Nissan Repair: 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, 2002 nissan altima, transmission slippage

Question
I just read your reply to Lesley from 4/16/07. I have a HAVE A SIMILAR PROBLEM with the same car, 2002 Nissan Altima (4 cyl). The tranny has been slipping between 1st & 2nd for a some time. Sadly, I only have 50,000 miles on car but it is past the warranty limit for it is 6 years old (almost 7 in 2009. I brought car to my own mechanic a few months ago & he did a complete diagnostic workup. But he said he could not find any indication in the tests or read-outs that the transmission is defective. Now I read in your reply to Lesley, it may be the valve body & the transmission computer needs replacement. How would you advise me to confirm that need in my car? Also can you tell me in a ballpark range how a much I might expect to pay for such repairs... without a warranty? Finally, is there any way I might purchase an extended warranty that might cover such a repair need? Any advice you can offer would be appreciated.
Respectfully, Kathy.
P.S. Has 2002 Nissan Altima experienced a history of transmission slippage or like problems?

Answer
Kathy,

The transmission is not a normal problem with the Altima.  You would need to have the transmission pan removed to inspect the fluid and filter.  If the clutches are cooked then it is transmission rebuild time.  Somewhere around $2000 bucks.  If the fluid is good then you need to have a diagnostic test to see if the computer for the transmission is defective or one of the servos is not applying properly.  To me, it sounds like it would be a solenoid that needs to be replaced.