I just visited my fourth shop today, one that was recommended to me from another shop that wasnt capable of installing the shift kit, and he couldnt do it. That guy called his tranny man and he said he wouldnt touch it because there is too much liability installing the kit. He said he has to take the whole transmission off, which I believe is not necessary. Anyway, it took two seconds for this guy to say he is not going to do it. This is getting frustrating, but I see I am not the only one!

 

if you guys are looking at regular tranny shops then maybe that could be the issue. I would look at shops that do high performance work on transmissions. The shop I have mine going to does work on drag cars and others. Find one like that and you should be good. Ask around I am sure someone will do the work. Once I get the shift kit I am going to take a look at it and see if I want to do it myself or have someone do it. I will let you guys know and take pics of what I have for the install.

 

Bingo, that's who's doing my VB swap out. I just need the time off from work to align with available appointments. And for the comment above yours, the tranny does not need to be dropped, if you look up at the tranny on a lift, the VB is practically staring right at you next to the drivers side subframe.

 

when they worked my Valve Body the last time they did it without removing the tranny. I had to assure the tech that it was possible. Sure enough they did it. I am still waiting on my kit so hopefully I get it today. If not Monday for sure. Then off to the shop to get installed.

 

I am planning on bringing my car in to the shop sometime this week to get the kit installed. I guess I was looking to hear more sucess stories for some reassurance.

I'll be sure to update you guys once i get the kit installed.

 

I just got the kit in and it looks like something the average mechanic can do. It is not what I expected. I was thinking this was a boost valve. It is not. It has two reamers, and metalic pieces. There are pretty detailed instructions that were included in my box of stuff. I am not going to do this myself only because the place I am taking it to will take full responsibility for the repairs which is what I want. I will try and take some pics and get them posted of what is included along with the instructions.

 

I found this thread while trying to figure out what happened to my 04 Maxima. The engine died while driving and after difficult restart transmission was slipping badly. Took me awhile to figure out it was in 5th gear (went to manual and indicator showed 5 instead of 1). After car sat awhile it started normally and drove normally then suddenly the engine would shudder and bingo we're back in 5th gear again and nothing will affect it until it sits awhile. Also the check engine soon indicator came on and stayed on.

I didn't have hard shifting except I noticed when rolling to a stop I could "feel" the transmission downshift softly from high to low as the car was coming to a stop. I don't remember it doing that before ( I bought it new and currently have 156K miles on it).

Long story short; I went into the dealer yesterday and found the Cam Sensors were bad. They said that it throws the car into safety mode (shades of windows computers) and locks the transmission in high gear, why ... who knows. That fixed the immediate problem and all runs good now.... except....

After reading this thread the shifting has me worried. I had the motor mounts checked and they were fine, but I like auto transmissions to shift smooth which is ok going up, but the self downshift has me worried. Most auto trans I can think of don't down shift by themselves. I am thinking this shift kit might "save" the transmission from eventual failure as you all describe.

My question is would I be ahead of the game if I had this kit installed at this point in the millage (156K miles) and/or would it be better to have valve body rebuilt and kit installed. I have no knowledge of inner workings of auto transmissions, so I'm wondering if strong valve body might blow out the rest of transmission. Currently it is working ok, except for weird downshift. I would like to head off a costly transmission rebuild as these dealers seem stuck on $4500 or so.

Your opinions would be greatly appreciated.

 

With that many miles, honestly, a full valve body rebuild (Level10.com... give them a call) would probably be best. But you also have to consider how much longer you plan on keeping the car. At some point, costly repairs just stop making sense.

 

my transmission didnt seem bad at all but at times i would feel hard shifting from drive to park and from park to reverse but only when its cold. so i purchase the kit and got it installed today and it cost $418.00 for the labor and let me be the first to stay there is a major difference in the way the car shifts. i dont feel no form of jerks.... nothing this kit is amazing. i currently have 70k miles on my 2004 maxima and it feels much much faster than before, the shifting made a big difference.

 

I just got my car back from the shop this morning and it is amazing. This kit makes a world of difference. I used to have a harsh bang from Park to Reverse and the same to Drive. Then while in "D", Drive not Tiptronic, the transmission would delay from 2nd to 3rd followed by a jerk and fast from 3rd to 4th. The Downshifting was also pretty harsh. Now the car shifts like butter. Perfect. I was amazed. Scared as hell at first to have it in "D" because I thought the trans would lock up on me with all the banging, now no issue whatsoever. The kit seemed very basic and the kit came with detailed instructions that were pretty easy to follow. I would have done this myself, however with not enough guys getting the kit installed I was scared of screwing it up so I let the shop do it. I paid $495 for installation because the last shop stripped all my valve cover bolts, otherwise it would have been $375 for labor. +$15 for shop tools.

Here is what I spent total:
Shift Kit - $120
Valve body Gaskets - $30.57
Nissan Matic-K Fluid 14 quarts - $160
Install - $495
Total - $805.57 without shipping cost added for the kit and valve body gaskets. Add about $55 for that. So roughly $860 total. So worth it.

