My 96 Infiniti I30t jerks

[ijohnblaze]

Hey guys,

My first post in this forum. My cousin just gave me his 96 Infiniti I30t for free which was sitting in his garage for at least two years.

One problem that I have is that the car jerks when going from first to second gear and from third to fourth

the jerk when going from first to second is pretty rough but the jerk going into fourth is more subtle.

My cousin said he had a diagnostic test done years ago at Canadian Tire and they suggested to replace the knocking sensor and that would resolve the issue. I'm not sure why but my gut tells me that wont resolve the issue and the problem may be bigger. The car has 243k on it. Does anyone of any suggestions?

[loystock]

The symptoms indicate problem with the transmission (and probable neglect). Check the level and color of the ATF. If the ATF color is not pinkish red, the fluid may be old, dirty or contaminated. You can try a transmission flush. If that doesn't help. your transmission could be on its last leg.

Rod

[ijohnblaze]

thanks for the suggestion...I'll get the flush done...

should i even bother changing the knocking sensor ? or should I get the transmission checked? anyone around here from Toronto, Canada ? does anyone know where i can go

[loystock]

Focus on the transmission first. If you have tools, you can do a pan drop, then clean the pan, magnets and replace the filter. Very few shops will do a pan drop and cleaning. You can buy the AT drain plug gasket, pan gasket and filter from Ios (infiniti of Scottsdale), http://www.infinitipartsusa.com. one of the NICO sponsors. The cost may be $35 plus shipping.

The recommended fluid for your car is Nissan Matic-D but Dexron III can also be used. You can buy Matic-D also from IoS. You may need 5 quarts of ATF when you do the pan drop. Once you have done the pan drop and refill, then you can take it to a shop for the ATF flush and fluid exchange. I'm sorry I can't recommend any shop in Ontario. The forum members recommends the BG flush machine. Be sure they run the engine for at least 30 mins to allow the flush additive to circulate in the system before they do the actual fluid exchange.

Once the ATF flush and fluid exchange has been completed, you have to add LubeGard Red ATF Protectant (not LubeGard Black which is a friction modifier). You can buy this additive from auto parts store for @ $13. Hopefully this fixes the AT jerk problem. If not, then it's you call whether to have the AT repaired/replaced. It's going to be expensive.

Good luck

Rod

[ijohnblaze]

Thank you much. I definitely don't have tools space or knowledge so i'll try and find a shop that can do both

im also thinking of taking it to a transmission shop and getting an in depth analysis and free estimate

I'll let you know what happens

[loystock]

Make sure you are dealing with a reputable company. Ask around or do an internet search before you take your car to a shop. If a shop immediately recommends dropping the transmission for diagnostics...run.

Rod