97 Quest 1st gear RMP's HIGH to Redline

My 97 Quest is Automatic, on 1st gear the RMP's go HIGH to Redline if I allow it to. If I release the Gas Pedal Then it will change gears and go into 2nd gear not allowing it to Redline. So pretty much am controlling the gear changes like you would in a manual transmission but without the Clutch in this instance. 2nd and 3rd gear work fine after that unless I floor it then the engine RPM's go high FAST (to Redline if I dont release the gas pedal) as if it was on Neutral or Park. I have to press the gas nice and easy when on 2nd and 3rd gear. Could it be my transmission that is going out or a sensor? PLEASE HELP!

I assume fluid is at correct level.
When was the transmission filter and fluid changed?
Have you checked for any codes? Try autozone, checkers, etc most will do for free.

Possible control valve assembly or shift solenoid valve malfunction.

Also go to the Service Manual thread below this thread, this is a Nissan factory service manual.(Villager and Quest are the same) Click on downloads, then click on FSM's, click on Nissan, scroll down to Quest. Go to the Automatic Transmission section ( should be first one) go to page 58 Self-Diagnostic Procedure No Tools.

Hope this helps.

Nice! Thanks! I am going to try a few of these things!

I did get the fluid changed but not the filter! I have never changed that! Should I get it changed?

Definetly I am going to look for any codes.........

How many miles on vehicle?

How many miles on the fluid change?

Once you have done all the tests you want to I would consider dropping the pan on tranny. This will tell you a couple of things, 1-condition of filter (could be plugged from age or if you had the tranny flushed with a flushing machine which I am not a fan of) 2- there is a magnet on the pan which will collect any metal filings which can tell you if there are any possible internal problems.

If the filter is very dirty it could cause fluid starvation.

I have never changed the filter on the Transmission. Only the fluid. I changed the fluid about 3 months ago. The car has 150,000 miles. I went to Auto Zone borrowed their code reader and "P0744 Torque Converter CKT Intermittent" came up. Should I go with changing the fluid filter first to see if this is starving the Torque Converter from shooting the fluid and creating the pressure needed? Thanks again for all your help!

I think it would be well worth the time to do it. Filter will clogg just like air filters or oil filters. A clooged filter could very well cause the torque convertor to loose it prime and starve the tranny.

Does the shifting change at all from cold to normal transmission operating temperature.

Changing the trans fluid and filter a do yourselfer can perform easly.

Thanks for getting back to me.

When cold it seems to perform a little better but it use to be the other way around (about 1 month ago).