Nissan Repair: 94 nissan altima Auto. Trans., nissan altima, transmission shop

Question
I have a 94 nissan altima, automatic transmission, with overdrive. When i put it into reverse it doesn't engage. But when i put it into drive, it only has first gear, Will not shift into second!!! (we got the car from a previous person, so we don't know what happend before and all the details) Have checked the fluid and it's not black. IT doesn't smell burnt. IT doesn't slip when in first. Any help would be great... I was wondering if the tranny is fried or if there is a computer or something that would cause this not to shift??? PLEASE HELP..............

Answer
Alex,

Sounds to me like the valve body is stuck since you have no reverse and the car will not come out of first gear.  My thought is you will need to go to a transmission shop and have a diagnosis.  Since it is pre-1996 there will be a great possibility that the transmission will have to come out and be rebuilt.  The nice part is you say the fluid is not burnt so there should be only minor parts replacement along with a master rebuild kit.  You probably have a stuck solenoid that is keeping the transmission from shifting.  I like Cottman since I have had good luck with them.  The other national brand has been problems for me so your choice here.  Also, you could go with a used transmission if you have a shop in your area that does that...