I'd like to know if there's an easy way to tell the difference between transmissions (like on the console). I noticed that the 5-speed seems to be the problematic one, is that correct?

 

transmission type is written on a silver plate in the engine bay... Has other information too (VIN/Color code etc)

 

Damn; i have yet to see the car in person, so i don't have access yet. Thanks though.

 

Where would it be here? Being unfamiliar with the car does not help me (the owner is doing me a huge favor by looking & snapping pics.) The only stuff he's seeing is the stickers, but no vin-related stuff.

 

I think? Notice the color difference?

Looks like this

 

Thanks!

 

Easier way is to look at the shift lever if it has ONLY P-R-N-D-3-2-1, it is a 4 speed auto. These were only installed in the first few months of production before they moved to the 5 speed ; this is the tranny you want for an automatic since it is damn near bullet proof. The 5 speed will have another slot on the bottom right of the shifter labeled + and - so you can (sort of) shift it manually.

 

Thank you. That's what I thought, but wasn't sure. It does have the five-speed with the slap stick. This car has 55k on it, is there a certain problem that you can fix beforehand? or is there a certain mileage that this transmission fails?

 

Issues with the transmission seem to start between 60,000 and 100,000 miles.
Change the solenoids to “Rostra” solenoids. They seem to be much better than the OEM solenoids. Cost of the solenoids are approx. $300.00. You will also need 4 quarts of type “K” transmission fluid and transmission pan gasket. If you are an average mechanic you should be able to replace yourself. Need to remove the battery and air intake hoses to remove the pans. The solenoids comes with learning curve instructions but occasionally the pressures are not correct and you will need to take the car to a transmission specialist to adjust the pressures. You could also have a transmission shop install the solenoids. I did not have any problems with Rostra solenoids for my son’s car.

Change the fluid and change again every 15,000 miles, if you have the OEM solenoids. Not inexpensive, type “K” transmission fluid can only be purchased from Nissan. About $12.00 quart. Since the car does not have an internal radiator transmission fluid cooler or external air cooled system the fluid runs hotter than it should. Also, since the transmission does not have a fluid cooling system it is impossible to clean and flush the system.

It is my understanding that a transmission fluid cooler system can be added to the vehicle (cannot confirm but I am looking to see if it is possible). The same transmission (Aisin Warner AW55-50) were used in Volvo’s and GM products and the Volvo’s and GM’s vehicles have transmission fluid coolers. The Maxima radiator does not have internal transmission cooler but after-mart radiators do (also external cooler could be added). Need to purchase Volvo or GM transmission pan which has return line for the cooler. My understanding (again have not confirmed) that transmission shop must either tap or change some part, then the transmission would have a fluid cooling capacity like all other vehicles. If the shop must remove the transmission from the car, then cost would be prohibitive.

 

It should also be noted that not all of these transmissions fail. In the grand scheme of things this issue affects only between 2%-4% of vehicles. Not everyone with a 5 speed tranny has issues with it, you just hear more about them. Who is going to ***** about one that runs perfectly?

 

I have an 06 Maxima with about 65,000 miles on it. I bought it with 4x,xxx miles on it. I have the 5 speed transmission. I drain and fill with nissan Matic K fluid once a year at least. I have not had any problems with my transmission.

I buy a case of Matic K at the dealership for 120 bucks. Tell them you want a discount. They try to charge me 14 dollars a quart for the matic K. All you have to do is ask for a cheaper price and they will drop it. I am on my second case. The first case was 135 bucks.

The drain and fill is an easy procress. 3-4 quarts usually drains out. Refill what came out and check the stick/level indicator several times.

If you cannot complete this task I would stay away from the Maxima because you will have hurt feelings if you do not do this often.

Read the stickies on top of the page and you will see what hurt feelings i am talking about.

 

Thanks guys for the help. I need something that is as reliable as the jeep I'd have traded for said maxima. Unfortunately I am low on budget & decided to turn down the offer, thanks again for the help.

 

No problem, you made a wise decision. I love my maxima but know i can hate it just as much.

 

For what its worth, I drove a 2004 with the 5 speed/manual shift mode from 9mi through to over 120,000mi and never had one transmission problem, ever.