Any shop recommendations in the Austin, TX area? I need to get this fixed as soon as possible.

 

Am I the only one who noticed he paid $640 for a $90 part to be installed? That is a complete rip off, especially since the sensor can be replaced in about 15 minutes.

As far as the tranny, if there are metal pieces in the fluid or in the VB the tranny is going to go; if there are no metal pieces then a new VB will work and you will get many more miles out of it.

 

I'm not worried about getting stuck on the road. I'm worried about a money pit. I have 125mile free tow package for my classic car that carrys over to anything I'm in. I would hate to invest almost 4k in the car and the tranny goes again. On KBB my cars worth 9400.00 and I see them online for as much as 16K Even if I got 8 for mine and the 4 I was going to dump into it thats a good down payment. On the other hand I went looking for new cars and nothing in my price range has 1/2 the toys I already have in my Max. You have to spend 50k now. Small things like heated steering wheel and auto dimming mirrors spoiled me. So with all that whining I'm making the appointment with a stealership on Monday. I'm also doing the water pump just because it's all apart. I'll let you guys know how it turns out. I see a lot of you with the same issue, as for the rest I hope you have better luck than me.

 

Yeah, I found out after the shop had already racked-up all this supposedly time installing it. I found later that it was a 10min job and could've picked up the sensors for $75 bucks. I got ripped off, that's why they're not doing it again. Thanks for the info about the metal pieces. I figured this would be the case. I just never had the hard bump in any car i've ever owned- at least not this hard.

 

does anyone know about the trans filter- the shop said that the entire tranny has to be pulled and cracked open to change. Is this correct?

 

I can understand the money pit aspect. Good luck on your next ride.

 

Picked up the car today from the shop- "NEW" oem VB, Oil sending unit, Oil Change, ATF change, shifts good up and down. Still a little kick from 1st>2nd. Looking to Improve performance now. Any Recommends? I've been on the R6 all week and getting back into my car seems a little slow. Need to fuel it.

 

You shouldn't have any hard shifts after the valve change.
Check your mounts.

 

First off, hello to everyone

On another note, I just had the transgo kit installed by my mechanic for jobs that i can't do and it is worse My 5 speed was shifting ok up through the gears and occasionally would give me a rough kickdown. Now when i went to pick it up, it was holding gears very long and slipping in and out of gear. It kicked a code, so we will check it..of course it is raining making it worse. I am looking into a new valve body just in case.

 

This is one of the reasons I went with the VB. Even thought the Transgo was very promising, I was afraid the shop making the change would F**k it up. The VB to me is the way to go.

 

Well, my guy is good, so I doubt he messed anything up. We are going to call transgo's customer support and get some ideas. My max kicked a P0780 code which in the service manual is attributed to the solenoids. I would imagine it would have to be due to one of the three that gets modded.

 

If your Max kicked P0780, then look no further. The latest 6th gen TSB says change your VB.
See post #785 above.

 

Hello everyone, new to the site and I love it!

Ive been trying to read as much about the 04 auto trans issues as I can to make sure I don't ask a question that's already been answered, so far I haven't seen anyone else having the same problem that I am!

My trans shifts fine but I hear a noise accelerating in first, but once I get out of first no noise. It shifts fine except for maybe a very slight harder than normal downshift.

The noise is kinda hard to explain, so I'm also wondering if anyone experiences noise from the VB, since that seems to be a common problem.

Thanks in advanced, it seems everyone has good info!

<-----Thats for my daughter, she wanted the smiley!

 

Not every tranny problem is to be attributed to the VB. Yes, most of the problems here are VB related, but mostly for the 5speed auto. Is yours 5speed? I ask because you say yours is an 04; some SL 04 come with the 4speed auto, and happily they don't usually have the VB problem of their 5speed counterpart. So if yours is 4speed, it's less likely that your VB is having issues. Why not scan it to see if it could throw up some hidden or budding code.
If yours is 4speed your tranny is RE4F04B, the 5speed that's so problematic is RE5F22A.

