1993 Maxima Shifting Problem

[Maxima_Maxima]

Can please somebody help me on this...I have a 1993 Nissan Maxima GXE I recently had a motor swap to the car and all problems have began.. My main problem that I have it seems like my transmission.. The car seems like its stuck in 3rd or second gear because when I am at 45mph I am at 3000 Rpm but when Im at 60-65mph I am redlining. The transmission feels strong but I cant under stand why it wont shift. Also while in Park or Neutral the idle seems to be a bit high at almost a 2 RPM until I shift it in gear and it drops down to below a gran. Could it be that the TCU has gone bad? Has anybody had this problem and can help me with this issue?

[MinisterofDOOM]

If you're stuck in third, the transmission may be in "limp mode," which CAN be caused by a bad TCU. Might also be caused by other electronic or sensor issues. Since you recently had the motor swapped, I'd look at the throttle position sensor. Might need to be recalibrated or may even be completely shot.

This thread includes steps for checking/adjusting TPS on a KA24 four cylinder, but it's basically the same process for the VG30 V6 in your Maxima.

And welcome to NICO!

[Maxima_Maxima]

Update:

1) The transmission fluid is full .

2) Changed the TCU and same thing

3)****I noticed that I didn't mention that the transmission shifts from first gear to second gear no matter what im in d1 or d2 or regular D...

here is my question is it possible the transmission was put in wrong when the engine swap took place?

[Elusivemax93]

Nope I've seen this before. It happened to me and I've rebuilt automatic transmissions and sounds to me its failing on you. Had a 1993 Nissan Maxima SE automatic and first transmission went from shifting right to in neutral drive 2 1 all would drive the same. Either Rebuild it which could cost you couple of grand or so. Or replace it with a lower mileage used one.

[Maxima_Maxima]

OK update here is the kicker I had the transmission rebuilt and its still doing the same thing. Now the transmission shop is scratching there head. Thank god they still have the car....They said that one of the Solenoid is remaining open and wont close and its still stuck in limp mode. SMH This is crazy.

[Warren39]

If you're stuck in third, the transmission may be in "limp mode," which CAN be caused by a bad TCU. Might also be caused by other electronic or sensor issues. Since you recently had the motor swapped, I'd look at the throttle position sensor. Might need to be recalibrated or may even be completely shot.

This thread includes steps for checking/adjusting TPS on a KA24 four cylinder, but it's basically the same process for the VG30 V6 in your Maxima.

And welcome to NICO!

I think is a transmission problem. I seen that before

[barryh]

hi had a problem with loss of gears in my 99 maxima which left me with 1st gear only no answer from anyone here in aus read your forum from 2010 with poss cure to be the vechicle speed sensor cost in aus $337.00 + tax cost in us $94.00 +$81.00 post ,found second hand one [$30.00] just to try had first drive with no problems for 4 months so now know where problem lies if this happens again. thanks guys