Transmission shifting LATE when it's COLD...
 

I have a 91 Maxima SE. When the engine and tranny have been sitting, in other words cold, the tranny shifts very badly. It shifts really late, and won't shift into 3rd unless I slow the engine RMPs down and then accelerate again. As the engine and transmission warm-up and get hotter, the problem decreases and almost goes completely away. I normally drive with OverDrive on, but when the RMPs get too high, because the tranny is cold and shifting late, if I turn off the OverDrive it "catches" gear, you can physically feel the "catch" occur. Say for example, I'm in 2nd, going into 3rd, and the engine RPMs are at 5000, if I turn the OverDrive off, slow down, and then accelerate, it will catch. If I just slow down and re-accelerate without turning off OverDrive, it will take a while before it catches gear.

Anyone know what the heck could be causing this!?

I need all your help...

THANKS

MAX

Have you kept up with the service on that tranny? Fluid changes? Sounds like your at a loss for pressure. Could be a clogged filter/screen or the pump is going bad.

I'd start with taking a close look at the tranny fluid.

There may also be a vaccume modulator that helps control the trannys shift points. My dad's 91 Cougar had that go bad. The symptoms are exactly what you describe. The part was 15 bucks!!! I have no idea if Nissan uses this type of controller on earlier Maxima's. You may want to investigate that as well.

mileage on this transmission?

it's possible that the clutches are going bad; auto trannies are pretty notoriously weak.

Check the fluid, as Tom suggested. If it has metal shavings in it, or is very dirty, get it flushed (any chain car shop like Midas or whatever can probably do this), then check it again in a week.

Mileage...
 

The tranny has 230,000kms, or, 142,000 miles.

MAX

I would venture to say that you are having some wear problems possibly due to normal wear and tranny life. I would have the tranny serviced and if the problem persists, it may be time for rebuild.

Just as a suggestion though; I had an 85 max that did the exact same thing when cold. I just drove it and once warm it shifted fine. True enough around the same milage you have the tranny had to be rebuilt on that one too. Just a thought.