1995 pathfinder auto transmission problems

[s14280zx]

I just bought a 95 pathfinder se last week. It has 105,000 miles on the 3.0L v6. Last week I took it for a fairly long ride, and when I went to stop at a stop sign, the "AT temp" light came on and caused it to miss and then it stalled. I checked the fluid, and it looked like it was overfilled, so I went home, changed fluid and filter. Today I took it for another ride, and noticed a few other things. If you start out with overdrive off, accelerate,and push O.D. button on , it won't shift into O.D. unless you shift into neutral and back to drive. And also on the highway, at 55-85 mph, when you let off the gas, it downshifts out of overdrive, but if you are slowing from 45 to stop,and push the O.D. button off, it won't downshift. Any help would be appreciated.

[Q45tech]

Whenever you purchase a used car beyond the warranty and especially after 100k you AUTOMATICALLY ASSUME the transmission is on its last legs and will need to be replaced.

Purchasing a used heavy car is just a opportunity to quickly spend $3,000-$5,000.

Always budgeting for the worst case!

Why a 10 year old car with 100k is only worth 10% of new MSRP at auction.

In a lighter or well maintained car the AT can last longer but few buyers are equipted to test systems accurately to know for sure!

[Ramius83]

Well, it could be as simple as a sticking TCC Solenoid (Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid). You can usually purchase these at the dealership. HOWEVER, this does usually require you to drop the transmission oil pan and dropping the valve body to access the solenoid pack. It would be best to invest into a Factory Service Manual (FSM) and looking into it yourself. Or you could take it to a dealership to have it done. Regardless, it could be more than the TCC solenoid, but going by what you are saying, it does sound TCC solenoid related.

[s14280zx]

Thanks for the help. It came with a warranty, so hopefully it will cover it. There isn't any slippage or anything. It just downshifts at the wrong time, and doesn't manually shift(1st to 2nd to 3rd to OD).

[88pathoffroad]

Not to dredge this up from the depths, but all 87-95 Pathfinders have an inherent problem with the stock transmission cooler. They clog up over time and choke out the transmission. Your best bet is to immediately install a large plate-type cooler and completely bypass the stock in-radiator cooler. I've seen it happen to any number of people...the trans just loses reverse, then dies completely, requiring a $2000+ rebuild or replacement.

Change your trans fluid regularly as well.

Some techs will tell you that a cooler flush will fix the problem, but would YOU take the $2000+ gamble when a $75 cooler will fix it forever with no maintenance afterward?

[s14280zx]

Thanks for the advice. Where would you get one of these coolers at?Is it a universal part ?