Whats up forum. I have a 2003 maxima gle. My question is the auto trans is cvt??? I could be wrong. How do you feel about that running on the street? Sounds like a good idea and any issues?

 

The transmission in the 2003 is not a CVT. Nissan didn't start the CVT until 2005 or 2006. The Nissan CVT leaves a lot to be desired in terms of durability. And that's if your grandmother drives it. If you are a pedal to the metal type of driver, make sure you have road service.

 

So basically all that "staying in peak performance " is bs. Lol great. What would be a good transmission to run auto? Or swap to a manual?

 

As the government beats on the car makers to get better gas mileage, the CVT transmission offers a benefit in that area. But unfortunately the ruggedness of the CVT design seems to be lacking. Suburu had the same problem when they first offered a CVT. I know they stopped using it, but maybe they re-started.

The auto transmission Nissan put in the 2003 is model RE4F04B. It is a 4 speed (3 speed + overdrive). I don't know if any other auto transmission can be put in as it would need an adapter kit, custom CV axles and stuff.

You could convert the car to the Nissan 5 or 6 speed. As you probably know, it would be a bit of work.

 

If you have the auto Trans I would say do the service(drop pan/filter kind of a service)with Amsoil and add a Trans oil cooler on it,as heat is primary killer of the auto transmissions.Did it on my 03 GLE about 9k miles ago and Trans fluid looks and smells as just came out of the bottle(yes I do beat the ****t outta my car(s) I mean everything I own gets beaten to redline on regular basis)

 

Good information. So I also have the SLP light on. It seems to run like a champ. Would i have to replace or is it something simple?

 

Cheaper to sell yours and buy one with a manual. They are still out there and usually pretty cheap. Most people don't want a 4 door sedan with a 6 speed so that depresses prices.

I had both a 4 speed automatic and the 6 speed manual version, 6 speed is way more fun.