93 Pathfinder SE Trans Randomly Sticks in first gear

William Coleman · Aug 27th, 2006, 01:20 PM

I have a 1993 Nissan Pathfinder. I bought it in 2001 with 39,000 miles and in pristine condition, other than underbody weathering. I drove it over 3 years problem free. Then toward the end of 2004 the problem started. After engine warm up and a few minutes of driving, I take off from a stop and it sticks in first gear. After trudging along at 25 mph, it unpredictably kicks in and properly shifts for a while. Then the problem repeats - unpredictably. Three dealerships and a crack mechanic examined and researched the issue. After breaking down the transmission, adding all new solenoids (and cleaning all associated parts), a new $925 computer processor, cleaned and checked electrical connectors, and many test drives, it was test driven problem free for short distances until the third week. Hotter weather and a 25 minute drive brought the problem back. My mechanic suspects that a false signal from the computer to the trans solenoid is preventing proper shifting. Why? We obviously don't know! It seems like a "can of worms" has been opened with no simple and economic answers readily available - UNLESS YOU CAN HELP!

dave_lem · Sep 28th, 2006, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by William Coleman

I have a 1993 Nissan Pathfinder. I bought it in 2001 with 39,000 miles and in pristine condition, other than underbody weathering. I drove it over 3 years problem free. Then toward the end of 2004 the problem started. After engine warm up and a few minutes of driving, I take off from a stop and it sticks in first gear. After trudging along at 25 mph, it unpredictably kicks in and properly shifts for a while. Then the problem repeats - unpredictably. Three dealerships and a crack mechanic examined and researched the issue. After breaking down the transmission, adding all new solenoids (and cleaning all associated parts), a new $925 computer processor, cleaned and checked electrical connectors, and many test drives, it was test driven problem free for short distances until the third week. Hotter weather and a 25 minute drive brought the problem back. My mechanic suspects that a false signal from the computer to the trans solenoid is preventing proper shifting. Why? We obviously don't know! It seems like a "can of worms" has been opened with no simple and economic answers readily available - UNLESS YOU CAN HELP!

search 'Revolution Sensor' in this forum, it should serve you well...
i had same problem, and cruise control not working as well... the part was
$280... but i went the long way round, and had rebuilt dont at the reccomendation
of a local tranny shop...

good luck mate!