The Nissan Path

New member- first post.
Gold, 1996 pathfinder se 4x4 with over 230000 miles. Original engine and transmission. Recent tune up and minor engine work done. Typically runs strong and smooth. Minor surface rust- originally Georgia vehicle, with newer cooper at3 tires. Needs new cv boots/ joints(?). The vehicle was given to me 2 years ago and other than the death wobbles at certain speeds and gas mileage, I like it. It is a beast in the Ohio snow and our greyhound likes it too.
Transmission fluid was changed approximately 6 months ago and lucas was added to it.
For a while it was having trouble going into the top gear on the highway until it was driven for about 10-15 minutes and given opportunities to go through the gears.
The fluid was checked and found to be a little low. It was topped off.
The same behavior still existed.
Yesterday when accelerating from a stop it was very late leaving first gear and after finally shifting, appeared to slip around between 2nd and 3rd.
It seemed to settle down enough to get home, exhibiting similar but less pronounced behavior.
My questions are-
Does this sound like a soon to be dead/dead transmission?
Has anyone had similar experience?
What might it cost to fix?
Should I sell it and if so what is it worth?
Thank you so much for any and all input!

At that mileage it may be time to let it go. You could probably find a used transmission for cheap, but unless you do the work yourself, you will probably 'invest' more than the vehicle is worth in very short order.

The transmission won't go into the 4th gear until the transmission fluid has warmed up. There is a voltage regulator built into the transmission that will prevent 4th gear until it is warm. Do you have the proper fluid in the tranny? Could you have over filled it?

you should have a ATF dexron III or equivalent rated at 80w90 or 75w90.

Manual or auto trans?

Auto.

It "could" be a sign of a mechanical related failure internal of the transmission. Are there any stored codes? Have you tried checking the TPS or adjusting it per the updated procedure? A line pressure test would be in order to test it further. If it is an internal failure, a used trans would be an option. New rear suspension links or link bushings usually cures the "death wobble," assuming the struts/shocks are in good shape. Whether it's worth fixing is something you have to decided. Hard for us to tell you without looking at the rest of the truck or knowing your financial situation,

As far as the CV boots/joints go. At 230K miles you may as well just get the new (complete) assemblies. I was able to get them new for $50 each. The labor is the same, even if you just want to put boots on them. The whole assembly has to come out but it's not too difficult.

Ok. Update.
The transmission was diagnosed at a specialist. It needs replaced.
2100 for a used transmission/install with a 3 month warranty.
3185 for remanufactured/install with 3 year warranty.
I am leaning toward selling it.
What could I expect to sell it for if I do?
It is as described, with minor surface rust but overall clean w newer cooper at3 tires.

I think you could do better on the price of repair, but it sounds like its time to let it go.

TRUTH ABSOLUTE wrote:Ok. Update.
The transmission was diagnosed at a specialist. It needs replaced.
2100 for a used transmission/install with a 3 month warranty.
3185 for remanufactured/install with 3 year warranty.
I am leaning toward selling it.
What could I expect to sell it for if I do?
It is as described, with minor surface rust but overall clean w newer cooper at3 tires.

As I recently purchased a 99 with a crappy transmission to put a engine and tranny I have from a donor, the answer is, not much. The interior and body on this one is in excellent condition, brand new 31" tires and new rims. I paid $1500 which is definitely on the high side but it was exactly what I was looking for. A 96 with a bad transmission and 230K miles is probably fairly close to it's metal weight junk value.

I found a place that will provide the transmission and installation for about 1700 with a 6 month warranty or 1900 with a 1 year warranty. Or they will install only for 600, including fluid. Any suggestions or thoughts about this? Thanks.

And does anyone know where I can get the transmission at for a great price?

Try Ebay and www.Car-parts.com

Picking up a transmission locally tomorrow for 500. It has 85k on it (that's nothing for a pathfinder I hope??) A friend of the family at a transmission shop will install for 600.
I am going to do it because it feels like a great deal to me.

I am curios as to how your transmission woes went? I have a '96 and know that at some point in the future I will be facing the same ordeal.