2001 Pathy 3.5L 4wd all mode transmission flare

[ncaadfinder]

I'm new to the form so hi everyone.

I have a 01 Pathfinder se 3.5L 4wd with auto mode. man.date 02/00 with 130,000 miles on it. I bought it three years ago with 100,000 miles on it. The transmission seems to slip on occasion when passing someone on the highway (the transmission is in 2 wd when it is happening) it downshifts just fine on the pass but it occasionally won't go back into overdrive normally without a bit of coaxing. I'm doing between 65 and 75 miles an hr. This is happening long after it warms up to normal operating temp. I can get it to shift back up into overdrive by letting off the gas and tapping the gas pedal a few times. The transmission works perfectly other than that and has no leaks and the fluid level is fine. Any suggestion on what the problem could be ? It would be appreciated.
Thanks

[zach7685]

Define slip. Like you Give it gas and it revs higher and no acceleration?
Check this post and see if it helps.
fix-no-acceleration-under-hard-throttle ... .html#wrap

[ncaadfinder]

thx for the reply. I changed the map sensor last feb. because of the cel. light staying on so I don't think that this is the problem and it only does it after I accelerate at high speeds. It accelerates fine, the problem is it does not want to shift back into overdrive all the time without coaxing as mentioned.

[Towncivilian]

Welcome to NICO.

Have you ever changed the fluid?

[zach7685]

Both of mine do it so i guess its normal.

[ncaadfinder]

Hi

No I haven't yet.

[Towncivilian]

Do a couple drain & fills with a few days of driving in between to exchange much of the transmission fluid. The approximate drain and fill capacity is 4 quarts. Use Nissan Matic D fluid and a new crush washer for the drain plug on the second drain & fill. Drain & fill the transfer case too using Matic D fluid - it'll take 3.17 quarts of fluid.

[ncaadfinder]

Ok. Do you know if this fluid is sold in 4L or 1 gallon jugs and if it is cheaper that way.

[Towncivilian]

It is not, it's only sold at the dealer in quarts.

[ncaadfinder]

The dealer sells it for 6.35 plus 10% taxe and enviro. fees. So lets say 7.00 each.
Does this sound comparable in price to you..

for the one quart size

[Towncivilian]

Yes, this is a reasonable price. No dealer markup is applied to that price.

[ncaadfinder]

I'll try it soon and return with some feedback on it.

thanks for the suggestion.

[ncaadfinder]

I did a drain and fill after warming it up to operating temp. The fluid I drained smelled like it was a bit burnt. I filled it back up with the amount I drained out.I also checked to see the level was correct and added as needed. I am going on a trip and will post the result.

[ncaadfinder]

I just completed a trip of approx. 500 miles after doing a drain and fill to it.The transmission is still acting as my 1st post above explains. Does anyone have anymore suggestions ? Thx.. I am very glad I preformed the drain and fill it was needed badly.

[Towncivilian]

Try cleaning the throttle body. Use throttle body cleaner spray only.

Adjust the accelerator cable following the instructions on page FE-3 of the factory service manual, then adjust the cruise cable following instructions on EL-669.

[ncaadfinder]

I did all three as suggested. The throttle body needed cleaning. Both cables also needed adjustment. Thx. However, the problem mentioned in my first post is still occurring. If anyone knows a solution please respond. Towncivillian your advice is excellent and if I keep on preforming your suggestions my truck will be running tip top. Thanks..

[Towncivilian]

That's good news, always good to keep things clean and up to spec.

Try cleaning the MAF sensor. Use MAF sensor cleaner only and spray lightly. You may need a security Torx T20 bit to unscrew the MAF sensor. Remove the negative battery terminal before disconnecting the MAF harness. Also, change the fuel filter if it hasn't been changed in the past few years - these have been reported to possibly impact shifting.

Also do another drain & fill of the transmission - it wouldn't hurt! With a 9 quart capacity, you'll have changed out the vast majority of the old fluid, which is good.

Have you drained & filled the transfer case yet?

While you're down there, grease the driveshafts using any NLGI No. 2 lithium soap base grease containing molybdenum disulphide; you should be doing this roughly every oil change.

[ncaadfinder]

I plan on doing the transfer case and driveshaft also the transmission at my next oil change. I just redid all my front bearings,rotors and brake pads to both sides following the service manual on this site. It was quite easy.
I replaced the fuel filter when I did my first transmission drain and fill..I just recently cleaned my MAF sensor as well it is only a year and a half old. I bought the MAF mentioned numerous times on the site for the Maxima and it saved me approx. 500.00. it was purchased at Courtesy Nissan for 105.00 and shipped up here to Canada for a total of 128.00 final price...It works like a champ.
I'll keep you posted on the transmission flare issue after the above mentioned maintenance.

[zach7685]

Like i said previously both of mine do that at times. Got a video of the issue?

[ncaadfinder]

Sorry, no video. My truck is like the truck in your second posted video above, it accelerates like a champ. I don't believe it is normal for my truck to have the shifting problem I mentioned at the start of this thread. I have never experienced this with any of my other vehicles or the many different kinds of company vehicles I have driven. Thx for your video footage though, it helped alot.