Overdrive

Tiny
JFAST
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 NISSAN MAXIMA
Transmission problem 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 150000 miles

I recently replaced the tranny in my '94 Maxima. The two trannys were an EXACT match. However the replacement tranny will not shift into overdrive under any circumstances. It was shifting fine when it came out of the donar car. The O/D light goes on when I hit the button. All fuses are good. Electrical conections at the tranny seem to be clean and tight.

I replaced the old tranny because it was really slipping and the fluid looked like chococlate milk, but it would slip into O/D when I could get it up to speed.

Any ideas? Thanks
Sunday, May 2nd, 2010 AT 10:26 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi Jfast,

Thank you for the donation.

Possible causes for OD not working are :

Inhibitor switch or control linkage misadjusted

No revolution sensor, speed sensor or fluid
temperature sensor signal.

Damaged overdrive switch, shift solenoid "A" or brake band.

Since wire couplers seems tight, disconnect the connectors and recheck if any of the pins are bent to ensure it is not the cause.

Sometimes trans controls valves might stick for a while after installation due to storage and would clear out with a little driving. Ensure the trans fluid level is correct.
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Monday, May 3rd, 2010 AT 11:18 AM
Tiny
REBECCA ALFORD
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Thank you I have a similar issue
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Thursday, January 19th, 2017 AT 6:02 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Hey REBECCA,

I would replace the thermostat because if it is stuck open the computer will not go into closed loop so it wont go into overdrive.

Here is a guide to help you out.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

Please let us know what happens so it will help others

Best, Ken
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Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 AT 9:55 AM
Tiny
THEBILLY85
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have a similar problem my car has 270xxx and every once and a while it will not shift in to od at about 45 to 55 mph. It drives just fine most of the time the check engine light comes on and off randomly and will make the cooling fans run. Maybe someone can point me in the right direction. Thanks
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Wednesday, February 14th, 2018 AT 10:08 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Yep it sounds like you have a transmission shaft speed sensor that is going out the check engine light is the clue lets run the codes to confirm the issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken
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Thursday, February 15th, 2018 AT 10:33 AM
Tiny
THEBILLY85
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for the info I'll do that and let y'all know what I find
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Thursday, February 15th, 2018 AT 7:48 PM

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