I have a 95 Maxima SE with automatic and about 67,000 miles on it with no modifications. Recently the check engine light came on and the car really started to jerk when shifting. The dealer said the solenoid valve pack needed to be replaced and it would cost 750.00. I then took it to a local transmission place and they would do it for 450.00. I want to know if this is something the dealer should do or can a local place handle it. Also, is this a common problem with these. It seems that the Maxima is weaker in the transmission area than other makes. Would an upgrade of some sort be in order. Any info or advice on this would be greatly appreciated.

AJ

 

Hmm...first time I've heard of this problem. I have a 95SE with 81,500 miles on it and 20k of them with the SC and other mods (see sig) and no problems with tranny or anything else for that matter.

Did you happen to get an extended warranty on the car? If so, it might be covered.

If you don't have any mods and don't race the car, drive it hard, etc., you shouldn't need a tranny upgrade.

You might try a 3rd opinion from another dealer to check price. If it were my car and I had no extended warranty, I would probably have the tranny shop do it.

Jim

 

How did they determine the Shift valve solenoids were bad? The TCU diagnostics?

The Solenoids are on the VB, you can replace them yourself if you have a little mechanical aptitude. Its basically removing the valvebody, then pulling the solenoids and replacing with new ones (I would suggest making sure that is the problem, and look for a valvebody (with solenoids) from a salvage yard (around $100 or less). Most of which they quoted you has to be labor, but the guys who gat the VB upgrade that do it themselves usually spend about 4 hours swapping (including the solenoids).