Guys, I had a service engine soon light come up. I went to the Infiniti dealer and it read "fr/b solenoid problem". He said the only solution is to replace the transmission which will cost over $4000. Can you guys shed some light on the issue if there is any.

Thank in you advance. Car is a 2003 G35 sedan with 70k.

 

if that is the case, i would suggest you buy a used transmission...they can be found for around 1k

 

How can I check the exact date of production of my car (I have the dingy-trunk lid). On car-part, there are different choices based on production period. Are they compatible?

 

The solenoids are in the valve body - not the transmission?!?! But, if you want to get a new one, this looks interesting http://www.speedforceracing.com/prod...ansmission.php

 

I also looked at the speedforceracing site and was very interested until I read their fine print :
"Our core policy on automatic transmissions and torque convertors is: We must recieve a good condition transmission and/or torque convertor. If there is any damage to the gears,splines,casing,etc......your core charge will not be returned. We have the right to determine what would be considered "good condition"
While I understand they do not want crap comming in, their determination on what is good is HIGHLY subjective and more importantly, it seems that they just want the additional money for the core;
"If you are unsure of what condition your transmission or torque convertor is in, then we would suggest paying the core charge and allowing us to source the parts." So that then makes for a $5500.00 tranny!

 

My tentative plan of action - get a used one. I checked my local yards they have 3 from low mileage g35s for $700-$800 dollars with 6 month warranty. I just have to know which exact month/year my G is from.

 

Because there were year to year changes and a early external TCU were intergrated into [inside] AT in later models.

Date of production on door jam plate along with VIN.

 

Yeah, I was a little worried about that part too!

 

Some valve body upgrades include replacing certain solenoids. Track down one of the guys that modifies valve bodies (there aren't too many and the best one is somewhere in Cali if I remember right). You could get lucky and it could be repairable. He may even have the part lying around.

Pulling the valve body isn't hard, it is pretty messy though. For some reason Nissan doesn't sell valve bodies independent of the auto tranny. They only come as a full set.

 

My trans shop has solenoids that he could easily have used to replace the ones in my VB. I would expect most specialty trans shops would be able to get them.

How do I know... See my story thread

 

Well guys update. While the dealer said I need a new transmission (I originially came in asking for more transmission oil to be added), I went to a tranny specialist and he said the transmission is fine. He added some J-matic, and the light went off (or he reset it - my dad went to him cause I had class). He said the SES light was for f"/b brake solenoid" and it has to do something with the front brakes, and not the transmission. He drove the car and it shifted very smoothly.
Checking this site: http://www.titantruckz.com/kb/index.php?print=56
it was code P1757. Any one know what exactly this is referring to?

 

Actually, it has nothing to do with the brakes. The solenoid makes the tranny have a braking effect like a manual tranny when you leave it in gear. It's great the fix was so simple, but I'd definitely investigate why your tranny is loosing fluid.

 

I hope you called the dealer back and told him he's an azz!

 

DaveB, the reason why I was losing oil was that there was a small leak in the transmission oiler cooler lines, which are now replaced.

sliderg, believe me if it was in fact solved with just adding the fluid (I'll really drive it tomorrow for an extended period of time and see), then the service guy as well as infiniti custiomer service is getting a mouthful.