2006 M35 Transmission getting stuck in 3rd

[azeiler]

I bought a low-mileage totaled 2006 M35 and had it fixed (i.e. no warranty). Several weeks ago I was driving it hard (under 80mph), manually shifting through the gears. Well, it got stuck in 3rd and stayed there even after I moved the shifter to the automatic position. The next day, everything was fine. A week later it happened again under normal driving conditions. Took it to dealer who said the code tells them it is something internal (probably a solenoid) and that the transmission needs to be replaced. I can't afford that right now, so I bought 15 quarts of transmission fluid and had a mobil lube place swap the fluid. This is another story in and of itself. Anyway, everything was working fine for a few weeks, until I was driving hard again (in automatic, no manual shifting), this time between 100 - 120 mph. Once again it got stuck in 3rd, but after it cooled down for a few hours, everything was shifting fine. Then it happened the next day under normal driving conditions. The only constant is that it happens when it's hot. Has anybody experienced this? Does this car come with a transmission fluid cooler? If so, can it be upgraded? If not, can one be added easily?

The wierd part is that when this happens, the backup camera doesn't work, a few lights that I usually don't see start blinking on the dash and my seat and steering wheel do not move out of the way after I shut off the car and open the door. I'm not worried about this stuff as it only happens the transmission gets stuck.

I can't afford the dealer prices ($120/hr). Does anyone know of a good Infiniti shop in Fort Lauderdale (South Florida)?

Thanks.

[szh]

I can't afford that right now, so I bought 15 quarts of transmission fluid and had a mobil lube place swap the fluid.

Did you use Nissan Fluid J or not?

If not, you voided your warranty - this is VERY carefully highlighted in all the Owners and Service Manuals and Service Manuals.

This is another story in and of itself. Anyway, everything was working fine for a few weeks, until I was driving hard again (in automatic, no manual shifting), this time between 100 - 120 mph. Once again it got stuck in 3rd, but after it cooled down for a few hours, everything was shifting fine. Then it happened the next day under normal driving conditions. The only constant is that it happens when it's hot. Has anybody experienced this? Does this car come with a transmission fluid cooler? If so, can it be upgraded? If not, can one be added easily?

The wierd part is that when this happens, the backup camera doesn't work, a few lights that I usually don't see start blinking on the dash and my seat and steering wheel do not move out of the way after I shut off the car and open the door. I'm not worried about this stuff as it only happens the transmission gets stuck.

I can't afford the dealer prices ($120/hr). Does anyone know of a good Infiniti shop in Fort Lauderdale (South Florida)?

Thanks.

How many miles do you have on the car? Is it not covered by the original warranty (assuming you used non-Nissan Fluid J ATF)?

If still under warranty, then let the dealer fix this properly! Transmission replacements are expensive propositions ...

Z

EDIT: I just noticed you are talking about a totaled car ... without warranty.

If you are unable to spend some money diagnosing the problems (which are likely to be electrical ... not the transmission), and it turns out to be the transmission, your best bet is is to get a replacement transmission - perhaps from a junk-yard - and swap it out. The dealer is likely to charge upwards of $3k to $4k for it (parts plus labor), unfortunately.

And next time (assuming you swap it out), make darn sure to use Nissan Fluid J only ... else, the problem is likely to recur. The Fluid J has specific transmission additives designed for this transmission (used in most, if not all, newer Nissan and Infiniti models).

Finally, did you call the seller at all and see what he/she had to say about this situation?

Unfortunately, this may be a situation of "you got what you paid for".

[ammin86]

I think it's more like electronic issue since other electronics get messed up.Try take it to performance shop for cheaper parts.

[azeiler]

You really think it's electrical?

When I was at the dealer, each diagnostic was $120 and they said there are several different ones they can run. This is why I only had them diagnose the transmission. It sounds like I should just have everything diagnosed. I'll have to find a specialty or performance shop and hope that their rates are more reasonable and that they can actually do it correctly.

Despite this problem, I LOVE THIS CAR!!

Do you have any idea where I can get an owners manual?

There are certainly disadvantages from buying a totaled car, but overall I spent a fraction of what I would have buying this car used. And the dealer said the car looks perfect.
Modified by azeiler at 1:25 PM 11/10/2008

[szh]

You really think it's electrical?

Given the correlation to other problems at the same time ... I think so. Not a guarantee, of course.

When I was at the dealer, each diagnostic was $120 and they said there are several different ones they can run. This is why I only had them diagnose the transmission. It sounds like I should just have everything diagnosed. I'll have to find a specialty or performance shop and hope that their rates are more reasonable and that they can actually do it correctly.

You need a place that has a Nissan Consult (tool for the diagnostics) and competency in using it. Find a Nissan specialty place perhaps.

Despite this problem, I LOVE THIS CAR!!

Good!

Do you have any idea where I can get an owners manual?

PDF's of the Owner's Manuals are at http://www.infiniti-techinfo.com. PDF's of the Service Manuals are here at NICO (link in my sig - first post of mine above).

Z

[azeiler]

I think I may have figured it out. transmission fluid had been slowing dripping on my driveway, so I decided to look around as I was doing an oil change. When the body shop (not the dealer) had repaired the front end, they forgot to connect the transmission cooler. It was still being bypassed from when the car was crashed. Anyway, the dealer wanted $49 per hose (need 2). I went to a local auto parts store and bought a 5 foot length of the right hose for $12 and cut it size. I had to add 2 quarts of transmission fluid. It's been about 4 weeks and has not gotten stuck in gear (and I've been driving it very hard at times). Did I mention that I love this car!!

My wife is getting me drilled and slotted rotors, along with ceramic pads for Christmas - I'm so thrilled

Thanks for all your help.