 

AZAX let me quote the experience of an org member in May this year.
"I am a new member here and i will say i love the site i just got a 2004 maxima sl and i love it but i got it for so cheap and the reason that was cause it had a kick from 1 to 2 gear and the owner told me that i might need a new transmission in a few years not right now since the kick was very light, anyway i got the car from him i took it to my mechanic and the code i was getting was p0745 wich was a few thing but the main thing was that pressure control solenoid was not working or was damage so what i do i bought a valve body and install it and guess what i still had the kick from 1 to 2 gear , yes i was mad and didn't return to the mechanic till the next week to see if he can get it right this time like i knew he cud , he check in to the wires that go to the pressure control and guess what the wired was pop like there was no power going to the pressure control solenoid , so after some small wiring my codes was erase and i drove it and i soon as i get to 1 gear i am praying that it dont kick and it didn't problem fix, now i have and extra valve body for sale working fine 100% and for all of you who having problems with this it may just be some wiring that can fix it like my mechanic did i am glad i didnt go no where else they will tell me a million things is wrong when is just some wiring hope i help and PM for the valve body if you interested." [http://forums.maxima.org/6th-generat...?ref=esp-link]
So check well. Perhaps you have some wires shorted.

 

Its a 04 SE, I ran the vin and it said 5 speed.

 

Cool, thanks! I can only hope that its something like that, its the noise that's freaking me out.

 

The noise is probably a mechanical issue. As for the brief hard shifts, I'd say you should watch it since its a 5speed. You could check your ATF for degradation. A drain/refill or a flush might resolve the issue of the hard shifts. Matic K ATF is recommended by Nissan. Nonetheless, I'd still advise a scan.

 

Thanks, I just got the car from the dealer on Saturday. I talked to the guy today about it and he is being cool about it. Im going to take it in today and see what they say. I love the car, I don't want to give it back!

 

There's no hard shifts after the replacement. I think it was the fact that the trans was cold and had been sitting after the ATF change. It all works perfectly. I'd recommend changing the VB to the new design for everyone with the P0780 (I think) code. There are 8 siolnids(sp) on the VB. One was stuck in my case. It's definately fixed the issue and drives like new now. Thanks for the recommendation on the repair.

 

Yeah, i am just going to change it. My dude went back in, called transgo and got an idea or two. At any rate, the code was cleared and did not come back after he pulled the solenoid and basically went in and re-inspected all the work. Now first and second gear are pretty smooth, but reverse is intermittent and it wants to slip when trying to go from 2nd to 3rd. I am not going to continue to mess with it.

I am just going to get a VB. I been driving my armada which i drive most of the time anyways, but i miss being able to roll the max also. Going to go to the Nissan dealer today and try to get them to match courtesy parts. I will keep my receipt in case they ever issue a recall.

 

Completed the VB change on my 06 Max last Thursday. Went with the new VB from Courtsey, took almost 1.5 weeks to get it, no luck in getting the price matched locally ($1200) Put the Max on the ramp stands around 5:00pm, was completely finished by 8:00pm. Thanks to everyone that posted pictures and direction, pulling the battery and battery box mounts makes it much easier. Other than the small connectors on the VB (blue and green I believe), everthing went really smooth and easy. Those small connectors were a bit hard to get unlocked.

Since the change no hard shifts, no hard hit when putting in reverse, no revs between shift or after slowing for a turn. Transmission shift like it once did when I first purchased the Max new. Plan to change the fluid again at next oil change which is about 1000 miles.

Again thank you all for your contribution.

 

****CALLING COSTEE AND ALL OTHERS KNOWLEDGABLE****

Update, my mechanic came by the house and we pulled the OEM valve body which he did the transgo kit on at his house. When he put it in, it originally got worse and would would hold the rpms and go into first and second, but not 3-5. Also, reverse would work, but once warmed up, intermittent reverse.

