Transmission flare update!!!!! Anyone with transmission issues similar please read!!!

[firemed55]

So I finally, with the great help of fellow posters, think I figured out the flare issue. Indeed it appears to be the transmission control module and pissible solenoid assembly. I reported this issue numerous times at the dealership. Nothing. I was told it is normal. Obviously not if a service bulletin was posted about it. I guess the rest of the world can find the bulletin but apparantly not a single infiniti dealer in the state of WI. So i called Infiniti consumer affairs. Yeah, they were a great help. They say it is not their problem and that there was no defect. I find that hard to believe. I find it hard to understand how at the time a brand new $40k automobile would need this replaced within the first year. The service bulletin came out on Spetember of 2001 so they damn well knew about it. I asked why there was no recall. She said not enough autos ahd this issue.

ANYONE WITH THIS SAME ISSUE WHERE THE transmission FLARES PLEASE POST. I WANT TO GATHER INFO TO TRY TO GET RESULTS FROM INFINITI.

I think it is insane that after a year of the suv being out this would have to be replaced. Clearly my previous owner of the vehicle did nothing about it. It has done it almost since I bought it. Was not as bad when I got it. Now it is horrible. I truly think in some capacity Infiniti is responsible and that this shoudl have been a recall, whether the vehicle was under warranty or not. So i will have to pay the roughly $1000 dollars to get it fixed for something that is no fault of any driver and clearly an infiniti botch job. Thanks.

Andy

[slickroger]

sorry this might be a dumb question but what exactly do you mean by flaring?

[bmlawless]

Flare is when the transmission slips just before shifting. If you watch your tach, you'll see your rpm's increase suddenly just before the shift occurs.

[JHC828]

I noticed my pathfinder doing this not long after I bought it, but I was playing with the 4x4 and thought maybe that had something to do with it. It was hot outside and I was playing in the mud with the a/c on. But it wasn't just "flaring" it seemed to be heavily bogged down and not shifting correctly. Put it back in 2x4 and took it to the car wash and cleaned all of the mud from underneath and it's been shifting right, but the brake light has been on ever since.

[pathfinder_se_black]

does it stop flaring after a few miles? thats what mine is doing. i can never find the problem

[slickroger]

ok in that case my current black pathfinder does do a lot of flaring. i noticed it only because in my green pathfinder it shifted on a dime. i was eating up ppl on the road i thought it was crazy. this new pathfinder feels slow compared to my old one.

[bmlawless]

does it stop flaring after a few miles? thats what mine is doing. i can never find the problem

You need to check you owner's manual. I believe in 2000, they do this until they warm up to protect the protect the transmission. You may also notice that it will not go into overdrive at first. This should be outline in you OM somewhere, perhaps in the "Starting and Driving" section.

[pathfinder_se_black]

yea i saw that. i don't know its weird. it takes a long time for it to warm up.

[TntCmpr]

First time poster so forgive my ignorance

I'm am experiencing this and dont want to throw money away. My 01 does this. Bought it used in Oct 07 at auction. Now I know why it was there.. Didn't really notice anything for about a week or so after I bought.After getting 'use to' the vehicle I noticed I seem to have this prob. This is intermittent .Slips bad when you put your foot it but also does it to a lesser degree when I 'Grandpa'. I had it flushed w/additive. Shifts harder now(i thought it was supposed to be smooth) but the prob has gotten worse over the past weeks. Solenoid Pack or TCM? This forum is awesome.Lots of good reading in here.!!

[Issac]

Sometimes the wrong type of fluid could be causing problems. I found this on another vehicle. Some Hondas even were so picky the actual brand of fluid caused problems. And filters get dirty and ports. A flush without filter clean/change, could make things worse maybe.

[backer01]

did you ever find the problem mine is doing kinda the same thing but mine is not slipping it just takes ago time to shift from 2-3 pls let me know if you found out the problem

[02pathy]

is it possible for the transmission control module to be out of adjustment?or for something else could be out of adjustment like the shifter or shift selinoid or what not. i know there is a process where go through each gear with the car on but not running and test it with the ohm meter for resistance where its supposed to b within a certain range and if you guys r flushing, flush it twice or until u get a nice red color in between flushes drive for like a week , if you want to do it once the correct way go to the dealer and hook it up to tha transmission machine

[Issac]

Are any of you by chance using synthetic? I think it is Dextron in these transmissions. Synthetic might cause slippage, like it does in the limited slip???

I am starting to think the only place for synthetic is transfer and engine, and even then maybe just engine.

[dan96max]

I notice mine does it some times. Usually if i accel hard, pull off the pedal for whatever reason and then get back into it, it'll flare/stumble. Only time it really does it though. I've noticed it a few times but never bad enough for me to think theres an issue.

The only other automatic car i really drove for a period of time b4 this was my cherokee and that was always WOT in the snow

I do notice the overdrive lock out when its not warmed up. The on ramp for the highway is a 1/4 mile from work. takes about 4 - 5 miles for it to warm up at 50mph or so.

