When I backed our 2002 Maxima off the trailer, when I went from R to 1 I missed it and hit 3. No big deal right, but now it wont come out of 3rd gear!?

I have been doing some reading here today and saw a post on how it could be one of 4 failed solenoids in the transmission. Anyone else have an idea what the issue could be?

So we are planning on pulling the entire engine out with the transmission so we can freshen up the motor. So the tranny will be out soon and I wanted to find out if anyone has links or suggestions on rebuilding this 6 speed.

I need to update my other post. We turn this car into a Endurance race car (chumpcar) and it was amazing! Very reliable and fun to drive. We had no mechanical issues during the race beyond having to add oil and change out brake pads.

 

I can see how it would be a good choice for budget road racing. I did some of that in a previous life with a VW Scirocco I built with the help of a few friends.

I haven't been inside a manual transmission since then, BUT I did not think the manuals in our cars had any electrics in them. Automatics have solenoids (and solenoids can be quite troublesome - especially in German and American trannies). Your problem sounds like a small broken part inside the transmission. there are a LOT of shifts in an endurance race. It could have finished off a small spring or clip that was already worn. I had a linkage nut fall off my shift linkage on the race car once in a race - the classic 5 cent part that finished our race. EVERYTHING has to be safety-wired. On motorcycles, for example, it is not uncommon for a little spring to break which prevents upshifting. I know the M/C trans is sequential, but my point is open it up and look. Before that, have a look at the linkage for a physical impediment, then if there is nothing obvious drain the transmission oil through a big paint strainer/filter. It might not overflow from that, but it is think oil and I'd be ready with a backup strainer and pan. If you find something in the strainer, it might give you an idea of what to look for when you open it up.

Cheers,
Glenn

 

Mike, check out the following post:

https://maxima.org/forums/all-motor/...ure-heavy.html

Mine did the exact same thing.

Likewise, check out some ideas in the following link when you are 'refreshing' your motor...

https://maxima.org/forums/all-motor/...ld-thread.html

 

Thanks guys for the awesome replies! And the link to that other post was very helpful. We have the trans on the bench but we can't remove the bell housing. It feels like we are stuck on something, suggestions?

 

Mike, if you haven't done so already, download the FSM for a 2k2-2k3.
http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Maxima/2002/MT.pdf

Read through the MT.pdf. You have to remove a LARGE c-clip on the transaxel side BEFORE separating the cases. The end of the Main Shaft is locked in by the c-clip.

 

Thanks! We have printed it out and we'll be checking it out on Friday this week.

 

Ok, our gears look great. Our synchros are a bit beat up and the 3rd gear wire retainer was busted off and stuck to the internal magnet. Can anyone recommend links to purchase a synchros kit, that hopefully comes with that clip retainer.

Or go with the Sentra swap? And if I do, what is the range of years transmission can I use? I typed in the 2006 and I found one from a 2003 with 80,000 miles on it near by!

BTW 6spd_Hayes you are amazing!