Today, i watched/helped him install the new OEM Valve Body (31705-8Y00B) in my garage. After all back together, went to road test it after putting the tranny fluid back in and it is still doing the same thing, reverse is good, no intermittent, put it in drive and i get first and second pretty smooth, but it goes to around 2000 RPMs to go into 3rd, and nothing, RPM's jump up.

I am bummed out because originally, my tranny was shifting ok, minus a hard kickdown here and there, but it would go into all gears. Instead of waiting for it to get worse, i had him put the transgo kit and it got worse. After some hard shifts and bucking around, it originally kicked the P0780 code and i went and ordered a new OEM VB figuring that more than likely that was the problem since that is the only component we messed with before it start getting worse.

Question?

Is there any transmission computer reset or anything we could be missing? I mean, it is doing the same thing as after the transgo kit on the first factory VB, but i expected a brand new OEM VB would fix everything, but still only 1-2 and no 3-5 gears. I can't even shift them manually into 3rd. I can get first and second, and then if the RPMs are high enough, manually shift into 3rd, and it will show 3rd on the display, but it won't engage.

I really don't want to go the tranny shop, and have them try to rip me off. I am pretty good at engine components, but tranny is out of my realm.

 

Tough luck I'd say. But it could just be that there's a problem with installation. Did you go through Scrui's write-up earlier in the year in this thread on the process of installation? I want to believe too that you got the VB that matched the manufacture date of your car. What's you VIN?
Did you pull a code after the installation?
No there is no need for any transmission computer reset. Yes, a last option might be the tranny shop so you don't end up damaging the transmission itself (the torque converter, etc). Good luck

 

I'll go back through his thread and see if maybe we missed something. I ordered the transgo kit as the first option. My tranny would not get stuck in any gears originally, just a hard kickdown here and there, so I did the shift kit as a first strike to catch the issue before it got worse. The mechanic did the first install with the transgo kit, and the tranny was really bad, holding rpms, rough shifts etc. He pulled it back down, inspected everything and called transgo...put it back together, was smooth for first and second and reverse intermittent....then we got P0780. I figured it would be easier to get a new VB then try to troubleshoot the old one. I had the dealer use my VIN to order the new one, so it should be the correct part number.

New VB in and now reverse is no longer intermittent, and 1-2 are ok, but no 3-5. I been looking in the service disk under AT to see if I could find anything. Just bad luck so far, i saw everyone had success and figured i would be good to go.

 

Possible errors with incorrect Transgo Shift Kit install:

1. Incorrect gaskets can cause perm damange to the tranny.
2. If he did not install the adjuster screws on the three large solenoids could cause the shifting issues too, but I don't know if that damage is perminate.
3. If the exhaust ports were covered on the line pressure control (blue) or shift pressure (green) solenoids when installed then perminate damage can happen.
4. If the smaller solenoids (s1, s2, s3, s4, s5) were not installed in the correct position the it can cause issues; temp issues.
5. If the did not ohm correctly and were used anyway can cause temp issues.

I did not do a new VB install, so I am going to assume it came with all new solenoids already installed. With a new VB install there is almost nothing to screw up besides cross wiring something, leaving a solenoid loose, or leaving the temp sensor loose.

Now from the P0780 code it threw, your tranny is messed up from the initial repair. First if you reused any solenoids, ohm them and replace if needed. Second, check all connections and ensure all solenoids are connected correctly. Third, if the exhaust ports were covered initially, your tranny will probably need a rebuild. Fourth, this is a little more indepth and only needed if new gaskets were installed, check to see which gaskets were installed. Compare to pics to Transgo install instructions.

If this doesn't work take it to another mechanic shop and get an opinion, only an opinion.

 

Well hopefully there is no permanent damage. We installed a new VB after trying the kit first. We are going to take the cover back off one last time and check all the wiring to ensure that everything is correct, after that if it still isn't right i will have to put it in the shop.

