Anyone know if you can get a tranny software update so that the manual mode shifts like the coupe, instead of automatically going to 4rth gear max gear selection. I think the manual mode is absolutley useless on the 03.5 sedan the way it is designed.

 

There is at least one TCU reflash available from Infiniti. Check with local dealers; they can do it for you if they want to. It significantly improved shifting patterns on my car.

But I can't agree with the criticisms about the manu-matic mode. I very much appreciate it's function. If it doesn't up shift when you tell it to under WOT, it's because you are shifting too soon and would drop the rpms into a low power range if it shifted when you tried to. If it doesn't down shift when you try, it's because you would over-rev the engine.

For me, it's as much fun as a stick and a lot less work!

 

+1

I used to have a 5MT Maxima SE with a HD clutch. Bumper-to-bumper traffic was hard on me and the car both. The auto-tranny "reflash" on my 5AT G35s was a good improvement over the orginal program, for sure. But... I still miss having a manual transmission sometimes.

 

there is a TSU reflash available from a DEALER?!?! details, please!!!!!!!!!!!!! /me subscribed

 

Yes, there is a reflash. Mine was specific to the sedan. I have been told that there are other reflashes specific to other models/years.

The "secret code" complaint for the dealer is, "When shifting from reverse into drive there is a delay in engagement". Tell the dealer the reflash is in the Asist (which is Nissan and Infinitit's service manuals, software updates, etc.) under tools, then ecm/tcm updates, punch in model year and model of vehicle then it pops up right there (or so an Infiniti tech told me!)

 

excellent. now the $10000 question is - will it work on a transmission that already has a Stillen Valve Body upgrade.

 

For anybody who isn't sure what they're talking about. On earlier 2003 models with the 5AT, they had an older version of the TCM software, 31036-AL000. A lot of people complained about sluggish response, long shifts, even with the manumatic. Infiniti came out with an updated version of the TCM programming that was put in later models.

You can have your dealer do a TCM reprogram. The key is to talk to one of the master techs at your dealership, not the service advisor. The service advisor will confuse what you're asking for with the replacement part number for a new TCM. They can hook up the CONSULT-II and reprogram your TCM to version 31036-AL004 software for the sedan and the 31036-AL013 for the coupe.

 

I guess I'll have to beg to speak to a Master Tech next time I'm in because I've asked for this reflash on my 03 and they didn't know what the hell I was talking about. I told them the flash part number, where to find, and how to contact Infiniti if they couldn't figure it out. Their response was the 5AT shifted normally, no problems

 

that would be a waist of your money,i had mine done and its a little better but not much.

 

I had the reflash done by the dealer and I can't really see much difference. I always drive in MM mode and I was hoping it would make the shifts more instantaneous, but no, it still takes its time shifting.

 

This is exactly what I asked my local dealership to do. They, too, did not know what I was talking about. I gave them the program number as mentioned earlier. I left the car overnight for other maintenance with a request for the new download. They said they would call Infiniti the next day to see if it was available/possible. When I returned to pick up the car the next afternoon, all the service work was done, including the new TCM download. They told me it took about 15-20 minutes from start to finish. They did it for no charge, and it really did make a positive change in the way the car shifts.