3rd Generation Maxima (1989-1994)Learn more about the 3rd Generation Maxima here.
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I typed this up for someone who emailed me and I thought it might help some people here (and later I can tell people to search for it)
I have a 5spd so I can't check this test out myself, but it's directly from my 1994 FSM for the automatic tranny, the instructions are the same except for one slight difference in the codes for 6th blink (see below) for limited slip tranny vs non limited slip
hope this helps somebody
how to run the self-diagnostics test on your auto tranny:
1. Start engine and warm it up to normal engine operating temperature.
2. Turn ign switch to "OFF"
3. Set A/T mode switch to "AUTO"
4. Set O/D switch to "ON"
5. Move selector lever to "P" position
6. Turn ign switch "ON" (do not start engine)
7. Power indicator lamp should come on for about 2 seconds
Then:
1. Move selector lever to "D" while depressing brake pedal
2. Turn ign switch "OFF"
3. Set O/D switch to "OFF"
4. Turn ign switch to "ON" (do not start engine)
5. Move selector lever to "2" position
6. Set O/D switch to "ON"
7. Move selector lever to "1"
8. Set O/D switch to "OFF"
9. Depress accelerator pedal fully and release it
10. Check power indicator lamp
Codes:
There should be a longer start signal followed by 10 shorter signals, note which of the 10 short signals is longest
All flickers the same: self-diag OK
1st flicker is longer than others: revolution sensor circuit
2nd flicker is longer: vehicle speed sensor sensor circuit
3rd flicker is longer: throttle position sensor circuit
4th flicker is longer: shift solenoid valve A circuit
5th flicker is longer: shift solenoid valve B circuit
6th flicker is longer: timing solenoid valve circuit for non limited slip tranny(89-94GXE); overrun clutch solenoid valve circuit for limited slip tranny (some, maybe all auto 92-94SE)
7th flicker is longer: torque converter clutch solenoid valve circuit
8th flicker is longer: fluid temperature sensor and A/T control unit power source circuit
9th flicker is longer: engine speed signal circuit
10th flicker is longer: line pressure solenoid valve circuit
lamp does not come on: inhibitor switch, overdrive switch, and throttle position switch circuit
Hey mods could one of you throw this up in the FAQ thread up top....I get a lot of emails about this too. I know people don't read the FAQ much, but it be easier to reference!
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2004 Chevy Tahoe... no really I said 2004 not 1994
What does it mean when I put the car in reverse and after 10ft I hear a pop and the just engine revs? What's the code for that? Oh, BTW auto tranny no longer shifts into 2nd while going fwd. Seriously, anyone have any good scoop on getting my tranny repaired/ rebuilt? Thanks.
Hey CraigB- Thanks for posting this- I haven't tried it yet, but will do it soon. One question- #5 in the first section says "move the selector to P" won't it already be in P when you start the process, or does it assume starting in neutral?
Jaybird- you need a rebuild- mine is not that bad (still get all the gears, just slowly on some shifts) and I am getting a rebuild this weekend. Now I will be POOR !!!
I've run the self-diagnostics on my 1992 Nissan Maxima SE and found
that the 1st Flicker is the longest. That means the "Revolution Sensor
Circuit" may be faulty. I have searched Google about the "Revolution
Sensor Circuit" but it did not give me any ideas.
Well, to check for VLSD, how about do a road test? Just drive it hard and see how it shifts....no slip between shifts? You got VLSD
The car accelerates erratically, suddenly starts going faster and although
the transmission setting is set to "A/T" Auto the "Power" light comes on
for a few seconds and then blinks a few times and then goes off !! So weird !
Automatic tranny slipping and engine flairs real bad...
... I was given this 91 Maxima. It will barely pull itself down the road. One of the Mechanics at the dealership said it could very possibly be EGR related. Does that make any sense to any of you?
Question, are there two overdrives in my 91se. I notice when my car shifts to OD, the rpm's go down once more, like another OD. When the car heats up it seems to shift down slightly (but not to 3rd) at 45 to 55 mph especially going up hill. It's annoying. The rpms will go up and down by a couple hundred at certain MPH's or uphill, then I'll get pissed and just stomp on it so it stops. What's the deal.
