QuestionQUESTION: I've recently gotten a 1993 Nissan Maxima. I have a series of problems with it. First, the shifter recently became very hard to move, then stopped altogether and wouldn't come out of park unless I played around with it a lot. Also, the transmission frequently goes into "limp" mode where it only goes forward in 3rd gear. There seems to be an electrical problem, too, because sometimes, when it's not in "limp" mode, turning on the turn signal or braking or anything that involves electricity will cause the car to downshift. Sometimes it's completely fine and works like a dream, though. Could this just be related to the linkage, or do you think there might be other problems?
ANSWER: Keith,
First the getting out of park thing is the shift interlock. This could be either the shift interlock or the switch on the brake pedal. I would first take the console off and the shifter cover and clean and lubricate the assembly. Usually a drink like a coke has spilled in the shifter and gumms things up. Other cause would be a defective brake switch that releases the shift solenoid or the solenoid itself.
The transmission sounds like an electrical issue. It locks in third gear to protect the transmission from hurting itself until it can be diagnosed and repaired. I would look at the vehicle grounds and the connectors to the transmission for corrosion or water intrusion. Make sure the electrical grounds on the engine and transmission are in good order. Othewise, have the codes read for the transmission at a dealer or your local transmission shop.
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detached hose
QUESTION: Is it a good idea to use dielectric grease both on the grounds and the contacts?
Also, I've installed an extra thick ground strap from the negative on the starter to the same spot on the engine block where the negative battery terminal was grounded, but there was no change.
One last thing: a short hose with a metal 'U' on the end that connects to the top of the transmission popped loose when I bumped it and I cannot find where it goes. I took a picture of it. The car seems to run OK without it attached, but I haven't tried driving it.
ANSWER: Either the shift computer for the transmission is going out or you have a solenoid or sensor that is providing bad information to the transmission computer. The hose with the tube is the vent for the transmission. When fluids warm they expand and the pressure has to go somewhere. Nissan uses a cool vent that keeps water out of the transmission. Again, get a transmission code reader and check the codes. Cottman or your local transmission shop can ready the codes. A normal OBDII scanner will not read transmission codes.
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Linkage
QUESTION: Thanks so much for the quick responses. I really appreciate it.
I had another related problem recently. The shifter became very hard to move and the car, at first, would only go into park, reverse, and neutral. After a bit, it would only do park and reverse, then finally, just reverse. I noticed that the usual click from the solenoid in the shifter didn't occur when I pressed on the brake. I tried to see if I could get it out of reverse by pushing on the part of the linkage that connects to the transmission and managed to move it slightly, but it was so hot that I got a slight burn on my finger and there was a small orange spark that came from part of the linkage. The included image is before the spark. It was took dark to get a picture of it afterward.
The shop that I took it to told me that the linkage cable had gone out and that it would take $320 to get a new one from the dealership and install it.
I'm wondering if the transmission is hosed, too. I would appreciate your thoughts.
AnswerKeith,
The only way to know if the transmission is messed up is to get the shifter repaired/replaced and drive the car. I would not think the shifter would cause transmission damage. The shift interlock itself can be defeated by pushing in on the button that is covered on the shifter cover.
