Nissan XTerra Forum banner

Slipping out of gear

2.9K views 9 replies 4 participants last post by  Xtre  
#1 ·
Hey guys, I’ve got a 2000 se 3.3 4x4 auto with 168k miles. Never changed transmission fluid but it doesn’t smell burnt and still reddish in color. When driving around at 40 miles per hour or 65 miles an hour and I just keep very light pressure on the gas pedal it will go into neutral. As soon as I let off the gas it immediately goes back into gear. It never does this under hard acceleration and shifts smooth as butter just like it’s supposed to. It seems to absolutely hate it when I’m just barely pushing the gas to maintain whatever speed I’m currently going, 25,35,45,55, or 65. Anyone have any ideas what’s wrong? If I’ve not provided enough info just let me know. Only codes atm are ABS, knock sensor, and fuel temp sensor. Thanks
 
#3 ·
Transmission fluid is not just about lubrication. The fluid chemistry is pretty complex and over time the heat of operation burns off and diminishes varies amounts of these critical chemical components. Changing the transmission fluid is as much about refreshing the chemistry as anything else.
 
#4 ·
Fluids for wearable parts of the vehicle should always be changed at regular intervals regardless of how often you drive the vehicle.
I only drive my 2004 Xterra a couple of times a week but I change the engine oil every six months whether it needs it or not.
The same should be done with the transmission.
Even if the trans fluid is not burned it can build up particulate material from normal wear of the gears, bearings, and clutch plates.
This particulate matter floating in the fluid could create shifting problems if it builds up too much.
I don't know off the top of my head but it probably states in the manual what the recommended mileage interval is for changing the fluid.
Even if you don't drive it very much moisture can condense inside the transmission, so it should be flushed at least once every couple of years regardless of the mileage.
This would apply to all automatic transmissions, not just Xterra's.
 
#6 ·
Update: I checked TPS connection and found no visible corrosion but I cleaned them up a little bit and applied a small amount of dielectric grease anyways. Then I did a drain and fill on the transmission. Figured it was time to use that 5 quarts of Castrol transmission fluid I bought over 10 years ago. Drained out almost exactly 1 gallon of old and replaced with 4 quarts of “fresh”.

The first 2 times I took her for a drive didn’t seem like it improved anything. But now it’s been driving good since then, only slipping out of gear one time.

But we must keep our expectations tempered because it has “fixed” itself several times over the last year and a half. Regardless im going to do another drain and fill this weekend since I think it helped and that odd quart I had left over is really bothering me.
 
#7 ·
Update: I checked TPS connection and found no visible corrosion but I cleaned them up a little bit and applied a small amount of dielectric grease anyways. Then I did a drain and fill on the transmission. Figured it was time to use that 5 quarts of Castrol transmission fluid I bought over 10 years ago. Drained out almost exactly 1 gallon of old and replaced with 4 quarts of “fresh”.

The first 2 times I took her for a drive didn’t seem like it improved anything. But now it’s been driving good since then, only slipping out of gear one time.

But we must keep our expectations tempered because it has “fixed” itself several times over the last year and a half. Regardless im going to do another drain and fill this weekend since I think it helped and that odd quart I had left over is really bothering me.
Sounds like progress. Another drain and fill will be a step in the right direction.
 
#10 ·
Poor mans tranny flush passenger side tranny tube to radiator comes off (I drilled the sheet metal next to the radiator to make the hose connection easier) Mark a 5gallon bucket gallons to Qts take out 2qts at a time refilling after each exactly amount taken see youtube fo how to's...
use Mercon3
not LV stands for low viscosity