I have recently begun to experience this shifting problem in the last few weeks and it only seems to happen within the first 5-10 minutes of driving not all the time only every once in awhile(maybe every 10 to 15 days) after that it goes away and the car/transmission runs smoothly for the rest of the day/rest of the week. The tach will rev to the first shiftpoint at approximatly 2500 RPM, instead of shifting it goes just above 3000 RPM (sometimes close 4000 RPM) and than shifts. Car doesn't stall or lose speed? The transmission fluid has always been maintained and is the proper colour without any smell. I did have the starter and flywheel replaced by the dealer recently, where they did remove the transmission. The mechanic did leave the shifting pin out when the car was given back to me (as a result the car wouldn't go into reverse), so the J was towed back to the dealer at their expense to have the shift pin put back for tha auto gear shift. Could this be the source of my problem? Or is it the colder weather and maybe I should warm up the car before I drive off?
The car has about 95K miles on it.
Would like to hear from you guys-Thanks!
Anybody have this J30 transmission problem?
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driverdriver
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driverdriver
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I've taken it back to my dealer they've referred me to another Infiniti dealer who has a transmission expert on staff. I told him what my problem is, he checked my transmission fluid and told me its in real good shape, he seems to think its the revolution sensor, he told me its a fairly common problem on J's partuclarly in Canada at this time of the year (when it gets really cold) and also in June when it gets suddenly warm. I'm gonna leave my car with him for a few days so he can run some diagnostics on it. In the meantime I've managed to wrangle a white M45 demonstrator as a loaner vehicle for a few days.
Interesting sidenote, I have never had a transmission pan drop done on my J nor the transmission filter replaced or the transmission fluid replaced with Syntehtic ATF (although I've had the transmission flushed & filled by the dealer as per Infiniti maintenance interval), I did mention it to both Infiniti dealers and the transmission specialist. All agreed, for the climate in Canada (at least up around where I live), the benefits are negliigible because it never gets environmentally hot enough (as it does in California, the Midwest and the Southern States ) for the temperature outside to couple with the transmission temperature on the inside to wear on the transmission.
They all told me that because it is generally cold up here, even badly maintained J30 transmission's don't generally fail/break down till 200000 KM's or 125000 Miles). The majority of transmission problems they see up here have to do with the revolution sensor and transmission solenoid packs which have shorter lifespans because of our colder temps. I thought it was interesting insight.
Interesting sidenote, I have never had a transmission pan drop done on my J nor the transmission filter replaced or the transmission fluid replaced with Syntehtic ATF (although I've had the transmission flushed & filled by the dealer as per Infiniti maintenance interval), I did mention it to both Infiniti dealers and the transmission specialist. All agreed, for the climate in Canada (at least up around where I live), the benefits are negliigible because it never gets environmentally hot enough (as it does in California, the Midwest and the Southern States ) for the temperature outside to couple with the transmission temperature on the inside to wear on the transmission.
They all told me that because it is generally cold up here, even badly maintained J30 transmission's don't generally fail/break down till 200000 KM's or 125000 Miles). The majority of transmission problems they see up here have to do with the revolution sensor and transmission solenoid packs which have shorter lifespans because of our colder temps. I thought it was interesting insight.
[quote=" driverdriver Interesting sidenote, I have never had a transmission pan drop done on my J nor the transmission filter replaced or the transmission fluid replaced with Syntehtic ATF (although I've had the transmission flushed & filled by the dealer as per Infiniti maintenance interval), I did mention it to both Infiniti dealers and the transmission specialist. All agreed, for the climate in Canada (at least up around where I live), the benefits are negliigible because it never gets environmentally hot enough (as it does in California, the Midwest and the Southern States ) for the temperature outside to couple with the transmission temperature on the inside to wear on the transmission.
They all told me that because it is generally cold up here, even badly maintained J30 transmission's don't generally fail/break down till 200000 KM's or 125000 Miles). The majority of transmission problems they see up here have to do with the revolution sensor and transmission solenoid packs which have shorter lifespans because of our colder temps. I thought it was interesting insight. [/quote]
That IS an interesting sidenote. My J is currently creeping up on the 200k mark and (knock on wood), I've never had a transmission problem. I read the stuff on here though, and I get creeped out. When I asked my mechanic, he was very wary of doing the drop/flush, because in his words, it was basically opening up a potential can of worms. My fluid is still perfect looking and there isn't a burnt smell, so I'll probably be putting it off...but your little note from the Infiniti people themselves is interesting nonetheless. Which Toronto dealer did you bring it to? Woodchester?
MF
They all told me that because it is generally cold up here, even badly maintained J30 transmission's don't generally fail/break down till 200000 KM's or 125000 Miles). The majority of transmission problems they see up here have to do with the revolution sensor and transmission solenoid packs which have shorter lifespans because of our colder temps. I thought it was interesting insight. [/quote]
That IS an interesting sidenote. My J is currently creeping up on the 200k mark and (knock on wood), I've never had a transmission problem. I read the stuff on here though, and I get creeped out. When I asked my mechanic, he was very wary of doing the drop/flush, because in his words, it was basically opening up a potential can of worms. My fluid is still perfect looking and there isn't a burnt smell, so I'll probably be putting it off...but your little note from the Infiniti people themselves is interesting nonetheless. Which Toronto dealer did you bring it to? Woodchester?
