2000 Pathfinder Trans shift issues

Pathmark · Nov 20th, 2012, 10:03 AM

Hey guys, Just picked up a 2000 Pathfinder LE yesterday, drove fine on the limited test drive I took it on but when i got out on the interstate to head home it was intermittently down shifting from overdrive to 4th then back up and on and on. I also have an occational hard shift, but like i said its all intermittent. Ive got a feeling from reading around the Transmission fluid temp sensor and/or the Torque converter clutch solenoid are to blame.

What are your thoughts?

I havn't been able to find any write ups with pics, but i have read multiple posts from people dealing with the same issue- If the consensus is these two sensors id love to start off on the forum with some pics and steps to help somebody else out.

Pathmark · Nov 25th, 2012, 05:12 PM

UPDATE

So i got through the holiday and finally got out this afternoon to detail the cars and start to troubleshoot the problem. After 4+ hours of online searches and reading forum posts, the TPS sensor kept coming up. I pulled the Nissan TPS check and adjust spec from '02 which adjusts the TPS by checking the olms across the Closed Throttle Position Switch (CTPS), on your TPS for those who dont know yet there are two electrical connections. Remove the top plug and you will see 3 prongs, the top two are for the CTPS.
1) with a .012 guage in between the throttle drum stop and the set screw you should get a closed low olm ciircuit
2) with a .016 guage in between the same throttle drum stop and set screw you should read an open circuit (OL)

I removed the switch and cleaned it with TB cleaner, cleaned the throttle body, reinstalled the TPS and adjusted to the same spec. I rode it around until the trans got heated up and my idle, shift points and shifts are fine... I know its early and after an 80 mmile round trip tommorrow ill know more but im hopefull lol. Ill post up an update tommorrow.

Does anyone know if the solenoid pack in the trans can be cleaned once removed? I want to run through all the cheap DIY possible remedies before dropping a 2k transmission in a 3k truck

**smj999smj** · Nov 25th, 2012, 05:39 PM

I don't know of anyway to clean it without potentially damaging it. You can do resistance checks on it to see if they are within specs; if not, replace the solenoid pack. If you have to lower the valve body, make sure you have an inch-pounds torque wrench and follow the bolt tightening pattern in the service manual. It isn't difficult to overtighten the bolts and warp the valve body.

Pathmark · Nov 25th, 2012, 06:20 PM

smj thanks for the response! Any idea where i can get the ohm spec for each? Also can you confirm what the solenoid pack is comprised of? I believe its

1) Trans. fluid temp sensor (FTS)
2) Shift solenoid A
3) Shift solenoid B
4) Torque converter Clutch Solenoid

-Does this sound right?

-Once i drop the valve body other than a visible inspection is there anything i can clean/flush/adjust?
Are there any other solenoids that can/need to be tested?

Again, thanks for the response

**rogoman** · Nov 25th, 2012, 08:29 PM

Here are the resistance specs:

1) Trans. fluid temp sensor (FTS): 2.5 K Ohms at 68 degrees (F), 0.3 K Ohms at 176
2) Shift solenoid A: 20 - 40 Ohms
3) Shift solenoid B: 20 - 40 Ohms
4) Torque converter Clutch Solenoid: 10 - 20 Ohms

**smj999smj** · Nov 25th, 2012, 11:08 PM

There's nothing you can clean or adjust unless you plan on taking the valve body apart, something I don't recommend if you don't have experience in doing. Make sure you get a diagram that shows what bolts to remove as it is hard to tell which bolts are mounting bolts and which ones are holding the valve body together. If you have a 1/4" drive universal 10mm socket, you may be able to get the solenoid pack out by lowering the valve body instead of removing it completely. If you do lower it completely, there may be some large accumulator springs that will come down with it, so be careful not to let them drop and get lost and remember where they go. Nissan recommends replacing the trans pan bolts when you remove them as sealant is applied. The bolts aren't expensive; I believe there's 21 of them. You'll also need a new pan gasket.

**rogoman** · Nov 26th, 2012, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rogoman

Here are the resistance specs:

1) Trans. fluid temp sensor (FTS): 2.5 K Ohms at 68 degrees (F), 0.3 K Ohms at 176
2) Shift solenoid A: 20 - 40 Ohms
3) Shift solenoid B: 20 - 40 Ohms
4) Torque converter Clutch Solenoid: 10 - 20 Ohms

All of these four components can be check for resistance spec without removing the tranny pan. Each one has a harness connector that you can unplug to check the resistance.

Just as SMJ said, it's not advisable to mess with the valve body if you don't need to.

Outkast · Nov 26th, 2012, 07:08 PM

You need to get codes run on the trans. The 3.5L trucks had a bullatin for what your concern sounds like. Basicly you have to replace the valve body assylmbly for shift issues.