2003 nissan pathfinder 2wdr

[Snooop]

So I am new here. Just wanted to say hi, and I had few questions about my '03. First off great car, but I am having some issues coming up.

#1) The transmission will not go into higher gear when doing 50 plus mph. I get a code PO744 that comes up quite often. I bought this car about a 1-1/2 years ago. I have done a lot of work and a lot of new parts to find another problem with hard start when hot, but only after it sits for 30 plus min. I'll get into that soon.

So I am thinking of pulling the transmission pan this weekend and changing fluid as it looks kinda dirty. Along with inspection for parts and wires to solenoid pack, how hard is it to change that solenoid pack out, and does this car have a filter or screen in it? Anything else I can try when I'm down there to see what might be causing this issue?

There is 240k on this Pathfinder, and it shifts smooth on other gears. Any help would he appreciated. Thx

[04pathse]

The P0744 code is covered in the FSM starting on page 159

https://www.nicoclub.com/service-manual ... 003/at.pdf

[Snooop]

Thx for that info..
And do I have to use nissan brand matic s transmission fluid or can I use something else.? And is there is fliter or screen i can't find anything telling me..
Thx again

[AlanAZ]

... and does this car have a filter or screen in it?

It has a screen. You may want to install a 5/16" 'Magnefine' inline transmission filter on the cooler return line so it does have filtration. I did an initial filter change at 20K miles, subsequent changes at 40K.

[mdmellott]

... do I have to use nissan brand matic s transmission fluid or can I use something else.?

You do not have to use Nissan's brand. A better alternative is Castrol Transmax High Mileage ATF. It is compatible with Nissan's recommended grade of ATF. The seal conditioners in Castrol's product maintain a leak-free transmission. For these older transmissions, like mine, I also recommend using a 24oz bottle of Lucas Transmission Fix. This product has seal conditioners as well but also helps eliminate rough shifting and slipping that are typical in older worn transmissions. I have been using both products for many years in my '02 Pathfinder which now has over 220K miles on it and operating very well, leak-free, shifting smooth with no slipping.
https://www.amazon.com/Castrol-03518-Tr ... B00T96Q9A6
https://lucasoil.com/products/problem-s ... ission-fix

[AlanAZ]

Another popular option in this forum is Valvoline MaxLife (multi-vehicle) ATF in the red bottle. I'm using it in the transmission and power steering on several vehicles (Nissan, Toyota.)

[Snooop]

Awesome, Thx for the info on that. One more question is the solenoid packs easy to change once you drop the pan. By that I man are they on the bottom or do i have to remove the valve body part. Do you guys recommend pan gasket with some silicon..? And is screen located on bottom above pan also. Just not sure i want to drop valve body if dont have to..? Thx

[mdmellott]

To work on the solenoid pack, the valve body needs to be removed. Refer to page AT-272 of the FSM https://www.nicoclub.com/service-manual ... 003/at.pdf No sealant is used on the new gasket. Just be sure the sealing surfaces of the pan and transmission are perfectly clean. The strainer is easy to remove. Here's a good write-up on that.>> https://www.nicoclub.com/archives/how-t ... r-qx4.html The P0744 DTC indicates a mechanical failure. Refer to AT-159 & AT-160. If this failure to caused by metal particles in a poorly serviced transmission making valve(s) get stuck, at a minimum the valve body assembly needs to be removed, overhauled (AT-301 to AT-313) and the entire system professionally flushed. If the failure is only due to a build of varnish from burned ATF you might get lucky and free up the stuck shift solenoid valve, line pressure solenoid valve, and/or torque converter clutch solenoid valve by using a treatment additive like Seafoam Trans Tune to dissolve the varnish. https://seafoamworks.com/product/trans- ... treatment/ Removing the valve body assembly is not difficult once the pan is off. There are usually no short cuts with mechanical failures and I am rarely ever lucky.

[MisterH]

Another option to consider given your mileage, would be to replace the entire valve body assembly. The complete solenoid pack will run around $300 but an entire valve body assembly (rebuilt) runs $400-500.

[Snooop]

I have done a bunch of work to cars and trucks but nothing required to pull that valve body. From the details that you guys have shown me. It looks like there is a bunch of springs and washer that can't get mixed up.. all try flusids and screen and seafoam transmission and go from there.. thx