Just recently picked up an 03 5AT sedan, and I'm noticing a weird sound. It only happens when it's cold, on the first shift from first to second. Any subsequent shifts into second don't make this noise. It's a grinding sound that only lasts for maybe half a second, a couple seconds before it shifts. The only time I shift into second when it's cold is when I'm driving through my complex, so I'm just barely revving to the shift point, at maybe 15 mph (never looked at the tach when it happens). I'm not sure if it would make the noise when I'm driving faster.

Does anyone have any idea what it could be? I haven't the slightest clue. I didn't notice it when I test drove the thing because it had already warmed up. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

check the ATF level. Better yet, take it to a nissan dealer and get the fluid swaped out for under 200 bucks. I bet that trans is on it's original fluid fill. I think what you're hearing is dry clutch packs rubbing together (not good). Hope this helps.

 

I believe that is just the sound of the ABS setting itself...its normal.

 

This^^

 

Whew, ok. That's a relief. I actually had to brake at the same time that that noise was being made today, and I felt the brake pedal shudder. So it makes sense that it has something to do with the brakes, and not the transmission. I guess it was just coincidence that it always happened right before shifting into second. Thanks!

 

Even if its not directly caused by the trans I'd HIGHLY recommend changing all the fluids since its new to you... you never know how the last guy treated her

 

Is it this Sound?


Then yea its the ABS test noise

 

Damm thats loud...Would it be a simular issue (sound wise) once you drove the car while it was still cold a few feet? Only far quieter. Just wondering for me...TX

 

^ The only reason why it is loud is because the camera is literally next too the ABS pump/solenoids

If its the exact same sound, its 100% normal. Obviously inside the cabin it will be far quieter.

 

Dude, you are the man. Thanks for the 100% confirmation.

Yeah, I'm planning on it. Not a flush, but definitely a fluid change.

 

I did the same thing when I first got mine. Freaked out the first few times too.