1990 Pathfinder Automatic transmission trouble

[Andrew9682]

I just purchased a 1990 Pathfinder from a friend. It has around 160k on it with a straight body and in overall great shape for around $1500. I got it to drive this winter and the first couple of days driving it it ran great. The problems first started to surface yesterday, when cruising around when i would lightly get on the gas when the rpms were around 2500 it would act like the engine was missing and the car would hesitate and finaly get going. Today it started doing the same thing but then the transmission quit shifting all together. It acted like it was stuck in 2nd or 3rd gear. Even when i shifted it manualy down to 1st it wouldnt change. I pulled it over and cut it off and then restarted it and it acted fine. ALso when you first start it up the power light will blink for about 8 secs signifying transmission trouble. If anyone has any insight i would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks, Andrew

[GestaltGTO]

I am smiling when i read that becasue about three months ago I bought a 1991 that was severely overheating from some guy for like $900. I put in a cooling system minus the radiator which was fine and had the exact same experience that you described. It kept hesitating and then would catch but not really want to move. I drive a GTO usually so i chalked it up to me just expecting too much...until it died on the way to work.. I towed it back to my shop, re did the fuel lines, there was water in my fuel pump and my fuel tank.. problem solved..then it died again, timing belt... $550...did some research, that engine if the timing belt goes, it means valve trouble, valve job $1500. So i fixed all the problems by buying new engine for $650 and having the shop i use swap it out. If you check the transmission and cant figure it out, check the timing..then check ebay for new engine. .