[bender]

I have a 2000 I30t (90,000 miles) with the transmission flaring between 1st and 2nd at low throttle. It only does it intermittently. Sometimes it bucks, usually just the RPMs go way up, then it decides to drop into gear. I read that there is a service bulletin that says it's the transmission selenoids. I had them changed ($700)but nothing changed. The Nissan master tech found nothing when he changed them. The next thing I read is it could be the Transmission Control Module ($400).

Anyone have an opinion or experience with this. I need some advice before dropping another $400 and hoping for the best.Thanks

[infinitiwon]

2001 qx4. Is the transmission control module the answer to my problems??? It seems like there is a delay in shifting from 1 to 2nd under hard acceleration, and seems to lack alot of power. The engine winds up but truck doesnt go any faster until it shifts into 2nd. This is crazy but it almost seems faster at half throttle? And same with trying to pass traffic??? please help And if this is answer how much is part and labor. THANKS

[Empty V]

Hey everyone I used to have what seems to be the same excat problem. I took it to my Trans guy and he said it's not a transmission issue. What it ended up being is a clogged fuel filter. It's really cheap to have it changed out and from what I understand only takes about 10min. I think you're supposed to change it every 30K miles, mine was never changed. I did that and had my Mas Air Flow Sensor cleaned. This is my only guess and it work amazing for me.

Billy

[infinitiwon]

Thanks to empty v cleaning the MAF senaor finally fixed the problem that i have had for 2 years. Truck runs like the day i bought it. THANKS MAN

[Empty V]

Thanks to empty v cleaning the MAF senaor finally fixed the problem that i have had for 2 years. Truck runs like the day i bought it. THANKS MAN

Isn't the difference in performance amazing? I felt like I had forgotten what the car was supposed to drive like. It's fun to drive again!

Billy

[infinitiwon]

Its crazy what a $8 can of spray can do. I can actually pass cars again. lol

[carnal_c30]

hmmm so you guys are saying cleaning the MAF and changing the fuel filter fixes an flare/slip between shifts?

I get this same issue medium throttle between the 2-3 shift, I thought my trans was dying but under harder throttle it doesnt have the same issue? Its random too, not all the time, and it happens hot and cold.

I found this TSB

NHTSA Item Number: 618439 Service Bulletin #: ITB00061 Replacement #: Vehicle/Equipment Make: INFINITI Vehicle/Eqipment Model: QX4 Model Year: Mfg Component Code: 103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM) Date of Bulletin: 2000-10-16 Date Added: 2001-04-12 Summary: CUSTOMERS MAY INDICATE THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLARES ON THE 1-2 SHIFT WHEN ACCELERATING HARD FROM A STOP AND THEN BACKING OFF ON THE THROTTLE. *TT

What is Nissan's fix for this? replacing the TCM, reprogramming the TCM? anyone know what Nissans fix is?its weird to me that the transmission is the same RE4R01A as so many other Nissans including my old 2000 VG33E and it shifted much nicer (firmer) and didnt have any issue like this, even if it was at 190k miles

[Bigd08]

Hey Guys!

I also have an 01 Pathy, with only 64k on the clock. It also suffers from the 1-2 flare, and with a little cold weather, the 2-3 shift seems like high revs during the shift. My Pathy didn't fall under that TSB either.

I cleaned the MAF and put in a new fuel filter. The engine runs great again, but still shifts hard!

At this point I am thinking the only thing to do is to perform the remedy actions suggested the TSB, which would be replacing the TCM and solenoid myself. Anyone know where I could get these parts and what the prices may range from?

[shrinz_4]

01 QX4. The transmission flares between 2nd & 3rd every now and then. I took it to the Infinity dealer in Madison, WI - they noticed the problem and suggested I replace the TCM & the Valve Body ($1100P $200L). They said this wasn’t a common problem, however, the more I investigate this issue, the more it seems to be.

I recently had a check engine light indicated that I need to replace MAF sensor.

Should I:1) Clean the MAF sensor and replace the fuel filter to see if it stops flaring?2) Clean the MAF sensor and replace the TCM & Valve Body.

Infinity will not guarantee that replacing these parts will fix the problem and I really don’t want to spend $1300 to replace parts that might not need to be replaced.

[Bigd08]

I would give the MAF cleaning and filter a shot. Sounds like some of the others had luck with it. Didn't help my shift flare, but the engine ran smoother.

[Chuck Tribolet]

Hey everyone I used to have what seems to be the same excat problem. I took it to my Trans guy and he said it's not a transmission issue. What it ended up being is a clogged fuel filter. It's really cheap to have it changed out and from what I understand only takes about 10min. I think you're supposed to change it every 30K miles, mine was never changed. I did that and had my Mas Air Flow Sensor cleaned. This is my only guess and it work amazing for me.

