98 Q45 Transmission question

[vanzant]

Mileage is 132,000. It's starting to hesitate when changing from reverse to drive. Does this mean the transmission is about to go?

[loystock]

Maybe. When was the last time you had the transmission flushed?

There is no harm in trying to fix it. But a transmission service kit (filter, gasket, crush washer and one-time use bolt) from IoS (Infiniti of Scottsdale - everythinginfiniti.com a.k.a. infinitipartsUSA.com. First make sure that you have the right level of ATF with the engine warm and running. Then shutdown engine and do a pan drop, clean the magnets and pan, replace the filter and then re-install with new gasket, crush washer and one-time bolt.. You will probably drain @ 4-5 quarts of ATF.

After the pan drop, have a full transmission flush. If you don't have record of prior ATF flush, most likely, shop will refuse to do the flush (liability issue). In that case, you have to do multiple drain and refill - at least 3 times. Run the engine for 2 mins, shutdown, drain ATF and refill. Measure the exact amount of ATF drain and refill as required. You need at least 17 quarts of ATF to do this.

You need Nissan Matic-D but Dexron III, better yet, Dexron VI or Mobil 1 ATF (more expensive) will do. At the end of the 'flush' add a bottle of LubeGard Red (not black) ATF protectant.

See if there is any change in AT response. Good luck