MF
VimyJ wrote:What can of worms could you possibly open? Freer flowing ATF? That is not a problem that is maintainance. Independent shop can do the job.
I once had a transmission guy say that you should never change the ATF. Right.
He says that in the past, the plug for the transmission would oftentimes not seal correctly, and you end up with a drip...
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driverdriver
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DJMF,
I originally bought the car a number of years ago (1997) at Infiniti of Yorkville and I get most of my maintenance and work done there, because I've had really good relations with service advisers Paul, Ian, Matti and Jerry and I have a really good relationship with their master mechanic Gabrielle, he's always taken interest in my J and cared for itlike it was his own vehicle, he's the only one who works on it and he's done a lot of things for me that haven't appeared on the final bill.
I have a really good relationship with the parts people at Infiniti Agincourt and I know some of the techs from highschool. I did have some work done there in the past because it is closer to where I live, however there service adviser was a real d*** and the customer service was poor. Today, I found out that the particiular service adviser is gone. I'm having the diagnostic work done at Infiniti Agincourt, beacause my normal dealer referred me to them since they have a bonified Nissan certtified transmission expert on staff who's got a lot of experience (his name id Bill-in case any one needs him down the road). It was nice to see that Bill came out to chat with me for about 20 minutes when I dropped off the car to find out what I was experiencing and to take a look at the transmission.
At this point I'm basically going to go with what Bill (transmission expert) recommends at Infiniti Agincourt and run it by Gabrielle and the guys at Infiniti Yorkville for a second opinion.
I'm leaving it at the dealership for a couple of days so they can road test it and run diagnostics.
I originally bought the car a number of years ago (1997) at Infiniti of Yorkville and I get most of my maintenance and work done there, because I've had really good relations with service advisers Paul, Ian, Matti and Jerry and I have a really good relationship with their master mechanic Gabrielle, he's always taken interest in my J and cared for itlike it was his own vehicle, he's the only one who works on it and he's done a lot of things for me that haven't appeared on the final bill.
I have a really good relationship with the parts people at Infiniti Agincourt and I know some of the techs from highschool. I did have some work done there in the past because it is closer to where I live, however there service adviser was a real d*** and the customer service was poor. Today, I found out that the particiular service adviser is gone. I'm having the diagnostic work done at Infiniti Agincourt, beacause my normal dealer referred me to them since they have a bonified Nissan certtified transmission expert on staff who's got a lot of experience (his name id Bill-in case any one needs him down the road). It was nice to see that Bill came out to chat with me for about 20 minutes when I dropped off the car to find out what I was experiencing and to take a look at the transmission.
At this point I'm basically going to go with what Bill (transmission expert) recommends at Infiniti Agincourt and run it by Gabrielle and the guys at Infiniti Yorkville for a second opinion.
I'm leaving it at the dealership for a couple of days so they can road test it and run diagnostics.
driverdriver wrote:DJMF,
I originally bought the car a number of years ago (1997) at Infiniti of Yorkville and I get most of my maintenance and work done there, because I've had really good relations with service advisers Paul, Ian, Matti and Jerry and I have a really good relationship with their master mechanic Gabrielle, he's always taken interest in my J and cared for itlike it was his own vehicle, he's the only one who works on it and he's done a lot of things for me that haven't appeared on the final bill.
I have a really good relationship with the parts people at Infiniti Agincourt and I know some of the techs from highschool. I did have some work done there in the past because it is closer to where I live, however there service adviser was a real d*** and the customer service was poor. Today, I found out that the particiular service adviser is gone. I'm having the diagnostic work done at Infiniti Agincourt, beacause my normal dealer referred me to them since they have a bonified Nissan certtified transmission expert on staff who's got a lot of experience (his name id Bill-in case any one needs him down the road). It was nice to see that Bill came out to chat with me for about 20 minutes when I dropped off the car to find out what I was experiencing and to take a look at the transmission.
OK...I only ask because I've found that the service at Woodchester was EXTREMELY iffy the few times I've gone looking for service prices outside of my own mechanic.
For example, when I showed up with my other car last year (a Nissan Axxess), it took damn near 30 minutes for someone to come out and help me. But when I showed up a month or so later with my J, the customer rep was basically waiting at the door to tell me about the G35 and asking me if I needed any help with anything.
The perils of being 25 I suppose...people judge you all the time.
MF
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driverdriver
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DJMF,
There is an independent shop Nizztex (Keele & Lawrence) just south of the 401 called NizzTex(http://www.nizztex.com). I have never gone there but a close buddy of mine who owns a '95 300ZX swears by that place. Its owned and run by veteran former Infiniti/Nissan techs, there core speciality being 300zx and J30 cars as well as other Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. The only draw back of the place is you literally have to wait days (4 or 5 business days) before they can even look at your car, they are that busy!
