I have a 2003 Maxima SE auto (76k) that doesn't want to shift into 4th gear. It appears to shift through 1st, 2nd, and 3rd without any issue. I tried manually shifting between "D" and "3" and nothing changes. No CEL's and the only other issue I can find is the car is slow when accelerating hard from a dead stop. I did some searching, but to no avail. Anyway, any thoughts?

 

When it's cold out until it warms up my 02 doesn't go into overdrive. Soon as it heats up goes in no issue. My 88 was same way.

 

You could try running the self diagnostic that's built into the car and see what comes back with.

See page 51 in the AT section of the FSM:

http://boredmder.com/FSMs/Nissan/Maxima/2002/AT.pdf

 

This is the first time I've had this issue and the car was warmed up prior to driving it.

 

pretty sure that's most cars in general, my '08 CRV doesn't go into overdrive until its somewhat warm, granted the maxima does take a little longer until it goes into O/D

 

Is your cruising RPM normal?

 

It appears to be with the exception of the sluggish acceleration. I'm wondering if the transmission could be stuck in "limp mode?" From what I've noticed, it looks like its stuck in 3rd gear?

 

Even after the car warmed up?

 

I've had that happen before when I did a burnout, but I shutoff the car shortly after & when I started the car A/T check light flashed but was completely fine after

 

Not to beat a dead horse but when you say warmed up? Do you mean it was sitting in driveway running and then you left? If that's the case we're not talking about the same thing. I can leave it run for 20 min and get in drive still won't go into overdrive. It will go in 3 maybe 4 miles down the road. The tranny has to be warmed up as well. Just to clarify

 

Bingo