1999 pathfinder hard shifts 1st to 2nd ANY ADVICE?

[duckett]

I sold my 2 year old new truck and just bought a 99 pathfinder automatic transmission 4x4 with 120,000 miles for $4k cause I was tired of making payments, and I read alot of stories bout pathfinders with crazy high mileage so I wanted longevity and got my first import. well long story short immediatley after purchasing i had all fluids,filters,belts,plugs,wires,dist cap an rotor,timing belt and water pump,shocks struts, changed because i figured they were due and i wanted to get at least 80,000 more miles out of her, well i noticed since i bought it, it shifts somewhat rough going 1st to 2nd not real hard but its noticable, it seems to smooth out when everything is warmed up? is this common or any fixes? or is it a sign trannys going out? also there was no change with shifting before or after transmission flush. any knowledge on this would be appreciated if anybody else has had this issue thanks!

[Towncivilian]

As far as I am aware, the RE4R01A transmission used in most WD21 and R50 Pathfinders / QX4s is known for a hard 1 -> 2 shift. If everything is alright, especially at operating temperature, I wouldn't worry about it. You can try adding a bottle of Lubegard Red which may smooth the shift out. I run this additive in my Pathfinder's transmission and have noticed smoother shifting, especially downshifts and overdrive on/off switching. Lubegard transmission additives are also well lauded by many transmission shops.

Welcome to NICO.

[Pathy415]

I have the hard 1-2 shift as well and it's more pronounced when the car is cold, after it's warmed up it shifts much better. I recently ordered bottles of Royal Purple Max ATF and will be doing a drain and fill. Previously I had already dropped the pan and changed out the filter so I'm hoping the new RP ATF fluid will help smooth things out a bit.

[m0nkeyprince]

dont worry, its quite normal, just learn to modulate the throttle to smooth it out

[DAiNiUS]

I have the same problem as well. When I just got my QX4, and noticed the hard shifts, my reaction was "wtf did I just buy!?". When it warms up the shifts are nice and smooth. Sometimes it shifts nicely from the very start. I find it depends on outside temperature and humidity levels. Also, the faster you accelerate the smoother the shift.

I might heed to try that Lubegard additive as per Towncivilian's recommendation.