... I was given this 91 Maxima. It will barely pull itself down the road. One of the Mechanics at the dealership said it could very possibly be EGR related. Does that make any sense to any of you?
Yes. Dont ever go to that mechanic again.
I was in a similar situation 2yrs ago, except already knew how I would be pissed around in the shop mechs, did not go. Jumped in myself as had the time, and started studying the max. Tried the chiltons crap book - I surely regret that 25$ investment still!
Now max is healthy as ever. Took pics 'along the route'. Writeups are here for free for u to seek what your problem could be, click on: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/1
Gears 3&4 lock mechanically after 20min warmup over 45mph, and stay on - steady drive. At the lockup engine rpm's drop about 300, saves gas 10%. Gears unlock again on heavier acceleration. Works nice, IF (see above).
Question, are there two overdrives in my 91se. I notice when my car shifts to OD, the rpm's go down once more, like another OD. When the car heats up it seems to shift down slightly (but not to 3rd) at 45 to 55 mph especially going up hill. It's annoying. The rpms will go up and down by a couple hundred at certain MPH's or uphill, then I'll get pissed and just stomp on it so it stops. What's the deal.
the other "shift" you're feeling is the lockup activating and deactivating.
Gears 3&4 lock mechanically after 20min warmup over 45mph, and stay on - steady drive. At the lockup engine rpm's drop about 300, saves gas 10%. Gears unlock again on heavier acceleration. Works nice, IF (see above).
Thanks. I'll check out those links. Mine works nicely for a while then when the car is hot it will go haywire bouncing in and out of lock out between 45 to 55 mph especially on an incline.
Your tranny bouncing in and out of overdrive lockup between 45-55mph sounds normal for a 4 speed auto on a incline....
Depends how u push pedal, how many degrees is the incline. Speedy push and youll loose direct gear lockup [nothing to do with OD]. You could try to direct wire it with a sw, but I suspect the box will blow if its demended too much torque, so this computer calculated feature is also a safety mech.
Dirty TCU connectors definitely make the out jumping asthmatic... clean well. And check voltage levels.
I tried the self diagnostic procedure you presented and I was able to identify the problem. The problem is with the Revolution Sensor Circuit. Now what is the next step. Any suggestion before I get taken by the Nissan dealers?
Car is Nissan Maxima 1994, GXE, SHOC, Production date: October 93
Will the above procedure work on an 89 GXE ???
Both of the P and C lights in my switch are burnt out (I replaced them with LEDS, and wanted to know if that would have any effect on the test)
Thanks !
Troy
**edit** nevermind my newbie self.... I saw that it covers 89-94 in my FSM
Thanks anyway !
How were you able to get the switch open to replace the lights w/ LEDs?
[quote=894DSC]Will the above procedure work on an 89 GXE ???
Both of the P and C lights in my switch are burnt out (I replaced them with LEDS, and wanted to know if that would have any effect on the test)
Thanks !
Hey my tranny has been too acting funny the past couple of days. Have never had a problem, but lately I have noticed that trans won't shift to 4th (usually shifted @45mph) until it has been fully warmed up. It's really kind of frustrating since I hadn't had the problem before. Any ideas? Is it possibly a electrical problem? Thanks in advance for your input.
96 Green A/T gone
94 Pathfinder POS GONE! | 79 Camaro sold
98 I30t Silver on black A/T gone | 96 Granite Pearl (AKA Purple) A/T gone
92 grey VE A/T gone | 96 I30 Black gone
92 maroon VE A/T gone | 92 white VE M/T gone
92 grey VE A/T gone | 6/84 L24E last of the RWD Maxima gone
i wish i saw this thread about 3 weeks ago when my 71k tranny suppsedly died.....i took it all apart (the tranny) and nothing was broken...... so i suspected the torque converter... this was all after i took it apart.....
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1991 Dodge Strealth R/T 5 speed 145,520 miles rebuilt motor and trans with LOTS AND LOTS OF NEW PARTS!!! asking $3000 obo....
no more maxima
current daily driver:
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9L limited
no really I said 2004 not 1994 
it does have a replaceable filter/screen 
Linear Mode
