98 altima GXE transmission

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Tux - 02 Jul 2004 03:38 GMT

Hi all.
My 98 altima, automatic transmission is a bit rough going from first to
second. The transition is not smooth. There is a rude jolt as the
transmission shifts to the next gear. All other shifts are smooth and
"cushioned".
What is the problem?

I also have an intermittant backlight on the stereo LCD display. I think
there is a loose connection. Otherwise it works fine. I have the am/fm
cassette model. Any tips?

Thanks.

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Steve Vogel - 02 Jul 2004 14:02 GMT

Sounds like the transmission fluid may be due for a change. What's
your mileage and have you ever had that done?

>Hi all.
>My 98 altima, automatic transmission is a bit rough going from first to
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
>Thanks.

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waz - 03 Jul 2004 01:56 GMT

Thanks Steve,

The car has 70,000 km on it. Thats about 44,000 miles.
I bought the car with about 30,000 km. To the best of my knowledge the
fluid has not been changed.
I will look into it. Thanks.

> Sounds like the transmission fluid may be due for a change. What's your
> mileage and have you ever had that done?
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>>
>>Thanks.

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MegAltima - 03 Jul 2004 21:40 GMT

Also, if you change the fluid yourself, check the pans magnet for excessive
metal shavings. Dark gooey (clutch shavings) are not uncommon but a heavy
amount can indicate a problem with the transmission. Also don't forget to
clean or replace the filter. I've been told that the filter is not
available from Nissan, as they recommend the cleaning.

If the fluid change does not seem to solve the problem, there is most
likely a problem with your #1-2 accumulator. The accumulator is a piston
device with a spring behind it that absorbs the initial force of the
hydraulic (tranny) fluid in the transmission as it applied the gears.
Sometimes the spring can get week and cause a hard shift for a particular
gear. The accumulator can be replaced individually if need be. I can't
recall if it's accessible with the tranny in car, but I think it is.

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waz - 05 Jul 2004 02:53 GMT

> Also, if you change the fluid yourself, check the pans magnet for
> excessive metal shavings. Dark gooey (clutch shavings) are not uncommon
> but a heavy amount can indicate a problem with the transmission. Also
> don't forget to clean or replace the filter. I've been told that the
> filter is not available from Nissan, as they recommend the cleaning.

I do not think I will be changing any fluids myself. I'd love to, but I'll
let someone else and keep my hands clean. My mechanic days are over.

> If the fluid change does not seem to solve the problem, there is most
> likely a problem with your #1-2 accumulator. The accumulator is a piston
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> gear. The accumulator can be replaced individually if need be. I can't
> recall if it's accessible with the tranny in car, but I think it is.

Now THIS sounds like what I was thinking of to begin with. It does feel
like something that is supposed to "absorb" a shock isn't doing so the majority of
the time. I have heard of a "kit" (altima auto-tranny) for a hard 1-2 shift. Does this describe
my problem??

Thanks for your tips.

Waz

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spiccolli - 13 Aug 2004 15:19 GMT

i had the same problem - check your timing, mine was off by 20 degrees,
mechanic turned it 19 and now car runs great

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johnsmith - 09 Sep 2004 16:40 GMT

Tux,

I have the same problem with my altim 95 and was wondering if the problem
was fixed adn how?

Please help.

Thanks,

John

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RDoubleU - 16 Oct 2004 13:52 GMT

Sounds like it may be your shift-solenoid-A or your line pressure solenoid.
You'll have to drop the pan to get to them to check. Nissan may or may not
sell them individually anymore. I think they come as an assembly ($80 by
itself compared to $400 as an assembly).

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