Should cost around 370 in parts and 375 labor for most. So look to spend around 6-700 on this kit. So worth it. Granted I don't think I should have had to do this in the first place, but I can't wait for Nissan to take responsibility for this.

If you do this yourself, you could do this for less than $400. Man I can't express how great this kit is. Make sure you get the best shop around to install this kit. I actually purchased the kit and left it with the shop owner to look over to see if he felt comfortable installing it. He said his guys are allways up for a challenge.

 

Could you post the instruction manual that came with the shift kit? Will this requires precision machining tools to install the part of this kit?

 

Have a few problems with my 2004 Maxima SE (119K miles) currently. Transmission acts funky when cold, ABS light on and humming sound whenever car is off, brake light came on solid (brakes need replacing - worn down), speedometer quit working suddenly and check engine light on, although that only started when the speedometer quit. Will be taking car in next week to dealership to get brakes fixed, speedometer fixed, read the check engine code and get them to disconnect ABS (not going to pay $1000+ to get that one fixed).

About 1 1/2 years ago, I had the transmission fluid flushed and replaced by the dealer and shortly after that I started noticed some weirdness when the car is first started (cold). When it is first started, it wants to rev to high RPMs (5000-6000) before shifting gears, like from 1st to 2nd to 3rd, etc, especially when climbing hills and quiets down to normal once the engine becomes warm ( once the temp gauge reaches midway between H and C ).

I was able to cope with it by on purpose running the car down the large hill by my house until it reaches 50 mph or so and then it is usually warmed up enough to stop acting up. Once warm, it seems to act OK except very occasionally it will show a momentary delay when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear around corners.

When I looked up stuff on the Internet I was horrified to see all the nasty stuff that seems to happen with these transmissions, so I decided it was probably best to not mess with anything unless I have to or it starts getting worse. However, upon seeing this latest information about the Transco shift kits, I am wondering if it would be worth installing one now to avoid any future problems.

Can anyone tell me if they have installed the Transco kit to solve the cold-transmission issues and did it work? I think I am safe on the motor mounts, as I have not had the banging issues and I am real careful to not rev the engine before waiting until gear engages when shifting from P to D or P to R.

 

I would have nissan check your Camshaft Position Sensors. Sounds like that could be what is causing the high rev issue. As for the shifting delay from 2 to 3, the shift kit could be the solution. I have this kit installed and let me tell you, it is night and day difference.

 

are there that many issues with the transmissions? I have a 04 max with 91k with no issues.(kock on wood) I didnt change my fluid until 85k. replaced it with mobil syn.

 

do you have a 5speed or 4speed? 4speed seems to be safe, however most 5speeds are not.

 

does nissan require trans fluid change? at how many miles? does it affect future trans work... russellj

 

there is a search button above. maintenance intervals are also in the manual.
yes trans drain and fill is every 60k miles. every 30k for premium service. only use Nissan K-Matic
some are trying Mobil1 and Amsoil as well.

about 4 quarts each drain.

 

PO8PIMP:
Did you had to do a TCM reprogramming (reset) procedure after installing the modified valve body?

 

No I didn't have to have it done. I will be getting it done though. It is allways good to get in and see if they came out with a new program for our cars though. The car shifts so much better now. Only notice a slight rough shifting after I have been racing around for a long time, other than that it is smooth sailing.

 

Sorry everyone!!! I never posted what happened...

It worked out great. I had the Transgo shift kit installed, new filter + fluid and the VB gasket. My maxima is now shifting very smooth and the tranny problem has now been resolved. I think it even improved acceleration!

Now it's time to tackle the noisy freakin timing chain

 

I have an interesting related problem, i started a new thread here

http://forums.maxima.org/6th-generat...ode-p0744.html

 

funny you say that....did you car make a really loud noise like a cpu about to overload when you drove at low speeds? like a neighborhood or parking lot?

 

I have this all coming up on june 28th...transgo kit, valve body upgrade from level ten, new mounts with inserts, and vb gaskets! i have been living with this bad tranny for almost 2 years now...time to get back into shape...i want my maxima back lol ill let you guys know of the progress...

Question to PO8PIMP - Did you ever have the csp sensors replaced? Im just wondering if the csp sensors would pop up as a CEL on the dash becuase mine has similar issues of high rpm shifting but i dont get a CEL...and also did you get the tcm re-programmed yet?

 

I found this thread a few weeks ago, because my parents 05 had a lot of trans issues...

Clunking going in to rev, 3-2 coast bang, Stuck in 5th gear, 2nd gear slip, etc

I've seen talk about people having the same issues, and them reoccurring with trans replacements..

Since I live right up the road from transtar, I decided to give the transgo kit a try, as it was cheaper than replacing the trans, and I felt it was a vb related issue all along....

