My transmission problem in my J30
My transmission problem in my J30
Hey, First of all, I want to say that this is my first time posting here. I have had my 1993 J30 for a little over a year now. I bought it with about 41K miles and now it has about 62K miles. I do the routine stuff on it such as chaning the oil every 3K miles and I just recently changed the transmission oil in it. Here are my problems...for a bit now, I have been noticing a slight jerk whenever I sometimes redline my J30 (I do it once in a while). It jerks as soon as the RPM goes back down. Another problem is that starting today, it seems like it doesnt shift well. After about 2500-3K RPM, it kind of "shifts off" as if it were in neutral. It feels like it is slipping. Also, I cant seem to go past 60 mph. Can anyone tell me what the problem is? Is it expensive? Can I do it myself? One last problem I noticed was when this guy pulled in front of me causing me to come to a complete stop all of a sudden. I was going about 20-25 mph. Then all of a sudden my car shut off. Is this normal? I love my car, but these 3 problems got me a little worried. Can u guys please help? Thanks in advance. Later...
Is your transmission fluid level normal? Any check engine light? None of your symptoms sound normal. Do you have a service manual? There are a series of tests that you can perform yourself to determine if many of the systems, solenoids, etc. are performing nominally or otherwise. On the face of it, it looks as if there is some sensor amiss at least if it isn't, in fact, your transmission. I sure hope not because you have relatively few miles on it. Stay tuned as more of the truly learned will help you narrow down the problem. Or failing that, you could go to a dealership and have them run the consult on it.
Hey, No, my engine light isnt on. What is the best way to check the transmission fluid? When the car is on? off? When the car is cold? warm? Also, is the service manual that book in the trunk inside that compartment? One more thing... I noticed you are from Chicago. What part/town? I'm near a subarb called Naperville. I always try to see/meet other Infiniti (especially the J30) owners around here but cant seem to find them. It'd be cool if all us in the Chitown could meet up somewhere. What do you guys think? Later...
well, if its your transmission starting to go, you won't have to wait long until it fails completely. When the transmission on my old '93 J30t failed at 70k miles, it exhibited some of the slipping symptoms you are describing, and failed completely within 100 miles of the first symptom.
Hopefully for you it is something else. A new (refurbished) transmission is a big ticket item.
Hopefully for you it is something else. A new (refurbished) transmission is a big ticket item.
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Mayhem_J30
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Check the transmission fluid with the car running and warmed up, parked flat and level. Look at fluid level and color. Give it a sniff to see if it smells burnt. If the transmission's on the way out, nothing you can do to prevent it, as mentioned, but it's also been said that a fluid flush might extend its life just a bit. How much is a "bit" I don't know, and perhaps isn't worth the money.
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Q45tech
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1995 G20t 5 speed 334,000 miles 16" 2002 wheels - 205/50/16 Sr20ve vvl
A 93 J30 is 10 years old regardless of its low miles.
If a partially rebuilt transmission cost $3,000 and has a 50k life [some last 13k, some 25k, some 100k] the cost per mile averages 0.06/mile and a flush costs $120 so all a flush has to do is extend the life 2,001 miles to be cost effective.
On Ebay they were selling Phoenix remans [for about $1100] but only 6k/6 month warranty [another 6k/6 more months was $150 extra]....................that's only 2.5 cents per mile incrementally but change out labor is not included. Wonder what they would want to warrantee it to 50k.....another $1000????????.......only they know how good or cheap a job they do.
The point is if the fluid is not shiny sparkling red flush it once or twice till it is, if no improvement you have done about all you can do, add a can of Lubgard Red and drive it till it fails but start planning the replacement [saving money, studying up, shopping around] for that day you call the flatbed.
The above assumes the heat exchanger pressure is near normal and not low from a clogged exchanger which probably won't be cleared no matter how many flushes you do.
Check the heat exchanger with low pressure air.
If a partially rebuilt transmission cost $3,000 and has a 50k life [some last 13k, some 25k, some 100k] the cost per mile averages 0.06/mile and a flush costs $120 so all a flush has to do is extend the life 2,001 miles to be cost effective.
On Ebay they were selling Phoenix remans [for about $1100] but only 6k/6 month warranty [another 6k/6 more months was $150 extra]....................that's only 2.5 cents per mile incrementally but change out labor is not included. Wonder what they would want to warrantee it to 50k.....another $1000????????.......only they know how good or cheap a job they do.
