Transmission will not engage why?

DERREAK RYE

MEMBER
2006 NISSAN FRONTIER
4.0L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
165,000 MILES

Desperately seeking, advise overdrive started going in and out after warmed up, then lose all gears put it in neutral, coast then I put in gear had gears for ten seconds then none got it home and parked it for two months. Drained fluid looked like motor oil put new fluid back in got in it started it up put in drive, had all gears long enough to go through all the gears then nothing. Stopped for twenty seconds barely got first then nothing. Repeated stopping and going until I got it home. I am hopping I can do it myself I cannot afford another transmission. I have got opinions but need professional advice. Am I able to save my auto transmission? Can someone please point me in the right direction?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using two CarPros.com. Please understand that this could be the result of several things. However, if the fluid was as dirty as you mentioned, it is possible that it is too late to repair.

First, I want you to go through the following checks. Keep in mind, I realize that you cannot drive it, but as you continue, it will provide different conditions and solutions.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

I do recommend that you have the computer scanned, as described in the aforementioned link. Here is a video for doing that:

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

Please note, a trouble code from the computer can be very helpful. It can identify the exact cause of the issue or help identify a possible problem.

One additional thought is if there is a pressure issue. I have attached a picture of your transmission which indicates the transmission pressure test port. You will need a gauge to check, but most of the nationally recognized parts stores will lend you one. The second picture is what the pressures should be. If it is low, the trans will not go into gear and is most likely the result of a bad front pump. At that point, the is most likely internal damage to the clutch/friction plates and the transmission will need to be overhauled.

I hope this helps. It is confusing, but follow the directions in the links above as well as what I suggested.

Cheers,
Joe

PS: The second picture looks blurry until you enlarge it.

Images (Click to make bigger)