98 Frontier Won't Shift out of First

[pjtortorich]

Hello fellow Nissan lovers! This is my first post here, I've been a member on 300zxclub.com and think this is an awesome forum. Unfortunately, I've ran into a road block and could use a little help...

I have a 1998 Frontier with 160,000 miles. It has never given problems before but all of a sudden the truck (automatic) does not want to shift out of 1st gear. It never slipped or gave any signs of an unhealthy transmission and I believe this is totally electronic. I have no lights on in the dash indicating a problem. I changed out the Vehicle Speed Sensor, and no change. I noticed the cruise control stopped working a few weeks ago also if this gives a clue to anyone. Any ideas??? Thanks for ANY insight!

[Desert Rat]

obvious question - have you checked the fluid level?

160k out of an automatic isn't bad.

[pjtortorich]

Yep, first thing I did was check the fluid level and it was fine. About 6,000 miles ago I changed the fluid and screen. I have always mainatined the screen and fluid, I also installed a transmission cooler when the truck was young and have never dogged it out, always driven easy. So 160K isn't bad out of an auto? I thought a well maintained one would last alot longer

[pjtortorich]

Although I never had a Check Engine Light, my cruise control stopped working all of a sudden (wouldn't set before the transmission stopped shifting), is it possible I could have a bad TPS (throttle position sensor)?

I just can't see this transmission going out all of a sudden with no signs of malfunction before...