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2002 Maxima 4-Automatic Transmission problems (lots of them!) Forums > > 2002 Maxima 4-Automatic Transmission problems (lots of them!) 2002 Maxima 4-Automatic Transmission problems (lots of them!)
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  #1  
Old 11-28-2014, 01:23 PM
robosaki robosaki is offline
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2002 Maxima GLE
 
Join Date: May 2012
Age: 32
Posts: 12
Default 2002 Maxima 4-Automatic Transmission problems (lots of them!)

Hello,

I have a 2002 GLE 4 speed automatic, and I've started to experience strange shifting problems in the past weeks and months. The Engine itself is in very good condition to the best of my knowledge, with Oil changes & new K&N Filter every 4-5k miles.

When I shift from N to D, the shifter does not land directly on D. It instead lands somewhere in between 3 & D. However, when I push the shifter into 3 position, and then back to the right on D, it slides completely into D groove. This was not an issue until recently.

I'm confused about this, it seems like it may be a precursor to something breaking down in the transmission assembly or the shift cable going out.



Thought I'd also share some extra information regarding this vehicle:

The transmission has been hard shifting for a while now (months), especially when cold... much less when warmed up. The engine seems to jump/move under the hood quite a bit when I switch from Neutral to Reverse...

The engine has 145,000 miles on it. I've changed the transmission oil and filter about 10-15k miles ago. At the time I was experiencing hard shifts as well, the old fluid was in good condition and there was barely any dirty residue. (I thought the old filter was clogging up).

I don't know if this is normal, but whenever I accelerate and let go of the accelerator I always feel a little gap, or delay disconnects or something. This is especially noticeable at lower speed and traffic, it almost feels like a lag effect... and it happens all the time!

When entering highway and flooring the engine on high RPM, and I believe switching from 3rd gear into 4th... I've recently started to hear strange sounds... different than before. It happens right on the gear change, like the transmission is sucking in something. (If you close your mouth and try to suck in air through the mouth)

Its hard to explain but the closest sound I could come across that resembles my symptom is this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3LhQaQcLeE 0:10 ( @10 seconds in the video)





Finally, could this be something serious that I should immediately take to the Dealer or mechanic?

I've asked my mechanic a few months back about hard shifting, and he suggested those transmission additives from Auto Zone since the car already has some years on it. He mentioned that the rubber rings & seals may be going out, so those additives may help make things better. I did not follow his suggestions, after doing some research I concluded that those cheap transmission additives might do more harm than good to my transmission.

Another idea I've been thinking about is buying a 2002 Maxima Automatic Transmission Rebuild Kit, and having a professional Transmission mechanic rebuild it for me... because it sure sounds like the transmission is slowly going out.

I plan to use this car for as long as possible, I believe this car can make 200k miles easily when maintained correctly.


My apologies for the long write-up, I wanted to include all the problems I've been experiencing with my 2002 Maxima GLE Transmission, in the hopes that maybe someone here could share some productive thoughts or solutions.

Thank you for your time!
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  #2  
Old 11-28-2014, 03:14 PM
bennyb53's Avatar
bennyb53 bennyb53 is offline
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2019 Sentra
2002 Altima
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 2,105
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I would not do any repair if I don't know what the problem is. I suggest you take it to a transmission specialist. The hard shifting could be the shift solenoid. If you do some of the work you can start inspecting the shifter housing for possible foreign objects or the PNP switch and related cables. Also inspect engine mounts.
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  #3  
Old 11-28-2014, 04:06 PM
smj999smj's Avatar
smj999smj smj999smj is offline
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2006 Pathfinder
2003 Frontier King Cab
2003 Frontier KC SVE 4x4
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Prospect, VA
Posts: 1,866
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I would start by checking the motor mounts and the shift cable.
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