2000 Maxima Auto transmission Problems... PLEASE HELP!!!!

[dc2000MaxSE]

I'm about ready to just get rid of my beloved 2000 Maxima SE unless I get a solid answer about my problem. The dealership doesn't think anything is wrong...well, they haven't been stuck in LA traffic in first gear like I have!

About once a month after driving for over an hour in stop and go type traffic, the transmission will start slipping (usually in 2nd gear) and won’t shift out of first when starting from a dead stop. Or it might shift out of first into what seems to be neutral or the highest gear. I’ll eventually have to pull over and park the car, let it sit for a while with the engine off and then everything is usually fine after an hour or so. NOT CONVIENENT!!! I’ve driven it for the past two years almost every day and this only happens about once a month, but given a lot of driving, its almost guaranteed to happen. I’ve seen various things on the Internet, but I was hoping this was somewhat ‘common’ and someone might be able to tell me if I need a valve body, solenoid pack, computer, etc… I’m a very competent home mechanic, but trannys scare me. Is it possible to change the valve body or solenoids without having a lot of special tools if they are the problem? I've seen things about the solenoid pack grounds possibly being a problem as well as the transmission compute. The computer option doesn't make a lot of sense to me as much as the solenoid pack or valve body. Any help would be appreciated so I quit getting stuck places!

[maxhopper]

I really haven't been able to find a problem similar to yours. The 5th gen automatics are considerably more sound than the 4th gens.

When was the last time you had your transmission serviced? How many miles are on your car?

[Beancooker]

Check out this, it may help you. http://maxima.theowensfamily.c...a.pdf

[dc2000MaxSE]

My car only has 75k and the transmission has a history of service according to the records with the car. I have personally replaced the transmission fluid and found nothing unusual (i.e. metal or burnt fluid). I really think this is a grounding or electrical problem. I have found some mention of this on the Internet only in a couple places. Any further ideas???

[maxhopper]

Have you ever tried to manually shift through the gears when this occurs?