19th Jan 2009, 11:33

The shifting problem is noted in a Nissan technical service bulletin. If your dealers are not telling you about it, go to another dealer. There is a ground wire issue with the solenoid in the transmission. Some can be soldered (the connection is bad). If they cannot be soldered, they'll have to replace the solenoid assembly. That is the problem with a bunch of Altimas... not just 2005. Don't pay dealer parts or labor rates if you can find a good ASE certified master mechanic who can do the work (but it must be a reputable shop). You can even find OEM parts online. Ask if a local shop will allow you to provide the parts. I did that with a Honda O2 sensor. The shop wanted $220 to replace it. I bought a Nippon-Denso OEM sensor on eBay for $60 and put it in myself.

26th Feb 2009, 12:49

I have a 2005 Altima 2.5SL. I have had the transmission replaced 2 times... The car has not even 56,000 miles on it. So that makes it 3 transmissions total.

At first they replaced the valve body, solenoid package, then tranny. Still had the problems. Then they found a seal leak after the 2nd tranny. That is when I got the 3rd.

What everyone is describing is what I have dealt with. I still feel the jerk sometimes from 1st to 2nd... I can't help but notice it. It can be startling to feel it when you are going slow. It doesn't do it up hills. Sometimes it will thud, re-accelerating after letting off the gas.

I love the way the car looks, but this thing is a pile. I am looking to trade it in I think for a Honda or Acura. I can't believe I have dealt with it as much as I have.

27th Feb 2009, 14:08

I'm not 100% sure, but perhaps it's something to do with Pressure Control Solenoid.

26th Mar 2009, 14:48

Hi everyone, I just bought a salvage-rebuilt 05 Altima, and I am glad I read these comments, because I thought the accident the car was in had something to do with the 1st to 2nd gear shifting issue I am having. After reading everyones post it seems that this is a design flaw for this year Altima. I am wondering if the car will still perform up to 100K miles with this problem without fixing it? Everyone who stated they went in to fix the problem came out with the same issue, wasted money, and became increasingly frustrated with this brand of car.

I am curious to know of someone who has pushed passed this glitch in the gears. I don't plan on investing tons of money in this car after hearing these experiences. As a matter of fact I am going to drive it until the wheels fall off because I don't have a car payment. But I must say I am disappointed in this brand as well. I expected more from the brand and the customer service. I also own a 2009 Titan, and aside from the truck being burly and tiresome to drive, I love it. But the customer service at the dealer is unbearable.

26th Jun 2009, 11:04

My 2006 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE will not shift out of park once I crank it. What is the problem?

4th Jul 2009, 09:39

I own a 2005 Altima, and did not realize this was a major problem until reading all the comments on here. This car had been trouble since I bought it. 1st it was the Power Bar, but after some research Nissan refunded the cost of parts and repair. In April/09 the car had the same jerking while driving at a slow speed, took it to the dealership and was told the transmission solenoid had to be repair; the problem still existed but was not as bad. Now it is July/09 engine light came on last night, will have to take it back to the dealership and is worried what the cost will be. I will never buy another Nissan again. When you buy a new vehicle you expect good service for the first 5 years, we shouldn't be paying for the car plus repairs!!!

10th Jul 2009, 12:58

Too bad that I didn't check the review before I bought my 05 Altima 2.5s, now I am suffering the same 1st-2nd hard shift problem, and I am think to bring the car back to deal to solve the problem... If some one know how to solve or could provide some advise, please feel free to send me email at haochangli@hotmail.com. Thanks a lot!

16th Aug 2009, 08:15

After reading these comments. I think I will be looking into my 2005 Nissan Altima with 24000 miles on it. Think I will go with a Toyota. I have had numerous problems with this car. I do not want to wait for transmission problems. Think I will dump it before it is too late. Thank you for this web site.

With regards, Ray.

2nd Sep 2009, 17:58

I own a 05 Nissan Altima 2.5S. It has the same jerking problem from 1st to 2nd gear at low speed. It's a shame, and my vehicle only has 17,500 miles on it.

I have also have owned Toyotas and Hondas. Their quality is far better I'm sorry to say. I just think Altimas are roomy and better looking than most Toyotas and Hondas in this class.

Sorry to hear everyone is having this problem. I am though mechanically inclined, and I think this will help out the people who are do it yourselfers and those who are not. For those who are not, show this to a good ASE certified mechanic. Those that can fix their own cars and work on their own cars, I believe this will help you out as well.

Do not take your cars back to Nissan, as they are a bunch of jerks and can't even fix the cars they represent! Plus they are rip offs! Follow this step by step manual to fix the jerking problem.

http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/infinitichris/2007-11-22_161004_ntb05-001.pdf

Good luck to all of you!

4th Sep 2009, 04:12

Hi everyone, my brother just bought an 05 Altima. I drove it 3 times already, and each time I noticed the thud while the car is shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. I really thought it was odd, but did not bother to tell my brother because he seems to have noticed nothing unusual.. I'm afraid that my brother would become upset if I point this problem out... what should I do?... I am really hoping that Nissan will acknowledge this problem and fix it...

27th Oct 2009, 18:05

I have a 2005 Altima, 82,000 Km same transmission problems between 1-2 gears and sometimes even between 3-4. Had all the repairs to the transmission done : ground and solenoid changed. I went to an independent and to the dealer. They flushed the transmission oil, changed all the parts they could and $1500.00 later, both of them suggest I buy a new transmission. I have a choice between a Nissan brand new transmission for $3000.00 + labor + taxes with a 1 year warranty or a used transmission for $1900.00 + labor + taxes with a 3 months warranty. From what I am reading, even when you do change your transmission, the problem re-occurs??

I will be going to independents for transmission quotes. I was planning on keeping my car for at least 8 years and am only half way. Will let you know how it turns out.