Question about 2001 SE 3.5 transmission....

[PDX Pathy]

Hey all,

I have used this board for quite sometime to diagnose and it has been a big help. Recently I noticed a "high whine" when starting my 2001 Pathy up in the morning both in warm and cold temps. This was going on for about a month with not effects to performance. 2 days ago I was headed to the office when I experienced what people on this forum call the shifting "flair" from 2nd to 3rd there is a rev of RPM's like it can't find 3rd, I throttle back the gas and it eventually shifted. Came here and read about having the fuel filter replaced. Picked one up and took to my guy, it seemed that it had never been replaced before because the mount was rusted closed (hence the need for a mechanic) it has 108,000+ miles. After that it seemed to run "a little better". Fast foreword to later on that evening and coming home from the store it would not find 4th anymore... had to limp home in shifted 1st. This morning I got in for a test around the block... reverse was good out of the lot but still "slippage" between 2nd & 3rd... AND when I put it into reverse after this it slipped a bit there as well. Took a chance placing it into 4WD and would't you know it completely seized up. No movement in ANY gear and I couldn't push it in N (I am assuming because of the 4WD engagement) HERE IS THE KICKER!!!! I am sitting there with a truck blocking 4 spots in my apt. lot and I turn OFF the vehicle, turn it back on and low and behold IT MOVES IN 4WD!!!! WTF!?!?!?! I pull forward, take it out of 4WD, back up 20 feet to disengage, all goes well and the reverse seemed to be solid again... any ideas?

I am taking it into a shop on Tues, but I don't want to get raped at the shop. I have the shop manual and have done some repairs myself, but I am working in a parking lot which the management probably frowns upon, I am thinking it is the EVAP sensor... my Pop seems to think it is "belts" that are in the transmission (wasn't aware there were any)

Well sorry for the novel but any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

PDX

[CanuckQx4]

100% clean the MAF sensor first, fixed my flare entirely and it never returned

[Towncivilian]

What's the level and condition of the transmission fluid? Has it been regularly serviced? To check the level properly:

1. Drive around for 10 minutes in the city after the transmission is at operating temperature.
2. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
3. With P selected, shift through every gear and return to P.
4. Pull the transmission dipstick with the engine idling, wipe it clean, reinsert it completely, and read the level. It must be within the notched area labeled "HOT". Check for fluid contamination after wiping on a paper towel.



The fluid should be red, and not smell burnt.

What's the manufacturing date of your Pathfinder? This can be found on the sticker in the driver door jamb.

Welcome to NICO.

[PDX Pathy]

Town... I do check all fluids often, and the transmission fluid was great, good smell, color and level. Canuck, yeah that was my next move but I do not have access to a work area as I live in a apt. complex. Is the MAF cleaning something I can do without have the truck in pieces all over the parking lot? I do not need to lose my apt. as well right now! Hahahaha....

PDX

[PDX Pathy]

Ok, I think I can do it myself... trying to find a step by step on here on how to do it now....

[Towncivilian]

See the bottom of this post for a how-to on cleaning the MAF.

[PDX Pathy]

Sweet! Thanks Town....

[CanuckQx4]

Definetely something yo can do easily and quickly without making any mess at all

[PDX Pathy]

Well folks... MAF is 100% cleaned, and it was an easy fix... but to no avail. Funny thing is it seems like when the truck should find 4th it is like I threw it into neutral all of a sudden. And I also notice it seems to effect Reverse as well... after driving around the block and getting the flair, I stop, put it into Reverse and there is a loss/flair as well... BUT, I shut down the vehicle and start it right back up... throw it back into Reverse... all my power is there again. So this leads me to believe it is electronical/sensorish as opposed to mechanical/transmission... again, there is no lurching when engaging the gears whether reverse / drive / 2 /1... and there is no bucking or "burnt toast" smells....

Ugh, I hate this!!!! I know I am going to get taken at the garage.

PDX Pathy

[Towncivilian]

See if NTB01-055a - 2001 PATHFINDER AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 1-2 OR 2-3 SHIFT FLARE applies to you.

When was the transmission fluid serviced last?

[PDX Pathy]

Well I am not sure when the transmission was "fully flushed" like I said I check all fluids regularly but in the 8+ years I have had this vehicle, I have never had this done. In relation to your link I believe my VIN number falls in between the makes it states in the graph.... would this mean I could have this covered/repaired by Nissan? Should I print that link out when going to the garage on Monday

[Towncivilian]

No, this isn't a recall. Nissan won't spend a dime towards fixing it. Might as well print it out and bring it to the garage, any information helps.

Even though the fluid looks fine, you may want to do a full fluid exchange using the transmission cooler line to see if it helps. You can find the procedure in this thread under the "Transmission and driveline" Q&A section. You might want to change the transfer case fluid if it's never been changed to your knowledge.

[PDX Pathy]

OK, I did just call the local dealership and told them my issue and referenced the service bulletin. But that is a stinker about not having this taken care of on Nissan's dime, ah... such is the life I guess. I will look at your latest thread link about the full fluid exchange as well, but that service bulletin describes my issue to a "T". I appreciate all the help guys/gals.

PDX Pathy