I have a 2004 Nissan Maxima GL approximately 55,000 miles with an automatic transmission.

For some time now my car developed issues with jerking and delay in switching gears when shifting from drive to reverse and vice versa. There is also delay in switching gears while driving. For example when I push on gas pedal while on a highway the RPM will go to speed 3 but it feels as if the car is in neutral mode. Couple of seconds later it will switch speed to 2 or 1 and drive normally ie will switch into appropriate gear.

My mechanic told me that I should change the motor mounts promptly - the main front mount and side mounts - otherwise I might damage radiator. When he tested the car for, motor mounts were indeed faulty and had to be replaced. When I told him that I think I might have transmission issues he told me the problem is with motor mounts.


Can anyone please tell me if delay in transmission switching gears are somehow associated with faulty motor mounts? If my transmission is indeed developing issues and soon will break down I don't want to spend close to or over $300 on motor mounts.

Also, how long is it possible to drive with bad motor mounts? There is noticeable jerking when switching gears but I try to control it by not releasing break pedal until the car shifted properly 1 -3 secs.

 

If you have 5 speed transmission then you probably have transmission issues. The problems that you noted are very common with the 5 speed transmission. (2004 models came with both 4 speed and 5 speed transmission.) If you have the 5 speed, sometimes you can change the transmission fluid several times and it will help with the problem. Also, installing a Transco shjft kit or Rostra solenoids may help or cure the problem. Be sure and use the correct Nissan tranmatic fluid. (Mobil 3309 or Toyota type IV will also work. Do not use unversial type fluid. Good luck

 

Thanks, Ill have to ask my mechanic if I have 4 or 5 speed transmission.

I think I have 5 speed transmission because my car I believe can go into a manual transmission mode. On my shift box there is an option where I can place the shift stick into a "manual" mode. The shift stick can be pulled back and slid to the right on the shift box where it acts as a manual speed. Within the slide the shift stick can be further either pushed forward + or pulled back - and change speeds manually. I tried this once or twice during the 9 years I own the car.

I will definitely not install the Transco shjft or Rostra solenoids because of the cost. I'll ask my mechanic to change the transmission fluid and probably replace the motor mounts. I hope my car will work for at least another year.

 

same story.
try this process and it will give you mild slam.

http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23670
i used transtune as additive.

 

johnpro. If your transmission dip stick has "Use Nissan Type K Only" then you have the 5 speed. Transmission is mfg by Aisin Warner and is either model AW55-50SN or AW55-51SN. Aisin Warner is partial owned by Toyota and make most of the transmission for Toyota. Your can use either Nissan Type K, Aisin Warner Type IV, Toyota Type IV or Mobil 3309 transmission fluid in the transmission. (Mobil makes Toyota fluid type IV for vehicle produced in the states.) Mobil is normally less expensive than either Nissan, Aisin-Warner or Toyota fluids. I would not use universal fluid Valoline.

 

Pnjboyzz, I am not that technical with cars and skimmed through the forum you linked. I will read it closely later. Ill have to ask my mechanic about this. Thanks.

wingnut2006, got it. Thanks for more details. I'll check that out.

It's just an overall headache and too expensive to go through transmission repairs. I dread going to mechanic shop because of time waste to wait as my car is being serviced and fearing of new cost for repairs. My Front right strut needs to be replaced, all lube is drained (per mechanic). That's after Nissan dealership replaced all struts when my car had under 30,000 miles on it. At the time, the work was covered by Nissan warranty. On top of that motor mounts and now transmission issues.

 

just wanted to update the forum, maybe it will help someone determine their problem. I did not change trans oil yet. I don't know if it's worth for me to change the oil at this time. Maybe I will I don't know yet. However, recently a "service engine soon" light appeared on the dashboard. I went to a mechanic to run a diagnostic. Following codes came up: p1148 p1168 p0780. The last code per web search is:

Common Problems That Trigger the P0780 Code

Defective Shift Solenoids
Defective Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
Defective Torque Converter Lockup solenoid
Defective Torque Converter Clutch
Defective Transmission Range Sesnor
Defective Valve Body
Dirty transmission fluid that restricts the hydraulic passages.

Is it worth for me to change the transmission oil? How much changing the valve body will cost me?

 

Your tranny is ****ed. You can try to change the oil, it is very simple to do a drain and fill (this wont replace all the fluid). Draining it will at least let you know if the current stuff is still ok.

I would also suggest a new mechanic. I had 2 destroyed motor mounts (front and side) and my car still shifted fine.

 

I'll change the transmission oil and see what happens. I'm just thinking now not to spend anymore on the car.