The point is if the fluid is not shiny sparkling red flush it once or twice till it is, if no improvement you have done about all you can do, add a can of Lubgard Red and drive it till it fails but start planning the replacement [saving money, studying up, shopping around] for that day you call the flatbed.
The above assumes the heat exchanger pressure is near normal and not low from a clogged exchanger which probably won't be cleared no matter how many flushes you do.
Check the heat exchanger with low pressure air.
Damn my problem is getting so much worse now. I had a hard time coming home from school. I will do the things that you guys mentioned, but I doubt it will be something I can fix for cheap. Damn I'm so pissed. Do you guys know of a place near or around the subarbs of Chicago that can look at my car/fix it for a reasonable price? I stopped by the Infiniti dealer and they will rape my wallet...$91-$182 just to look at it. So thats one place I dont wanna go. Well thanks. Later...
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maxnix
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Infiniti of Lisle
Try them. They have a good reputation as a parts supplier. Their service was full when I stopped there in June, so call first.
did you check the transmission oil level? after you do that, do this: open up your service manual from the trunk compartment. go to the AT section.. go through the self diagnosis (without consult) to see if you have any transmission error codes) if you need help with it, let me know. post your results here and you can take it from there. Infiniti of Lisle is a great place, but know whats wrong with the car before you bring it.
Omar wrote:Whats up, I tried looking at it, but I got confused. Can you give me some hints/ideas/help with it. One more thing, I can smell something burn...is it my transmission? Later...
Man, you have to check your transmission fluid now!!!!!!!!!!!! ASAP!!!!!!!!! Like yesterday!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The directions are in the owner's manual. You are going to feel really bad if you toasted your transmission and the only problem was low fluid. There might be other problems but this is the very first thing to check.
VimyJ is right,
usually its best to check fluid while is warm or hot, but since yours sounds bad you can check while cold.-Start engine-Row transmission thru the grears, stopping in park.-Pull out the dipstick and look at it. Infiniti dipsticks often have a "hot" graduation on one side and a "cold" one on the other.-Look at cold marked area and see if its between the hi and low mark.
If low refill with transmission fluid and recheck
Fred....
usually its best to check fluid while is warm or hot, but since yours sounds bad you can check while cold.-Start engine-Row transmission thru the grears, stopping in park.-Pull out the dipstick and look at it. Infiniti dipsticks often have a "hot" graduation on one side and a "cold" one on the other.-Look at cold marked area and see if its between the hi and low mark.
If low refill with transmission fluid and recheck
Fred....
Hey, Bad news you guys...I took my car to this shop in Villa Park on North Ave (for those of you are familiar with the Chicago area). The shop is called Atomic Transmissions (they also service cars for Glendale Nissan). Anyways, they did a free check to see what was wrong...and guess what...my transmission is shot. They need to rebuild it. He said that it will be between $1100-$1500. He will know exactly what is wrong on Monday when I tell him to proceed with the repairs. I didnt give them "ok" yet because I want to check around with others. My car is at the shop right now. He also said that this problem is very common with those transmissions (same transmission in Pathfinder). He said that the 3rd and 4th gears are gone. After the 2nd gear, it goes in neutral. Not only that, he may have to change the pump. Does this stuff sound normal or make sense to you guys? Later...
does he have the transmission out already and change u an arm and a leg if u r to take it back?
His final cost will likely be higher, than what he estimates (it always is, sometimes significantly so).In the end it may better to go to Inf dealer.
I once got a similar estimate u have, for a Q transmission, $1500 from a AAMCO during thanksgiving holiday 98 in NYC, delaer was closed.
But since the transmission was out, i would have had to spend $$ at AAMCO to have it put back in just to get it to Inf dealer.So I said ok go ahead, the cost turned out the be $3300 at the end, the cost of an Infiniti reman (!) would have been exact same, which would have been a much better transmission.
Fred...
His final cost will likely be higher, than what he estimates (it always is, sometimes significantly so).In the end it may better to go to Inf dealer.
I once got a similar estimate u have, for a Q transmission, $1500 from a AAMCO during thanksgiving holiday 98 in NYC, delaer was closed.
But since the transmission was out, i would have had to spend $$ at AAMCO to have it put back in just to get it to Inf dealer.So I said ok go ahead, the cost turned out the be $3300 at the end, the cost of an Infiniti reman (!) would have been exact same, which would have been a much better transmission.
