2003 Nissan Altima Transmission Flare-Up

Please see note on bottom. This is an example of a Nissan 4speed Automatic Transmission Flare-Up.

You'll notice the engine revs up an extra ~700RPM during the shift between 2nd and 3rd gears. This creates excess transmission heat and is the result of a worn-out / loose band between 2nd and 3rd gear. There is an external fix that involves tightening the band, but I do not know how it is performed.

Unfortunately this is a typical problem for these transmissions. I (thank God!) had an extended warranty on the car that covered the costs of a new transmission.

NEW NOTE: Mike James from Nissan Club posted a video with a mask-fix for this kind of flare. You can watch it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W-O9P6tB44&feature=player_detailpage

NOTE: This problem occurred months before I took the vehicle to the track. Therefore - racing is unrelated to it's failure.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Transmission
• problem
• flare-up
• revs
• high
• Nissan
• Altima
• 2003
• 03
• 02
• 2002
• 04
• 2004

[03altimax]

@Blaster0005

The cost for a dealer-installed transmission is between $1500-2500 USD.

However, you can save up for a new transmission while using what's called a Drop Resistor Mod.

Basically, you replace the Transmission Drop Resistor with one of a different value. Details on this procedure can be found at:

Nissan Club and search for "4spd Auto close to death"

There's a link to a PDF writeup in a user's signature there too.

[TheNXGvideos]

my 03 nissan does this.... i didnt think much off it but i also use the 1-4 gears instead of Drive sometimes and it doesnt happen

[JobeMinacum]

@whatsdare Automatic tranny's have clutch bands chief.

[whatsdare]

Only CVT transmissions have bands. This problem was most likely a valving issue, or a faulty pressure relief solenoid. :)