94 Q45 transmission 2-3 Shift Problem

[viso]

Well, here goes with the obligatory "hope and pray" post before everybody tells me that the automatic transmission on my 1994 Q45 is terminal ...

Symptoms/History180,000 KMs (120,000 miles)Owned since Feb 2007Last transmission flush 22-Mar-2007, pan dropped and cleaned

About once every 200 miles, the transmission won't shift from 2nd to 3rd. Most of my driving involves short city-hops so this occurs within 5 miles of startup (transmission warmed but not fully hot). If I stop, shift to neutral, say a brief prayer, and then start going again, the problem goes way. I have performed the AT diagnostic check several times and it faithfully returns "OK" after doing its think.

[maxnix]

So often are the complete mechanical exchanges performed periodically (maintenance history)? Pan drop and filter and O ring replacement? How did the ATF look? Lots of varnish on the inside? BG Quick Clean for AT(chemical flush)?

Might have a clogged screen. But difficult to tell with the paucity of information you offer.

[qship96]

And what about the external filter, ever been changed? If not, it goes into bypass mode allowing dirt and particles from wearing transmission internals to continuously circulate with fluid accelerating transmission wear and potentially restricting the internal screen strainer as Brian mentioned.

[Q45tech]

The advantage of BG machine is the 2 pressure gauges where you can evaluate the incoming and outgoing pressure and log the exchange time [3.5 minutes] to evaluate pump and internal leakage.

The FSM shows how to connect psi gauges to ports on transmission to evaluate internals.

REMEMBER the AT electronic diagnosis only checks electrical connections and sensors not the mechanical action of transmission, When something feels wrong you go to dealer who does a test drive [per FSM] and notes actions. The Consult has a special section to test and read transmission functions way beyond builtin diagnosis where you can actually data log shift times in 0.03 second increments!!!!!

Unfortunately Master Techs may not be Master transmission Techs.

[viso]

So often are the complete mechanical exchanges performed periodically (maintenance history)? Pan drop and filter and O ring replacement? How did the ATF look? Lots of varnish on the inside? BG Quick Clean for AT(chemical flush)?

Additional info:- Having had the car only 14 months, I can only verify that the transmission has been flushed 14 months ago. That said, when I purchased the car, the ATF was that reddish tinge. In other words, it looked quite normal although perhaps a bit old.- Recent check of ATF reveals similar reddish tinge. Normal again. Wipes away clean. Looks like pink oil basically. No evidence that anything is burnt. No funny odours.- transmission flush 14 months ago included pan drop but no o-ring replacement, filter replacement, or BG treatment judging from the receipts.

Lacking a known Infiniti specialist in the Vancouver, BC area, where is my best option to go for further diagnosis and service. A local transmission specialist? Nissan dealer?

[maxnix]

Try http://www.bgfindashop.com and see what that yields.

A previous member used these guys, I think for timing chain guide replacement.

Orlado Auto ServiceDarko at 604-874-5665

[viso]

Try http://www.bgfindashop.com and see what that yields.

That's a handy tool - thanks! Okay, looks like the local Nissan dealer is the best fit. Before I go in, is there a list of "transmission" things that I should specifically ask them to do - or will they automatically know what's best for my 14-year old Q45?

[maxnix]

They won't know caca. Read early posts of Q45tech's transmission maintenance.

Get the parts from Joe. If you have a BG shop do it correctly, be sure to call and detail the service you expect them to perform. Some won't do the pan drop and interior filter screen and O ring replacement.