Fred...
ah, A-tomic transmission, yeah thats just down the road a piece. (2 minutes). How long will they warranty the work? If you were at all down on fluid for any period of time, or if no fluid was being pumped through the oil cooler, you could easily have sustained such damage. Did you ever check the fluid level? If your car has never had a transmission flush and a new transmission filter/gasket, such a failure was eminent, unfortunately.
WOWWWW $3300 sounds so high. I cant imagine how u felt...I'm going crazy for the estimate I got. At one point, I did check the oil level and it was quite low (it was about a while after I changed my transmission fluid). Maybe thats where I screwed up. I just wanna kick myself. Another thing I'm mad at myself, I think maybe the type of oil I used was a mistake. I used the Quaker State transmission fluid rather than the Nissan oil. Then I got the Nissan oil to see if it would make a difference, but it was too late. However, I compared both bottles (Quaker State vs. Nissan) and as it turned out, the Nissan bottle was heavier (I'm guess there is a viscosity difference).
Anyways, what can I do now but to kick myself.
He gave me a choice of two types of warranties. One warranty is a 6 month/unlimited mileage or 12 month/12,000 miles warranty. I think I would be better off with a 12 month warranty because I dont drive as much. Usually it sits in my garage while I rack up miles on my Camry. Well what do you guys think which warranty is better.
Also, ESwift, ever been to Atomic? What do you think about them? Later...
Anyways, what can I do now but to kick myself.
He gave me a choice of two types of warranties. One warranty is a 6 month/unlimited mileage or 12 month/12,000 miles warranty. I think I would be better off with a 12 month warranty because I dont drive as much. Usually it sits in my garage while I rack up miles on my Camry. Well what do you guys think which warranty is better.
Also, ESwift, ever been to Atomic? What do you think about them? Later...
viscosity doesnt necessarily depend on density, but a low fluid level will do that to you. is your car already apart over at atomic? call infiniti of lisle and see how many hours of labor to replace a transmission, and how much the part (the transmission is). Only you can say how much the extra warranties are worth to you, but i would tend to say that the transmission job should come with its own warranty of no charge. (that is, if the shop has any pride in its work, or credibility) I personally have never been to Atomic, I have just passed it driving every day of my life. find out what they are doing for 1500 dollars to your transmission. I personally would have my transmission be the last thing for some unfamiliar tech to pull apart and gauge wear on every piece.
listen to this. you obviously drove the car to atomic. if it is still driveable and not in pieces, fill up the fluid and try driving it, just to be sure it isnt something simple.
my transmission cooler hose popped off in traffic and i lost 3/4 of my transmission fluid in about 25 seconds. it was so bad that the car couldnt even grip in 1st gear (torque converter was starved of fluid) i simply stopped the car (coasted) into the nearest parking lot and filled it up, it works like a charm. (of course this was short term, but it would be worth at least checking out for you)
it would also be worth checking the transmission error codes after filling the fluid, to see if the problem is at all electrically related. it could be in some sort of safe mode.
so, before you lay down any money, do all this:
check transmission fluid level:do this with the car on. note smell, colour, and if there are particlesif it is low, fill it on up.
check for error codes:park vehicle on flat surfaceturn ignition to off*accmove lever to driveturn ignition to on (engine does not start)AT lamp should come on for about 2 seconds hereshift into 3press accelerator to the floor and releaseshift to 2shift to 1press accelerator to floor and releasenow it will flash the code at you:
there should be 1 longer starting signal, and then a series of 11 shorter flashes.
if any of those 11 shorter flashes are longer than the rest, take note of which flash number it is.
these codes start on page AT 36 of the service manualor ask me to find out what it is
thats my reccomendation
good luck
listen to this. you obviously drove the car to atomic. if it is still driveable and not in pieces, fill up the fluid and try driving it, just to be sure it isnt something simple.
my transmission cooler hose popped off in traffic and i lost 3/4 of my transmission fluid in about 25 seconds. it was so bad that the car couldnt even grip in 1st gear (torque converter was starved of fluid) i simply stopped the car (coasted) into the nearest parking lot and filled it up, it works like a charm. (of course this was short term, but it would be worth at least checking out for you)
it would also be worth checking the transmission error codes after filling the fluid, to see if the problem is at all electrically related. it could be in some sort of safe mode.