There is an independent shop Nizztex (Keele & Lawrence) just south of the 401 called NizzTex(http://www.nizztex.com). I have never gone there but a close buddy of mine who owns a '95 300ZX swears by that place. Its owned and run by veteran former Infiniti/Nissan techs, there core speciality being 300zx and J30 cars as well as other Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. The only draw back of the place is you literally have to wait days (4 or 5 business days) before they can even look at your car, they are that busy!
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autotech43
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I have had several of the J-30's do some weird intermittent transmission shifting concerns. The most difficult one to duplicate is the transmission temperature sensor that mounts inside the pan to the valve body. You can perform all the ohm test you want and still may not duplicate the sensor when it is at fault.(very intermittent in most cases). In most cases we have found the sensor to malfunction during the first few miles of driving(during warmup). When this occurs the transmission will not upshift correctly(have a mind of its own). The transmission control unit has no clue when to shift, not to shift, repeated downshifts and etc. The only way to perform an accurate diagnose is to have the Consult scan tool attached to the vehicle and perform a test drive and monitor the shift solenoids, trans temp sensor etc. The sensor WILL NOT store a trouble code, so you have to catch it in realtime mode with consult. You may have to leave the vehicle at the dealership as they may have to make numerous test drives under different conditions. The sensor voltage will decrease as the transmission temperature of the fluid rises! Good possibility from what your describing is your concern.
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driverdriver
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The transmission tech at the dealer is pretty sure he knows what it is after interrogating me in detail about my problem and seeing the same problem in other J's. The vehicle scanner hasn't tripped up yet, so he continues road testing the car (with scan tool onboard) hoping the tool will pick up a code. Bill wants to make sure it's the rev sensor and not the temp sensor or solenoids. What complicates the road testing is that we are getting some firecely bad weather+precipitation up here, so he can't drive the car as hard as he would like to test the transmission. Will keep everyone posted.....
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Q45tech
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1995 G20t 5 speed 334,000 miles 16" 2002 wheels - 205/50/16 Sr20ve vvl
Take it to a dyno shop and use the rollers as a road.
As to color of ATF I don't believe it, even in winter in South the color changes after 10-15,000 miles......compared to brand new.
Their and my diffintion of good ATF may vary.
At least the long lives in Canada prove the need for extra auxillary cooling in the US.
As to color of ATF I don't believe it, even in winter in South the color changes after 10-15,000 miles......compared to brand new.
Their and my diffintion of good ATF may vary.
At least the long lives in Canada prove the need for extra auxillary cooling in the US.
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driverdriver
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Update......
Finally the revolution sensor tripped on the scan tool. Other than that I'm told the transmission is healthy. I was praised for bringing in the car as soon as I started experiencing a problem. The transmission tech told me a lot of people either (a.) ignore the problem (b.) change the transmission oil andor add an additive which temporarily masks the problem (c) wait for the problem to get worse which in all cases leads to total transmission breakdown at which point a new sensor won't do it any good-the transmission will require a costly rebuild. The bad news is that the repair is $$$ and Infiniti Canada doesn't have anymore transmission revoloution sensors in stock (apparently with the cold weather, their has been a rash of revolution sensor failures-my J is the 9th car to come in for one at this dealership in the last two weeks and they have another 3 waiting at the dealership which they they think have the same problem). I have to wait a few days for a fresh stock to arrive from Japan. The good news is that my transmission should shift like new when the sensor is installed.
Finally the revolution sensor tripped on the scan tool. Other than that I'm told the transmission is healthy. I was praised for bringing in the car as soon as I started experiencing a problem. The transmission tech told me a lot of people either (a.) ignore the problem (b.) change the transmission oil andor add an additive which temporarily masks the problem (c) wait for the problem to get worse which in all cases leads to total transmission breakdown at which point a new sensor won't do it any good-the transmission will require a costly rebuild. The bad news is that the repair is $$$ and Infiniti Canada doesn't have anymore transmission revoloution sensors in stock (apparently with the cold weather, their has been a rash of revolution sensor failures-my J is the 9th car to come in for one at this dealership in the last two weeks and they have another 3 waiting at the dealership which they they think have the same problem). I have to wait a few days for a fresh stock to arrive from Japan. The good news is that my transmission should shift like new when the sensor is installed.
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Chris Halkides
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Hmmm.... I didn't do the actual work myself but I saw the old filter and it didn't look very different from the new one in terms of size. But that was months ago so I don't know how accurate my memory still is. My tech made no mentioin of it being hard to replace. How much larger is the new filter?
I would call Joe at Scottsdale to make sure you got the right part and also post to the Infiniti mechanic section regarding this size problem.
I would call Joe at Scottsdale to make sure you got the right part and also post to the Infiniti mechanic section regarding this size problem.