1999 Pathfinder R50, Stalls when put in gear when cold

[leroal]

I have just started to have this problem when the weather has got colder.
Starts ok, when put into reverse shudders and stalls as if the clutch is engaged. also happens in drive but not as severe.
When warm the problem is not evident and the transmission behaves.
I checked the fluid a little dark, changed filter and fluid (Replace the same amount of fluid as recommended), no change.
The fluid level was a little low but in the marks.
Increased level to high side of marks, a little better.
I have run the self diagnosis of the A/T no error code.
Not sure where to go from here, has anyone else had this problem?
Thanks

[Towncivilian]

What kind of fluid did you use? How many miles do you have on your Pathfinder?

Welcome to NICO.

[leroal]

The fluid is a DX111 a recommended equivalent.
The pathfinder has 280000 KM (175000 miles).

[Towncivilian]

This member had your same issue and it was rectified by a full fluid exchange. Castrol Transmax Import (if available in your area) is a very good fluid and is what I use in my Pathfinder. You can find steps on a full fluid exchange in the general information thread linked in my signature.

[Leonard4]

I have the exact same problem with mine, if I start the car and try to back out of the driveway without letting it warm up it'll die as I put it into drive. If i let it warm up for 30 seconds it doesn't do that. I just swapped my transmission fluid but haven't had a chance to drive it cold yet to see if it still does it.

[leroal]

Thanks for the responses.
I did do a full fluid change. I dropped the pan and replaced the filter. It reduced the time it takes to warm up but has not cured the problem.
I have also noticed that if I start it when cold and get it going it shudders when slowing to a stop (as if the clutch will not let go).
It also is slow to change gears (hangs on to the current gear too long and has to be coaxed to change by reducing the Revs).

[Towncivilian]

Was the pan magnet significant filthy? What brand of filter did you use? Which specific fluid did you use (i.e. what brand)? Has the fluid been changed before your full fluid exchange? Have you tried cleaning the throttle body and MAF sensor? Fuel filter replaced within the past two years?

[leroal]

I have solved the main problem by cleaning the THROTTLE BODY. (I find it hard to believe as the symptom felt so much like the clutch would not disengage).
The only one problem I now exists.
The automatic is reluctant to change gears for the first few Ks(miles). It hangs onto the gear past its normal revs, can be coaxed by backing of the accelerator.
The fluid is made by a local company TRUEBLU and is DX111, not sure the manufacturer of the filter.
The magnet had a little muck and the pan was relatively clean.
It was the first time I have done a full change, not to sure about the Nissan Dealer Mechanics during services.
I have not cleaned the MAF sensor.
The reason I did not clean the sensor and trrottle body earlier was because of how sudden the symptoms appeared.
Thanks foe any help

[leroal]

The weather here has got cold again and the problem is back after almost 6 months of faultless driving, very frustrating.

Not sure where to go next, any ideas?

[leroal]

Well the problem has come and gone intermittently during the last 2 years, no solution found.

Last week after a terrible crunching noise in the transmission it gave up an seized in a forward gear.
Replaced the transmission with a replacement from the wreckers and will see how it goes.
The replacement took 2 days in the drive way surprisingly well considering the age only one problem bolt on the exhaust system that withdrew the stud.
the only problem I have now is that I am not happy with the clearances of the exhaust system over the cross member.
The right side (when in the drivers seat looking forward) is over an inch (25mm) and the left is about 1/4 of an inch (6mm).
It appears the engine / transmission has a lean to the left.
The engine mounts look Okay is there any way to adjust for this?