so, before you lay down any money, do all this:
check transmission fluid level:do this with the car on. note smell, colour, and if there are particlesif it is low, fill it on up.
check for error codes:park vehicle on flat surfaceturn ignition to off*accmove lever to driveturn ignition to on (engine does not start)AT lamp should come on for about 2 seconds hereshift into 3press accelerator to the floor and releaseshift to 2shift to 1press accelerator to floor and releasenow it will flash the code at you:
there should be 1 longer starting signal, and then a series of 11 shorter flashes.
if any of those 11 shorter flashes are longer than the rest, take note of which flash number it is.
these codes start on page AT 36 of the service manualor ask me to find out what it is
thats my reccomendation
good luck
I would suggest having a second opinion - worth the extra effort if you are going to get into the 2k-3k expenditure range.
One time I took my Honda to AAMCO and was told the same thing - transmission fluid was leaking from the seals and was told that the differential housing inside the transmission is shot and was told to rebuilt the transmission ($1800 job). Turned out the culprit to be a bad front axle from NAPA (replaced some months ago). The only reason I found out was because I went for a second opinion.
The same accord I drove for 3 weeks with almost no transmission fluid (I swear to God) as it kept leaking and it was only leaking during driving (no poodle in the driveway) - it got to a point that the transmission would not even engage in the first gear ( until then I kept driving thinking the 150K mile car is ready to die) - at last when it completely gave up I looked into the transmission dip stick and found out no oil - poured 6 quarts into it and the transmission came back as if nothing had happened - put 23K more miles on it afterwards before selling it with no problems - think about doing that to your "J" or "Q"
Good Luck.
One time I took my Honda to AAMCO and was told the same thing - transmission fluid was leaking from the seals and was told that the differential housing inside the transmission is shot and was told to rebuilt the transmission ($1800 job). Turned out the culprit to be a bad front axle from NAPA (replaced some months ago). The only reason I found out was because I went for a second opinion.
The same accord I drove for 3 weeks with almost no transmission fluid (I swear to God) as it kept leaking and it was only leaking during driving (no poodle in the driveway) - it got to a point that the transmission would not even engage in the first gear ( until then I kept driving thinking the 150K mile car is ready to die) - at last when it completely gave up I looked into the transmission dip stick and found out no oil - poured 6 quarts into it and the transmission came back as if nothing had happened - put 23K more miles on it afterwards before selling it with no problems - think about doing that to your "J" or "Q"
Good Luck.
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Q451990
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Of course your other option is to have a factory reman (whosale priced) shipped to the AAMCO and have them do the swap. It's pretty hard to mess that up and you'll probably have a lot better reliability with a Nissan reman. They rebuild them on an assembly line, so the learning curve is much better... more like factory new.
Heath
Heath
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BadQ45t
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I did an AAMCO rebuild on my Maxima at 250k (85 maxima's were built to go to war) and it cost $2200!! Of course that was the Bay Area where everything cost more. Anyhow, car ran fine and 20 days before the warranty was about to end the transmission died. I towed it to them and after getting the yada yada yada of this could a million other problems it turned out to be the transmission. Apparently the Governer snapped. I asked why after only 1 year did that part fail, they said that since there was probably nothing wrong with the part they just cleaned it and put it back in!!! After that I gave them another $700 for a lifetime warranty since god knows how many other parts they cleaned and replaced.
I learned my lesson, go for the factory reconditioned, more up front but way better in the long run.
I learned my lesson, go for the factory reconditioned, more up front but way better in the long run.
Omar wrote:Where do you guys think I can get a factory refurbished/remanufactured/reconditioned transmission? Is there a place in Chicago area that would sell them? Later...
Infiniti of Lisle gives a discount to club members although I don't know whether this discount applies to big ticket items like trannies. Lisle Infiniti has provided me with some very good deals on parts.
Eswift wrote:they give a discount??? how come i wasnt privy to this info? ive bought tons of parts there.....! how do you prove membership? and what is the dicount?
This discount is a holdover from the old Yahoo days that has sort of been grandfathered to this site as it eclipsed the the yahoo board. The discount is 25%! The yahoo "club" is still in existance and some of the members here still post on it. Tom at Lisle is the man to talk to about the discount. While I haven't done it, you could order parts from Scottsdale Infiniti and save the sales tax for an additional 7% savings. Shipping might eat into that, though.