Solved the AT gear hesitation problem!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,782
Likes: 7
From: Orlando, FL
Solved the AT gear hesitation problem!
I finally solved this problem that has plagued me for 2 years ever since I bought the G used. The problem I was having has to do with cold starting the car in the mornings when I shift from reverse to drive, and the car would not get into gear until 5 sec later.
What I did to solve the problem was easier than I expected: Drain and refill the differential fluid and transmission fluid. I did these jobs on separate weekends in my parking lot. The rear diff fluid was pretty dark and had a terrible odor, and contained a lot of sludge stuck to the magnetized drain plug. The tranny fluid was a dark purple color compared to the new cherry red J-Matic fluid purchased from the Nissan dealer. I think the combination of these simple maintenance services has made a big difference with the way my transmission shifts, whether from a cold start or warm start. I'm glad I was able to fix this problem without resorting my time at a dealership
, and I hope this info serves useful for those who may be running to a similar problem as I had.
What I did to solve the problem was easier than I expected: Drain and refill the differential fluid and transmission fluid. I did these jobs on separate weekends in my parking lot. The rear diff fluid was pretty dark and had a terrible odor, and contained a lot of sludge stuck to the magnetized drain plug. The tranny fluid was a dark purple color compared to the new cherry red J-Matic fluid purchased from the Nissan dealer. I think the combination of these simple maintenance services has made a big difference with the way my transmission shifts, whether from a cold start or warm start. I'm glad I was able to fix this problem without resorting my time at a dealership
, and I hope this info serves useful for those who may be running to a similar problem as I had.
How much fluid came out of the tranny? I plan on doing mine soon and usually draining just the tranny will get rid of about 40% of the fluid. The rest is locked up in the TC and cooler. I plan on draining my tranny and refilling then driving for a week. Then I'll drain it again and call it good. That should get about 70% or so of the old fluid out. Make sure you measured exactly what came out because it far easier to do the refill that way.
As for the diff fluid, that stuff is always nasty and hardly breaks down unless you tow and drive at really high speeds for prolonged periods of time. The material you saw stuck to the magnet is typical from the initial messing of the gears. It's nothing to worry about.
As for the diff fluid, that stuff is always nasty and hardly breaks down unless you tow and drive at really high speeds for prolonged periods of time. The material you saw stuck to the magnet is typical from the initial messing of the gears. It's nothing to worry about.
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,782
Likes: 7
From: Orlando, FL
A tranny drain and refill job removes approx. 4 quarts of fluid. I should also mention that the size of the tranny pan drain plug is a 3/4" socket size. This is the only non-metric bolt/nut I've found on the G when doing maintenance work.
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