'90 Q45 transmission repair

[weinassoc]

I have had my car (VIN# JNKNG01C1LM004497) since I bought it in great exterior, but very poor mechanical condition, from a private party for $3k about 6 mo. ago. Since then I have put about $12k in repairs and mods.

The car looks and runs great, except when I drive the car in D, It won't shift out of first gear until I let off the accelerator and it drops significant RPM's. In manual shifting, when I go from 1st to second, nothing happens until I put it in 3rd. After some testing with my private mechanic and discussions with others, it seems the car is not finding second gear and skips from 1st to 3rd. (I know that sounds obvious, but I don't believe much when it comes to auto trans' as I have been a manual shifter and a 300ZX tt owner until I was forced into this family car because of recent twins. However, I am still a lead foot and I am afraid, my “4-door Z” may need to be babied a bit unless I want to keep paying for trans’ or get a racing set up- Neither of which I can afford now) The sacrifices we make for kids…

By the way, this is the second transmission I have gone through in this car. Almost everything that should go wrong with this car has in the short time I have owned it. Now I was prepared to overhaul it because of the deal I got, but I had hoped to skip some things. ANYWAY, The engine that was in the car blew up and I got one of those used Japanese engines from a place called Japanese engine land in Stanton, CA from a guy named Joe (He once worked at Watanabe and CNS) ANYWAY, he seemed cool enough and I was having problems with the original transmission (You guessed it, 2nd gear) so in addition to the engine he gave me a deal- $295 on a used transmission. I went for it and from the start, I suspected 2nd gear was not so hot in this one either, but I had a warranty so I tried it for a while. My mechanic and I needed to mess with it for a while, because it was leaking fluid. It turned out these guys never tighten the pan bolts and in addition, the linkage was off and loose. We tightened it all up and it ran ok for a while, although I could not really switch from 1st to 2nd at more than 4k RPM as it would slip. AGAIN, I am new at this auto trans stuff and my mechanic was not an expert on high mileage trans’ either. SO, 2 weeks ago, and 4 mo. After installing this trans, here I am.

ANYWAY, I wanted to be sure, so I went to a local transmission shop with a reputation for Q trans’, who said 2nd gear was gone and wanted me to buy a Reman for about $2600 installed. Then I went to the dealer (Tustin, CA Infiniti- where I have gotten most of about $6k in parts from Derek- Cool guy!) Initially, I took the dealer mechanic on a test drive and showed him what was happening and he said that it could be a solenoid causing bad line pressure and he should check it. So I left it there. They did a computer consult which found no codes. Then they did a line pressure test which resulted in 45 psi @ idle, and 148 @ Stall, which they say is good. Consequently they determined...You guessed it- 2nd gear failure! SO, now I have to make a decision.

I could have a local transmission shop to a complete rebuild (All new parts) on my Japanese transmission (It is a good assumption that this transmission has never been rebuilt) for $1,475 installed and he gives me a 2 year warranty). Or I can get a factory reman installed for $2,500 with a one year warranty. Or what!? YES, I want to keep the car for a long while and I have read your article from June 24, '02 discussing the avg. $600/yr in trans cost to own this car and i have no problem with that.

SO, my round about question is…If I should get the rebuild from a local guy, what kind of upgrades are there? I have heard that there are optional torque converters and rear end gears, etc. Can you suggest parts and/or service upgrades and if so where do I get them and do you know a good place in my area to get the work done. I welcome everyone's help/experience here.:help :ylsuper :icesangel

[PalmerWMD]

You can get some great upgardes for Q45 trans parts here:

http://www.levelten.com/

with maximum transmission kit, its supposed to let the transmission handle 900 hp or something like that.

Fred..

[maxnix]

Also read the posts about coolers, especially if you like to make the transmission work. I would go with the Infiniti remanufactured, unless you could have one rebuilt by levelten. Local shops usually don't see enough Q45 automatics to be expert.

[Q45tech]

The factory remans are quite robust now and if it lasts 30-60 days it will go for years [3,4,5,6] with proper maintenance and added cooling.

Knowing what you know now a 94-95 at $6-7,000 would have been a better deal............you would probably have had only $10-$12 in it vs $15k and the transmission problem.

Most who buy a $3k car don't have the resources to spend $12k for R&R.

Did they change the chain guides on the JDM engine replacement or just slap it in?

Feel for you!

[weinassoc]

We did do the chain guides before we slapped it in. Thanks for the feedback Super Mod. And thanks for the what if...It always helps to make one feel better...Not that you need to. :rolleyes

[maxnix]

It's a head's up for other readers. Many a poor student thinks true luxury is within his grasp when he sees a 1990-1993 Q45 sell for $3K, not knowing it will require more to rehabilitate than a younger, lower miles, but only $3K-$4K intially more expensive 1994-1996 Q45. That's why there is great value for a prospective car buyer (even if not a Q45) to read these posts and learn before purchasing so that buyer can make an informed decision. Your story is an important contribution to the body of knowledege in this board.

On any used car, though, all bets are off. One can only verify the service record, the car's condition, and have a qualified senior Infiniti technician inspect it on behalf of the customer.__________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t & 2000 Q45

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[weinassoc]

I would just like to thank Fred who has given me the best advice so far. The Levelten mods seem right on and I have found a reputable local guy to do the work economically. Thanks Fred.

[PalmerWMD]

wein:

thanks you for the kind words.:oface

But all advice given here was good.On a message board such as this one, freindly advice can often "sound" patronizing.

None of us are like that.

There is a large number of people here who understand these trannies and have much experience with thses issues.

Our "Online mechanics" (or should it be "online technicians") particularily versed in this system.

Another avenue for transmission replacement is getting a factory reman from Joe for $1800 (http://www.infinitipartsusa.com,1-888-216-5328) and having a local shop install it.

I am sorry you are having so much break, at the same time,:( but you will have an usually strong, internally new, Q45 soon.

Fred..

[PalmerWMD]

My transmission is a level ten, and has seen multiple quarter mile runs with 500+hp (lots of NOS) before I got the car.

Fred..

[maxnix]

The Levelten mods seem right on and I have found a reputable local guy to do the work economically.

Get references on other Q45 transmissions he has done. An "economical" rebuilder may result in you throwing money and parts away on an imprecise rebuild. That's why the factory remanufactured ones are usually chosen as their build quality is a known factor, and it requires less skill and tool investment to replace one than to rebuild one.

In either case, be sure to replace the engine's rear main seal as it is labor negligible when the transmission is removed. Check the condition of your turbine sensor also before ordering parts. Using used parts in the rebuild guarantees your transmission specialist employment security. That's why a levelten rebuild costs $4K+.

There's also an obscure post from aaacomp about a modification to the transmission body. Might want to search for it.__________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t & 2000 Q45

Discover the power of the button!