1990 Pathfinder 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

[s13sr20chris]

90 model? hmmm, those late 80's and maybe even 90 models had some bad transmissions. most failed under warranty and were replaced. if you were stuck in 3rd gear that means the trans was operating in mechanical failsafe without any electronic control. if just restarting the truck fixed it temporarily then i would guess its an intermittant electrical problem. this will be a pretty involved diagnosis. do you have a multimeter an lots of patience? of course do the basics like checking trans fluid color/level.