My tranny has some annoying habits that I would love to break. I've read a lot about VB mods improving shifting behavior, and I've also heard about doing performance mods to the TC. However, I don't know which of these, if any, would cure what ails it.

Specifically,

1. When cruising in 4th -- especially above 30mph -- there is a shudder every time the gas pedal is initially pressed. Mechanics at Infiniti call this "shift shock" and said this is a result of the TC locking up in 4th. To confirm that, I try doing the same behavior with the OD off and the shudder is not there (or lessened to a great degree), because the tranny is prevented from shifting into 4th and locking up.

Keeping the OD off all the time would not be an option, so, on the surface, it seems like a different TC is in order -- unless, a valve body mod can cure it as well.

2. Shifting with the A/C off works just fine. When the A/C is running, however, there is often a long hesitation when downshifting from 4th to 2nd...sometimes as much as a 1/2 second.

3. Sometimes the tranny decides to downshift into 2nd instead of 3rd given the same amount of pressure and the same conditions of cruise speed, vehicle weight, gas level, outside temperature, and operating temperature.

4. Sometimes, the tranny makes the engine sound like it is doing a lot more work than it actually is (especially when it downshifts into 2nd instead of 3rd). In other words, I get more whine than WHP.

Suggestions?

BTW, the tranny definitely works best in the morning when it is cool.

 

stage 2+ valvebody and B&M trans cooler. it will r0x0rz j00r b0x0rz i have it and love it no more wierdo shifting.

 

VB mod wont do anything for your problems, it only changes upshifting

 

down shift manually

 

VB mod only firms and quickens the shift...TC mod only firms up the TC engagement point and or has more slip (higher stall TC). None will get rid of the rather 'dumb' TCM programing on downshifts. I have read about grounding kits solving the delayed downshifts though.

 

I'll try the grounding kit route first. I just read over a previous thread on how to make one, or buy one at a reasonable price. Now, I probably should also upgrade my battery. I notice a lot of people have the Optima. Is it really far superior to all other batteries, or is it one of those things that has more of a cult following?

Heat seems to play a factor also, and with Summer around the corner, I probably will invest in getting a transmission cooler.

Since you referenced the computer module, is it possible to get one reprogrammed for a 1998, and, if so, would it help?

 

for the record, 2 Da Max, I do a lot of manual shifting, and if ever a car needed a manual shifter for an automatic (aka, Shifttronic, Triptronic, Manumatic, etc.), it would be mine. I investigated some after-market ones, but they involved selecting gears by pushing buttons, a la Edsel. Definitely not what I had in mind.

As it turns out, your tongue-in-cheek comment actually has a lot of merit!

 

optima is superior IMO, my yellow top is amazing. i can leave my stereo on for two hours, go back to the car, and it starts right up. no capacitor, my lights dont dim, and i've never had to be jumped. Worth the 150 or w/e it costs. Even a red top is good too, i got the yellow top for my stereo.

 

not worth that tip tronic stuff. just get a manual tranny man.

 

You might also try to flush the tranny fluid with some good synthetic ATF. Try that and a ground kit. I know Blehmco sells maxima specific ones for pretty cheap.

I would still suggest the VB mod from riding in auto cars with it but I have no idea if it will fix your problems.

 

Manuals are a lot of fun, to be sure....except when you are stuck in rush-hour traffic for over an hour and you have to constantly shift from 1st to 2nd. Then, it gets real old.

 

I'm going to do the synthetic flush with Red Line -- runs about $7 a quart (unless you know of a place where I can get it for less).

As for the VB mod, there's a company in town that manufactures VBs and TC's, and I am going to have him check my tranny out.

 

convert to 5spd, all problems solved

 

i wish i had done so instead of the stage 2 VB mod

 

It's never too late.