Auto."

You can't be serious. You must ahve had a POS AT maxima. I've driven all those and not saying there AT is bad but whats to say its better they have their own downfalls as well and without the power may I add. Lets pair their "great" ATs to the VQ and see how it does.

You can say the same thing about the MT, it could be better of course everything could be better. IIRC more MTs get replaced before ATs do.

Its plain and simple the VQ is a beast and definitely was before its time and the trans wasn't MT or AT for that matter actually the whole car wasn't. The engine was the most advanced thing on these vehicles when they dropped, its one of a kind. So how can you compare apples to oranges is beyond me but go ahead. Others have agreed even though they aren't fans of the AT. And I don't even recall NMEX posting so I don't know what your talking about

Look at the dumb comment you made

"the auto robs so much power from the VQ they should be ashamed!!!"

So please tell me whats your motive with all this? Trying to stir the pot? Maybe thats why you resurrected the topic even after it was dead.

Plus you replied to a fact with an opinion

 

A dead topic with a yesterday response?? Sure are sensitive about anyone talking about the tranny. Not saying its a piece of trash, just saying it's not a good match with the engine. But it's OK to disagree, no problems. If everyone in the world was like me then Nissan's Maxima would not sell more MTs than ATs. People's preferences bring out demand for different things and thats OK. Thats why we have all kinds of different cars. Some like it some don't. I'll stick with my 6 speed manual! Didn't mean to offend you. "Bro, dont taze me!"

 

I'm surprised nobody has called the OP crazy yet , like he wanted.

 

The response yesterday didn't have to do with that debate. No ones sensitive your original comment was immature and useless and it was addressed and you replied with another immature and useless comment.

You basically tried to attack anyone with an AT saying they should be ashamed

Then you tried to say I can't be convinced since I think its made out of GOLD

Again
I already stated why I preferred the AT. And others stated why they preferred the MT and we agreed on the reasons since there are different cases where one performs better then the other. READ THE POSTS. Did you reply with any reasons other then you hated your old 4th gen? NO.

Please show me facts that more MT Maxes were sold then ATs. I'd like to see this, is this a FACT or another one of your opinions that you think is a fact?

 

What? No, of course that's silly.

2003 was the last year Maxima's were made in Japan, and I remember when I was waiting for my 2003 to pop up in shipment manifest, I was told that only 9% of the SE's were built with a manual transmission. IDK what percentage applies when factoring in the automatic transmissions in the GLE and GXE models, but it gets smaller obviously.

It's a fair statement that a majority of car enthusiasts prefer a MT over a AT, which is why MT transmissions account for nearly half of the members here on the Org. Well, less every year as the last MT Maxima gets older and older.

You guys are entering the "pointless bickering" stage of a thread fight.

 

I agree 100% with Rochester. The pointless bickering is starting to make this thread counterproductive. More AT cars are sold than MT's, because Jane & Joe average want a car that's easy to drive. Most enthusiasts prefer MT over AT, I.E. even Cadillac has been advertising the available MT sport model. Which is a far cry from their former Luxo-Boat image! That said, the actual performance difference between MT vs. AT is negligible. But in both cases up to the hands of the transmission designers.

 

PLEASE read the SupraStick thread and link. This device allows re-programming all kinds of AT shift parameters. Plus a manual shift mode that coupled with paddle shifters could make the AT into a quick shifting monster worthy of the VQ.

 

You prove my point. ranmas is talking out of his *** and making silly claims. I agree with you most do prefer MT but it does not mean that ATs lack performance and I agree with you on this as well, as I did with Tuner and T_behr who may I add I've had numerous discussions with regarding a number of things.

I understand how the "pointless" argument can be found annoying I can't deny its level of stupidity. But I simply asked him questions and responded to his wild claims.

I think BobPezz you can probably relate to how powerful the AT is since yours is running mighty fine

 

Power steering hose will probably go bad.

 

I have no complaints with my 4AT/VQ30DE-K drivetrain. I WILL quantify that statement by saying my VIAS is working properly, which makes a huge difference. Plus the "CAD" mod helps drivability, so that the AT isn't an issue. That said, I'm intrigued with the SupraStick/Paddle Shifters concept. It may be my next BIG mod once I get the worn out stuff replaced. Since the 00-01 straight line AT selector doesn't cut it for manual shifting.....When I feel the need to drive like an enthusiast. BTW; I'm a really happy camper re: my prior off topic post. Figured I'd have to buy the entire heater control. Thank God! Nissan sells the **** for $6.00.

 

since I am biased I say go for the 03 haha.

the 03 is a very nice ride, and my alternator just died and costing me $400 to fix.

why is the alternator located all the way in the back? lol

 

CAD mod? you lost me Bob.

Yea the AT selector is not designed at all for manual shifting and if it is its terrible I've been looking at the supra stick since my first max, its an awesome mod basically a way of tuning our trans and according to JIME it can be used to get rid of the hard 1st to 2nd shift that the transgo hd2 kit creates under low throttle by changing the ratios. Its definetely a must do mod you can run it as a "piggyback" for tracking the car etc and want to change your ratios etc, or if you want to run it as a "tiptronic" to shift your car with a click of a button.

It was originally made for supras hence the name since lots of them are ATs and enthusiasts wanted to change gear ratios, shift manually, and basically do what the stock TCM can't do.

You can actually run the suprastick as a stand alone and completely control every aspect of your trans the way you want and make a monster out of it. Its perfect, especially if you have a TCM that's limiting the power of your trans, which can be said of our cars.

 

After reading this back and forth about transmissions, I'm going to put my two cents in and you all can interpret it any way you wish.

In general, car A, which is stock, with a conventional automatic, may be slower than if it had a manual. Why? Mostly due to more parasitic loss of an automatic compared to a manual, usually fewer forward gears with a wider ratio between gears, and some increased weight. Many cars built throughout the years that have been road tested by numerous sources (t.v. programs, magazines) have published the numbers showing this. As technology has progressed, the number of cars on the road that still run conventional automatics have had that gap in performance shortened between their manually equipped siblings. However, car A with modifications can be just as fast or faster than it's manual option. Aaron's car (NWP) is currently running the fastest N/A Maxima, but it is highly modified and has had major weight reduction done to it. He also runs shorter tires on the front to give him lower "gearing" to offset the automatic's less desirable gear ratios.

There are many variables between different makes and models of cars and how they drive and perform, and their transmissions are part of that equation. It all boils down to your taste in cars, what you can afford in your taste, and your driving style, climate, terrain, etc. You might like car A more with an auto vs. manual. You might go out and test drive car B and feel the opposite. So drive what you can afford, drive what you like, and let's move on...