i have lost overdrive in my auto 96 GXE. check engine light was on. reads code 1106 = A/T 4th sig or TCC. everything else is fine. its like driving around with overdrive turned off. i have an appointment with my local shop on friday. i called the nissan dealer today and they said it could need a total transmission rebuild, around $2500!! anybody have any advice? thanks in advance.
ryan

 

is covered by 5/50 warranty.

 

1996 GXE
just went over 100,000 miles
and i'm the second owner

 

Diagnostic Trouble Code 1106 means "Automatic Transmission 4th gear function." This malfunction is detected when the automatic transmission does not shift into fourth gear or the torque converter clutch does not lock up as instructed by the Transmission Control Unit. The factory service manual lists these possible causes...
- Shift solenoid A
- Shift solenoid B
- Overrun clutch solenoid valve
- Line pressure solenoid valve
- Each clutch
- Hydraulic control circuit
- Torque converter clutch solenoid valve

You can do some troubleshooting without opening the automatic transmission. Find the harnesses which emanate from the transaxle. One of them terminates in a brown plastic connector with eight pins. This is connector F42, located (approximately) above the transaxle case and below the black plastic engine air intake ductwork. With the engine off, disconnect F42. You want to measure the transmission side of F42. Hold the connector such that the plastic latch is at the top. You should now see two rows of four terminals. These are numbered (top row, left to right) 1 - 4, and (bottom row, left to right) 5 - 8. Make resistance measurements between a clean ground and the following terminals:
#1, Shift solenoid B, 20 - 40 ohms.
#2, Shift solenoid A, 20 - 40 ohms.
#3, Overrun clutch solenoid valve, 20 - 40 ohms.
#4, Line pressure solenoid valve, 2.5 - 5 ohms.
#5, Torque converter clutch solenoid valve, 10 - 20 ohms.


There is also a "bench test" procedure for testing these solenoids with a 12 volt supply such as a car battery. However, this requires removal of the shift solenoid valve assembly. I don't know if you want to get involved with that.

 

thanks for the info, im sure my local shop would not have known any of that. am i causing any damage to my transmission b/c i have continued to drive with this problem ?

 

That's hard to say because we don't know what, exactly, has failed. For instance, if the torque converter solenoid has failed, you are doing no harm at all by driving the car. You could keep on driving it that way for years. On the other hand, if the line pressure solenoid valve has failed you may be doing some harm by driving the car.

Have you changed the Automatic Transmission Fluid recently? If not, that might be worth the $80 gamble. ATF is loaded with detergents and a fresh load can sometimes free up sticking internal mechanisms.

You can tell something about the condition of your transmission's internal parts by using the dipstick.

1) Level. It should be up to the full mark. If not, add as required.

2) Color. It should be bright red and translucent. If it is brown or black that is a bad sign.

3) Odor. It should have a clean oily smell. If it smells burned that is a bad sign.

4) Feel. Wipe the dipstick with your fingers and then rub your fingers together. It should be smooth and slippery. If you feel any grit that is a bad sign.