tranny trouble?

[joejk1]

i have a 93 pathfinder with auto transmission v6 4wd and when in drive it will shift from first to second but not to third unless i push the overdrive button.also it will not move in first gear!reverse works fluid is full and it will move in second.can anyone help me with this problem?

[Towncivilian]

What is the color of the trans fluid? Does it smell burnt? Has the ever been changed?

[joejk1]

it looks and smells ok,i bought it on the 21 of nov. and it shifted fine until a couple days ago,not sure when it was last changed

[GSeijo]

you are describing exactly what happened to mine a year ago, it is also a 93 pathy. Had to get a new master kit, tranny band, cleaned the torque converter, replaced the neutral switch and of course changed the tranny fluid and replaced the filter... it's been a year and has worked fine since then... good luck on yours.

[joejk1]

is it possibly the at control unit?how do i test it?really appreciate any help i can get!

[Slartibartfast]

I'd check the connections on the wiring going to the transmission and its computer, maybe something got torn into there.

 

The FSM http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/pathfinder/1995_Pathfinder/ should have a test procedure and breakdown. You want the AT section.

Edited December 10, 2012 by Slartibartfast

[Towncivilian]

If you don't know when the fluid was last changed, I would perform a full fluid exchange using the transmission cooler return line.

 

You will need:

• 12 to 15 quarts of automatic transmission fluid, preferably Nissan Matic D; a fluid claiming to meet Dexron III is suitable as well.
  
• A clear gallon jug, something like an empty milk jug
  
• Another large container to store used fluid for disposal
  

1. Disconnect the transmission cooler return line and secure it in a collection bucket such as a clear gallon milk jug. This will be the hose on the passenger side of the vehicle; disconnect the end leading towards the transmission.

2. Have a helper start the car while you watch the bucket - once it's half full (2 quarts), yell for the helper to stop the engine.

3. Add 2 quarts of ATF through the transmission dipstick.

4. Drain collection jug into larger jug (i.e. a Disposoil - these only hold 10 quarts though in my experience, so have something else to hold the last 5 quarts).

5. Repeat steps 2-4 until you're out of ATF.

6. Check fluid for proper level, and recycle the old ATF. Any place that takes used oil will likely recycle ATF.

Edited December 10, 2012 by Towncivilian

[joejk1]

thanks a million!really like this site!

[Towncivilian]

You're welcome, good luck! Hope it helps with the shifting issues.

[joejk1]

hey town civillian or whoever reads this,i forgot to tell you my check engine light is not on.that means i wont be able to pull any codes right?,makes me think i need to change the filter out and refill w fresh fluid and might fix shifting issues.what do you think?

[Towncivilian]

No, you can still pull codes regardless. There may be a pending or stored code. See this thread for instructions.

 

The in-pan strainer is more of a rock catcher, it doesn't filter much. If that gets clogged, you have bigger problems. Drain & fills are more wasteful than a full fluid exchange. I would just do a cooler line exchange; if that doesn't help things, then do a pan drop to inspect and clean the pan magnet and swap out the strainer.

Edited December 11, 2012 by Towncivilian

[joejk1]

ok thanks for the help,ill get on it tomorrow!