Nissan Repair: 95 200sx timing chain, timing chains, transmission problem

Question
my automatic recently stopped shifting beyond first gear. it still revs fine, and it will the actual shifter works.  it will shift into reverse, park, and drive, but will not automatically move beyond first gear while being driven. i assumed transmission problem.  it is currently with a mechanic who says that the engine noise i've been hearing is actually my timing chain about to break. i was told that he cannot diagnose whether or not i have a transmission problem until the timing chain is fixed and the car is driveable again. Is it possible that since the car is still shifting into other gears that there is not a transmission problem at all, and that the timing chain is the cause of it not shifting beyond first gear?
thanks!

Answer
Hi Audry
I would get a second opinion. Timing chains do not cause transmissions not to shift.

Have you checked the transmission oil? Is it low, or smells burnt? If so, change it and sometimes it does the trick. If not, then you will probably need a trans overhaul.

Hope this helps -
get another opinion about the chain -

aloha
calvin