Maintenance on the Transmission

[96'er]

I have 111K on my Q and within the last 10K miles I have flushed the transmission. Recently I noticed that when the transmission shifts from 2nd to 3rd there is a slight hesitation, like the transmission is winding up or slipping.

In the past I have gotten the PO733 code which has to do with improper shifting to 3rd gear position. The FSM states that it could be a control valve sticking, improper solenoid valve operation, malfunctioning servo piston or brake band etc.

Has anyone had a similar problem and what was the corrective action?

Also, beside the transmission flush and the installation of an external transmission cooler, is there anything else I need to do from a preventive maintenance standpoint?

And I did the Transmission Self Diagnosis and got "AT check" as the message. Does this mean that the diagnosis was still running or that the transmission checked out ok? If it was still running the diagnosis, how long do I wait while it is doing its thing?
Modified by 96'er at 9:56 AM 1/14/2009

[elwesso]

its really common for the sluggish 2-3 shift, my trans has it, not much can you do it... Long story short theres no definite and easy fix.

lubeguard red helps.

[96'er]

Can you get lubeguard red at the local auto parts store or is it a online purchase?

[elwesso]

My o'reilly's carries it but thats not always so common, but every NAPA I have been to has it.

They have 3 flavors... black, red, and something else (green?).. you want the red stuff. add 1/2ish bottle and see how it reacts.

[maxnix]

Most auto shops have it. But it is intended to modify M1 ATF to behave more like the Nissanmatic D fluid. Read TexasOil's excellent post on the differences betweenLube Guard Red and Black. Of course Q45tech has some good posts also on the same subject.

The best approach is to maintain fresh fluids and filters. The chemical flush like BG Quick Clean for automatics is applied immediately before the mechanical fluid exchange.
Modified by maxnix at 11:55 AM 1/14/2009

[96'er]

When I changed ATF fluids I used Valvoline Maxlife 75K fluid. Would it be better to used the M1 synthetic ATF?

[Q45tech]

All the MAXLIFE oils/fluids are thicker than the midpoint of viscosity specification brand new. This works under the assumption that previous wear and tear from mileage has made all oem specifications WIDER thus needing a thicker more viscous fluid to make up the space.

1%, 2%, 3% even 10% thicker hot may not be significant or useful.