Nissan Repair: Slugish start then nothing, nissan cefiro, automatic gearbox

Question
Hey Von iv just been given a 98 Nissan cefiro with a  Rb20e by a family member because they have had problems with the automatic gearbox. They said they had started it cold and were  entering a busy road and the car took off but then it was as if it was in nuteral. she put it into low (thinking it could have been in netural) and after she put it back into drive it worked fine. but her son had the same problem a few days after . do you have any idea what this could be? and if its a quick fix or if it needs new gear box or something . Thanks heaps
Philip

Answer
Philip,

Sounds like the valve body on the automatic transmission is pluggin up and not allowing the shift to occur.  I would change the fluid first and if that does not do the trick the valve body or governor is plugging and will have to be disassembled and cleaned and then reassembled.  And, with the age and miles you would probably just go for a rebuild kit that includes new bands and clutches.  Another option is a salvage yard unit as a replacement.