Maxima Auto Trans Stuck in 1st Gear!

[co172]

I rencently had a problem with my super reliable 1985 Nissan Maxima. I drove somewhere with no problem, but when I left, the (automatic) transmission would not shift out of first to second gear no matter where the shifter was set. It slips some when set to D (drive), but not really when set to 1st. It has been that way ever since. The history of the transmission is as follows: I bought the car @ about 80k miles. All has been well. I flushed the transmission with Mobil 1 synthetic ATF at 155k. Now at about 162k things are broken. For this particular problem, the service manual says the following are possible causes in order of probability:

1. Control cable
2. Throttle wire
3. Oil quality
4. Control valve
5. Govenor valve
6. Band brake
7. Oil passage leak

I've checked and adjusted items 1 and 2 with no success. I checked the fluid level carefully for item 3. It is not burned or particularly dirty after 7k miles and synthetic ATF. Items 4-7 require some significant disassembly. I am probably capable of the following items if needed:

A. Have transmission professionally flushed.
B. Replacing the valve body with a remanufactured unit.
C. Inspect and replace governor shaft assembly.

As these items all require some significant time and/or money, is there one I should try first or is it most likely a failure in the clutches/brakes that I won't want to mess with? Is it time to dump the reliable Maxima? Any suggestions or experience is welcomed. Th

[Nahkapohjola]

First evaluate if u 1. like it, 2. how much its worth, 3. how much u have to invest to keep it runnin next 4yrs (rust, shocks, axles, engine). 4. Then compare with used tranny price etc. If u love it, 2-4 is not needed... just keep it. Mileage is not yet at halfway house, most likely next 200k miles will be cheapest ever...

I dont know 85 model - does it have electronics A/T control? If so, checking that the wires going to the box are healthy, solenoid for 2nd gear gets 'juice', is imperative. To 89- A/T valve upgrade package costs under 50$, electric solenoid pack about 150$ from nissan. Check links here http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/24

[co172]

I do like it and no, it's not worth much, but has been super reliable until now. I recently redid the whole suspension, driveaxles, brakes, and belts (including t-belt), so there is a lot of time invested in the car that I don't want to go to waste.

In regards to the transmission, it is unfortunately not electronically controlled (no solenoid packs) except for the overdrive and torque converter lockup relays.

That was a good Maxima resource you posted from CarDomain. Is that your own page?

[Nahkapohjola]

Originally Posted by co172

... CarDomain. Is that your own page?

Yes. I was quite at loss when I got that -93 VGE some yrs ago, sputterin at 60k. Had to dig deep and decided to write 'the journey' and pic...

I dont think 'lack of electronics' makes the 85 model any worse, lots of trouble spots 'missing'. After what you have done, no question: repair the box. Try first the valve pack, seek replacement tranny. ... Check your PM.