Automotive Forums

This is the first time I've had a driveability issue with my Pathfinder. Mileage is 78,000 and I changed the tranny fluid and filter about 10,000 miles ago. The pan at that time was clean with no metal fragments. Used 8-9 quarts of Nissan D tranny fluid. Anyway, I am getting 3 potential transmission issues and need to know where to start.

The first issue is when I shift from reverse to drive, there is a 1 to 2 second pause before it engages in drive so I can accelerate. It doesn't matter if the operating temp is cold or hot.

The second issue is as I am coasting >50mph and slow to 30-35mph and try to accelerate, the tranny doesn't downshift to 3rd or 2nd. But when I floor it, it abuptly downshifts to 1st and nearly red-lines until I back off of it.

Another transmission issue it is exhibiting is a whirring noise while coasting between 20 and 25mph with the overdrive on. When traveling at this speed and coasting and switching overdrive off, the whirring noise goes away. Switch it on at this speed, the noise is back. What could be causing this noise?

Fluid looks and smells new. The level is fine.

Where do I start?

Any help would be appreciated.  

any stange noise would indicate internal trouble.could be planet failure which is common with this transmission.without hearing the noise its all guessing?  

Yes.  The planetary gear failed about 4 weeks ago and I needed a transmission. I bought a factory rebuilt tranny and had it installed now it is exhibiting about a 1 second pause.  When it was initially installed, it did not have any pause.  WTF?  

You either have a problem with the internal hydraulic circuits in the transmission or a problem with the electronic transmission control module.  Since you just purchased the trans, hopefully it came with some sort of warranty - I suggest you take it back to where you had it installed and have them fix it.