First off I can say that the car was on the brink of undriveable before. My parents rely on it for hospital repair jobs and are routinely driving 2-4hrs late a night and it was becoming a major issue. The car has 150k+ on it, and these problems have gotten worse over the year. Since these trans problems seem to be very common with this car, I knew that most shops would rather just sell a trans and install than try to figure out what the actual problem is. (see time=money)

I can honestly say this kit saved my family a lot of money. The car shifts better than it has since they've owned the car, and 99.9% of the issues are gone. The car on occasion will hiccup during hard breaking, if you stab the gas during 3-2 shift, but I believe that they've been driving so long with the other issues that it may have worn the band a bit causing this. Daily driving/Normal shifting otherwise is 1000x better.

I found while disassembling the valvebody and linear solenoids that the linear solenoids had a lot of teflon/crap build up in the bushings. It was obvious that this was a lot of the cause, as the pressure solenoid was the worst. I'm guessing that the trans fluid would get hot, causing the teflon in the bushing area to make the valves stick, as they did not move freely to begin with.

I took a bunch of pics, got all the parts I needed from transtar, and have vids of before and after with the solenoid internals. I plan on making a quick write-up on my site which anyone who is looking to do this can view. It will be located here

I found this site via google, and am never on since I do not own a maxima, so would rather post the info somewhere I frequent in order to reply to any questions.

If you're on the fence about trying this kit, I would def give it a try. A lot of shops tried to get my parents to replace the transmission for 2k+ and thanks to this forum and some other people on the internet, we were able to avoid that. Hopefully my write up can help others with the same issue!!!

I'll do my best to get it posted this week, along with part numbers from transtar industries.

-Jim

 

That's awesome, blacksaleen95! Much thanks to you for doing that for your fellow maxima owners. I finally got my 4 motor mounts replaced (front engine mount, front right mount, rear engine mount, and transmission mount). I had initially just done the Transgo kit back in February, but my motor mounts were shot and still caused some minor problems with shifting. She rides like new now.

 

No problem, if it wasn't for the guys here it would have took much longer to consider the trans-go kit. I hope to have the writeup done tonight or tomorrow. I'll reply back on here when it's finished.

The motor mounts on my parents car looked pretty worked too. What goes wrong with them? Does the metal portion crack, or does the rubber isolators just breakdown?

 

The metal portion doesn't crack; the rubber isolators just breakdown. I ended up purchasing the front engine mount w sensor and front right engine mount from ebay, $95 and $70 respectively. I also ordered the transmission engine mount for about $70 on Mac auto parts website. The Rear engine mount with sensor came from courtesyparts.com based at the Courtesy Nissan dealership in Richardson, TX for about $170, cheapest anywhere that I could find.

 

I was going have the tranny rebuilt and give this kit a try.
Ordered the the Transgo kit AW55-50 from ebay (around 120) and have it done from a local shop in S. California for <=$250. No more jerking NOW and shift like a champ!
So happy with the result

 

Great to hear... Just to report back, Sorry I haven't got the how-to done yet, been a busy week... I'll be sure to get it done this week.

Talked to the parents today, little over a week and the car has been perfect, no lingering affects and close to 600 miles since the kit install. Very happy with the results.

 

I love how all maxima owners stick together!!! I have been going through the same issues on my 04 max with 80k on it. Can anyboby recommend a shop in Hyattsville Md 20785 area or VA.To Install the kit.Also at times the car seems to drag when stop at the light after an shift shock episode.it will take a few moments to pick up speed feels like the car straining to move.I just cut the car off and restart the hestation issues goes away.Could that be a cam sensor issue?

 

That sounds transmission related to me, and similar to issues the maxima I fixed had, except it'd get stuck in 5th gear. Get the TG shift kit installed and then go from there, I'm willing to bet it will fix that issue.

I am available for the transgo kit install for anyone local to Charlotte, NC.

 

Athlon, were your motor mounts making any sounds. Like when you started or stopped the engine? I've replaced the front MM so far, may need to do the others.

 

I highly recommend if you are doing this install that you also consider changing out your motor mounts. I also recommend getting the motor mount inserts installed. This combination is without words. The car didn't feel this responsive or smooth even when I bought it.

 

@Blacksaleen how much would you do the install for? and how long would it take.I love road trips..lol especially to get the max running right.

 

$300 plus parts, and it'd take me a day to do. Drop car off in am, pick it up in pm, or leave it overnight would prob be best.

 

So what exactly would I need to buy besides the Transgo Kit and the K-matic fluid.Overnight works for me.

 

Transgo kit, valve body gaskets, anaerobic gasket maker (doesn't use a pan gasket) and obviously the fluid.

The transgo kit, vb gaskets, gasket maker came to ~150 locally, that's something I could get if you'd like.

The site is http://www.ballertown.info

If you'd like to contact me more about this you can reach me @ blacksaleen95 (at) ballertown.info

 

Will do thanks man!!!

 

blacksaleen95
please do not forget us who are waiting for your writeup on how to do this fix.

 

what name a transmission for 05 Maxima 3.5 SL with Variable Dynamic Control? RE5F22A? or AW55-50?