Billy

The factory service manual for the '01 PF does not call out a particular intervalfor replacing the fuel filter. It says: "(2) When the filter becomes clogged, the vehicle speed cannot be increased as the driver wishes. In such anevent, replace the filter." I replaced mine at 100K miles, it was fine. I domiss the old transparent 240Z filters. You could see the crud on them.But they were little and needed to be replaced regularly.

[Almatti]

Empty V: I'm a Newbie to this Forum. I've got a 2001 Pathy LE 4WD, 113k on the clock. I don't seem to have the issue described here, but miantenance & prevention is always a good thing. Where and What is a MAF filter. Fuel filter is going to be chnaged with the first Tune up next week. Appreciate the advise. THX

[mk_1970]

Just got this issue fixed on my 2001 QX4. When it rained or during cold nights the transmission would flare after the first 2-3 miles or a bumpy ride. Had it checkout by the dealer... came back with no solution.

Played around under the hood and found the issue. The throttle position sensor is the culprit. It had issue with having a clean connection.

When the engine heats up the connector gets loose and causes transmission flares. got a new throttle position sensor and have not had the issue anymore.

U can also try a connection gel, which is cheaper, and hold the connection well.

Took the car to the mountains and back with tow, no transmission flares.

Give it a try.MK

[donald]

First off - sorry to dig up an old thread. But I just realized I'm seeing this issue. On one hand I'm a bit happy to see other people see this issue, on the other, I'm sad that there hasn't been a absolute fix for this (by Mfg'r or owners).

Anyway, I only encounter this on first-morning starts. As it's cold here currently (temperatures dipping to 40's at night), I don't know if it's a cold weather thing or a "sitting overnight" thing. But I tend not to think it's the latter as it doesn't do it when I get off work (~8hr sit before startup)

does it stop flaring after a few miles? thats what mine is doing. i can never find the problem

You need to check you owner's manual. I believe in 2000, they do this until they warm up to protect the protect the transmission. You may also notice that it will not go into overdrive at first. This should be outline in you OM somewhere, perhaps in the "Starting and Driving" section.

this is interesting - I'm no tranmission technician, but I would have never though that allowing the transmission to "flare" or "surge" prior to shifting protects it. In my opinion, it makes it worse, doesn't it? Like I said, I'm not transmission expert, but I've had my fun with transmissions on my '91 Maxima.
I'm 4-day old new owner to my Qx4, and when I first experienced this, it sank my heart based on my experiences with my maxima.
However, like you say, it does go away after a while. Not sure if it's temperature (warmer fluids? warmer engine?) or something else that's making it go away.
Nonetheless, I'm going to go through the OM and see if I can find this.

Hey everyone I used to have what seems to be the same excat problem. I took it to my Trans guy and he said it's not a transmission issue. What it ended up being is a clogged fuel filter. It's really cheap to have it changed out and from what I understand only takes about 10min. I think you're supposed to change it every 30K miles, mine was never changed. I did that and had my Mas Air Flow Sensor cleaned. This is my only guess and it work amazing for me.

Billy

Does anyone else think this makes sense? Not to say Empty-V is wrong or what not, but just trying to connect the two: Fuel filter and transmission.

Just got this issue fixed on my 2001 QX4. When it rained or during cold nights the transmission would flare after the first 2-3 miles or a bumpy ride. Had it checkout by the dealer... came back with no solution.
Played around under the hood and found the issue. The throttle position sensor is the culprit. It had issue with having a clean connection.
When the engine heats up the connector gets loose and causes transmission flares. got a new throttle position sensor and have not had the issue anymore.
U can also try a connection gel, which is cheaper, and hold the connection well.
Took the car to the mountains and back with tow, no transmission flares.
Give it a try.MK

same thing, if this really fixes the issue - can someone elaborate as to why the TPS would affect transmission engagement into gear? Although, this may not apply to my situation, as my transmission flares when it is "cold" or has sat overnight.

I have a 2000 I30t (90,000 miles) with the transmission flaring between 1st and 2nd at low throttle. It only does it intermittently. Sometimes it bucks, usually just the RPMs go way up, then it decides to drop into gear. I read that there is a service bulletin that says it's the transmission selenoids. I had them changed ($700)but nothing changed. The Nissan master tech found nothing when he changed them. The next thing I read is it could be the Transmission Control Module ($400).
Anyone have an opinion or experience with this. I need some advice before dropping another $400 and hoping for the best.Thanks

I've thought about the solenoids too. althought I'm not sure if you're issue is similar to mine or not, as I only see it on my first morning startup. After what I think is the engine/drivetrain is warmed up, then it goes away. I live about 10mi from the nearest highway, so I don't know if my OD locks me out or not (based on the idea that the transmission locks out of OD until warm).

Does anyone know if the QX4 has a "self-diagnostic" mode to check for TCU "health"?

[asnorton44]

My transmission wasn't shifting correctly, replaced MAF and it fixed idle and shifting.

[Empty V]

Does anyone else think this makes sense? Not to say Empty-V is wrong or what not, but just trying to connect the two: Fuel filter and transmission.

I did that and had my Mas Air Flow Sensor cleaned.