So when I bought my car, it had a shifting problem - it simply didn't like to shift between 1st and 2nd gear - almost is if it had a stutter.

The dealer replaced what they told me was the "valve body" under the warranty, but its acting up again. The part had a 12k mile warranty and I've since surpassed 16k miles since Ive had that part replaced.

Anyone know how much it would cost for a valve body, and how hard is it to install one? I have no idea how much it was to replace this the 1st time because it was under warranty.

 

http://www.courtesyparts.com/maxima-...2024_2035.html

Somewhat pricey, Ive had a auto rebuild with vb mod and blah. Im doing a manual tranny swap as mine is crapping out again. If you know how to work on ur tranny and got proper torquing tools, go for it. Taking it to someone will likely cost a lot.

 

You can also try a Trans-go kit to firm up the pressure. they drill a couple passages and beef up the internal springs within the VB.. Snappier shifts and less clutch pack wear...

What were/are your exact symptoms? I had an issue with RPM spikes where the car was going uphill or under full throttle. Under normal driving I had zero issues, so I want to compare your symptoms.

Lately the problem seemed to be only under 100% throttle with backing off slightly kicking the car into the next gear. I did a computer relearn, and accellerator position relearn and I havent had it spike once since. I havent punched it too much though, so the case is still out..

 

Here's a write up for VB install, I did mine at 90K now I'm at 160K and tranny shifts smooth and crisp. Make sure you ask the dealer for new and upgraded valve body.
It should cost around $140. Don't let them sell you the outdated one for over $400 !!!
http://www.vqpower.com/v2/articles.php?article_id=60

 

This Trans-go kit sounds very intersting. I'll be looking into that today. If you've got any more information about it, I'd appreciate it because I know nothing about it. How easy is it to install? How much does it cost? Etc.

Also, is the Trans-go kit something that gets installed in addition to the valve body? or does it get installed in place of the valve body?

Also, my problem sounds similar to what your's was doing. It usually happens at full throttle, but hills have nothing to do with it. If I'm giving the car any gas at all before it shifts into 2nd, it waits to shift too long and then 2nd gear catches and the car lurches forward as if I've just gotten hit hard from behind. No RPM spikes ever - it simply doesnt like to shift between first and second gear when under ANY stress.

 

So i was able to recreate the hesitation problem yesterday accelerating off of an onramp.. The car fell on its face going from 45-50ish to 75.. The transgo kit will not likely fix this problem were having... I doubt my issue is mechanical since all shift patterns outside of 100% throttle are perfect... If your vb was already swaped, im thinking its the solenoids not doing their job of routing the fluid. There has to be a leak somewhere causing the shifts to pause..

 

So did you only swapped the solenoids (pictured above), or did you replace the whole VB?? VBs run in the 800 range...

 

solenoids only

 

well my trans has been doin this for a few yrs now.. nissan dosent want anything to do with this particular problem... but they gave the cvt trans a 120,000 10 yr. waranty... from what i understand the valve body is what goes on these particular transmisions i was goin to install the transgo shift kit.. you can beat the price!!! but am worried i might have the same problem because of all the overheating that has been done, i wanted to upgrade the vb and then install the transgo kit all at once.. but nissan wants 1000 bux for the vb.................. pretty much just looking for advise on what i should do and or how to handle this becasue it seems every one i talk to from a dealer just gives me the runaround and want my $$$$$$$!

nick- were did you get an upgraded vb for $140? ill buy that all day long let me know!!

thanks to everyone!!!

 

nick- were did you get an upgraded vb for $140? ill buy that all day long let me know!!

thanks to everyone!!![/QUOTE]

I bought an upgraded solenoid pack from dealer for around $140 few years back.
Check your dropping resistor, it will make the tranny shift hard and throw a code
What issues are you having with your tranny?

 

Did you install the 31940-80X05 solenoid pack? My tranny is shifting harder so I'm looking at installing the 31940-80X25 kit:

http://maxima.theowensfamily.com/tsb/NTB98-043.pdf

This kit inlcudes the 31940-80X05 along with several other parts and cost only $90 online.

 

Where can you get the solenoids for $140? Dave B quoted ne nearly $300.

 

I think I got it all figured out reguarding the Solenoid packs. If you attempt to buy the solenoid packs on the own = about $310 give or take. If you elect to buy the Solenoid repair kit listed in TSB NTB-043 ,(Nissan part # 31940-80X25), it only costs $89 at Courtesy Nissan. This "kit" includes:

Solenoid assembly qty 1 part # 31940-80X05 price= $309.61
Oil Pan Bolt qty21 part # 31377-80X09 price= $11.76 ($.56 X 21)
Drain Plug Washer qty 1 part # 11026-01M02 price= $1.17
Snap Ring qty1 part # 31506-80X11 price= $1.29

The way I see it, you save $234.83 and you get the solenoid pack PLUS new drain pan bolts, a new drain plug washer and a new snap ring. What a bunch of thieves. They arent called stealerships for nothing I guess.

 

Great info, Quick question;
Where did you see this kit listed online, as I searched courtesy Nissan and couldn't find it. EDIT: Found the kit, thanks!

Also, did this solve the rpm flare issue?

Thanks,
-DCZC