I have had my '04 SE 6-speed for several weeks and have begun to notice a problem in shifting from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. There is a slight "clashing" or "grinding" during the shift, especially the 2nd to 3rd shift. My guess is that the noise is in the synchros in the gearbox. The speed of shifting doesn't seem to matter.
Do any other 6-speed owners notice this noise. If the noise is common to all new '04's, fine. But if I have an unusual problem, I would like to know that. Thanks!!

 

I posted a similar question and received several responses from '04 6 sp. drivers. You can see that thread here: http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?threadid=223540

I don't own one (yet) but am real close to a purchase decision and at the moment, shift feel is the main - in fact the only thing holding me back.

I frankly found the shift feel to be pretty bad. It's not an imprecise shifter, but there's just so much friction and noise accompanying the shifts (1-2 and 3-2 in particular). "Graunchy" is how I'd describe it, and I perceive it as being a good deal beyond "slight". I even test drove a different 6sp. at a different dealer hoping that the first was an aberration. I suggest that if you want to learn to love your Maxima shifter do NOT, for the love of God, under any circumstances, drive an Acura TSX 6 sp. The Max shifter will feel like it's broken after that.

Cheers,

Jaeger

 

See my response in the thread mentioned above. I have not detected any clashing or grinding on the shift from 2nd to 3rd. All in all, I've founding the shifting to be satisfactory.

 

I've had my SilverMax for about 6 weeks. Already have over 1,000 miles on her. Don't have any problems with any shifts, including 1 to 2 and 2 ot 3. Suspect the problem may be with failure to completely disengage the clutch before shifting. My clutch disengages very close to the floor. If you are experiencing this problem with your 6-speed, suggest you take it back to the dealer and have them check the clutch adjustments.