Nissan Repair: 2000 Maxima, pan gasket, electronic valve

Question

-------------------------

Followup To

Question -
Hi Von,

I have a 2000 Maxima with 63k.  My problem is after starting the car in the morning, the car hesitates for a few seconds before it kicks into gear.  It only happens when the car sits overnight and no other time during the day.  I just had the 60k service and that didn't eliminate the problem.  Any ideas?  Thanks, Rich.

Answer -
Rich,

There was a service bulletin on the 2000 Maxima that delt with the electronic valve body.  It requires that the servos be replaced.  Hate to tell you that since you are out of warranty.  But, that is what I had on my 2000 Maxima and it cured the problem.  If you park it in a garage overnight it will not do the hesitation thing.  But, if the car gets cold enough the car will hesitate until it gets warm.  If you can live with it and drive nice for a few miles you can get by.  But, the fix is as indicated.

Thanks Von. Is this a transmission problem? How much do you think it will cost to replace the servos?

Answer
Rich,

If it is the servos you are looking at a grand to get it corrected.  Now, have you had the fluid checked to make sure that it is full and have you changed it and the filter?  If the filter gets clogged up and the fluid is dirty that could cause the hesitation until the fluid was sucked through the dirty filter and things got pumping.  Change the filter and fluid first and then see if things get better before you go the distance and have the servos replaced.  Cheap insurance getting the fluid and filter changed.  If you do it yourself it is under $30 bucks for the filter, pan gasket and four quarts of fluid.