 

Newbie here. Wifes 2005 automatic with 76,000 miles jerking into gear at 15 to 20 miles an hour and banging into reverse. Nissan shop said need entire new trans.Had flushed a month ago and fluid already dark now.Mechanic sd old fluid looked burned.Wife driving a rental yesterday and today.Filed with NHTSA months ago(at approx 65,000 miles). Called consumer line at Nissan and have case file.Nissan wanted $4k to replace then offered 20% off or $3300 for new trans. Told them I'm not real psyched with them touching my car. Any suggestions? kit you're all talking about a fix? New trans or rebuild? Second Maxima in a row needing new trans(1996). That one went out still under warranty at probably 48,000 miles).Need new trans or fix? Was there any validity to a class action suit?

 

I agree, double check the wiring.

 

Your cheapest option right now is to change the fluid first, see if that helps.
Some guys tried that and it worked for a while longer. Just do a change. Don't flush.
If it still happening, get the VB at courtesyparts.com. I would call them to make sure you are getting the right one. the VB is the fix, since I changed mine back in April, I'm yet to get a hard shift. (Knock on wood).
http://www.courtesyparts.com/kb_sear....php?keywords=[31705]+\(a34&cPath=2668_2669_2732_2743

 

I talked with a mechanic who suggested a rebuilt tranny was the best way to go. Some may have a 3 month warranty. And they shouldn't be hard to find. But if it goes bad I guess I'd have to pay an addition labor charge for replacing it.
Can any of you mechanics comment on this logic?

 

My Check engine light is not on. Does this mean I don't have any codes? Is there a separate place to check tranny codes or just one plug in spot for the whole car?

Thanks.

 

One more question for all... Who has changed just the VB and still had problems? In other words, does the vb usually do the trick? Reading here it seems to.

I've got the revving between 1+2, and other spots and a little banging R-1. I have no CEL lit.

I just priced used trannys at around $1700-1900. plus install fee. The new VB should be around $1400 installed I think.

Any Thoughts?

 

I've been reading quite a bit about the troubles with the Maxima tranny.
Some seem to have solved it by changing the VB, others seem to solve it by changing the whole tranny.
Here's my question:
how long before you actually changed the VB? was the kicking/jerking something new or was it something that lasted a few months/years, before you actually decided to change?
Changing the VB on a early symptom, will this avoid having to change the tranny? or did/does the kicking/jerking screw up the tranny also?
So far I have been quoted 2500$ to install a rebuilt tranny, but not sure if I need to spend all that money.
thanks in advance guys and really love this forum

 

Any codes? Changing the VB on early symptom is preferable, to avoid damaging the entire tranny. So, except your tranny is really damaged, and codes should indicate this, I wouldn't think it's necessary to have a rebuilt tranny.

 

I brought my car in today as I was really fed up with the jerking/kicking
Now all I have to do is wait and see what my garagist has to say....

 

Hi guys i have 04 maxima 5speed auto and have the same hard shifting problem and i want to know what is the best solution to fix it and what is the diffrenet between install the Transkit and VB .I contact Valve Body Builders and they said it will coast me $550 + $250 labor to fix it so if anyone can give me any idea will be awesome

 

well, the final price is 3500$ and everything is done!
man, I just hope that nothing else happens

 

I am getting to purchase a rebuilt/remanufactured (?) valve body for a 2006 Maxima.
Some literature (web sites) claim a reprogramming (erase and re-learn data in programmable memory) is necessary when the valve body is changed on newer models. Does anyone know if this is necessary with Levelten or ValveBuilders units?
They seem to not be to available to answer this questions and some others. Levelten is mute about what they do. ValveBuilders seems to be more informative but slow-still waiting. Does anyone have experience with ValveBuilders and whether dealing internationally with a Canadian firm has any hidden costs or issues?

 

I had been dealing with this issue off and on for almost a year. The tech at Cottman transmission pointed me to a current article in Transmission Digest that does state that the Transmission computer needs to be cleared and that the transmission has to undergo a relearning procedure so that the old shift points can be cleared and new ones learned. Disconnecting the battery doesn't clear the transmission computer.