2004 Nissan Maxima SE from North America - Comments

Where do you buy transmission servos or what is another name for it. I am told you can only buy the transmission valve body for over a $1000 dollars which have the servos in it. I have a 2006 Nissan Maxima that is jerking in 2nd gear. Once I go over 24 mph the car is fine.

To the person who replaced the valve body for 1056.31, was your tranny locked in 5th gear or was it just slipping?

My problem is I added Lucas Tranny Slip Fluid like an idiot and I'm assuming it was too much for the already problematic tranny, so instead of it slipping gears, now it locked in 5th gear.

Not only that, but also the Service Engine Soon light came on, I got a code of P0340. The CamShaft Bank 1 Circuit Sensor I believe. I also noticed I have a broken front motor mount. I just don't know if I should invest in a Valve Body if it's already too late and I have to replace the tranny complete you know? I'm most likely going to replace the front motor mount and the sensor first.

Any input from anyone would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to contact me via e-mail at cperez88lbc@yahoo.com

I have a 2004 Maxima SE 3.5L.

Never had any problems, I have about 70K on the motor and trans.

I've never in my life had any problems with Nissans, and love the fast-shifting transmissions,

but then again, there are all these people with these problems.

Great car, that's all I can say.

To CPerez - my Maxima also locked into 5th gear, it's the camshaft sensor. Erase the code and you'll be OK till you can have it fixed.

Don't feel bad - I'm a dealer and bought two (2) 04 Nissan Maximas - I thought my first purchase was just an unlucky purchase, but the second car did the exact same thing: hard-shifting 1, 2 gear:

First car, replaced fuel filter - nothing. Replaced throttle body - nothing. Sold it back at auction for a loss.

Second car, took to a Nissan dealership, and like many of you, I was told it was this and that and finally that I needed a new transmission (3,800 dollars) - yeah, I don't think so.

Here's the real problem: If the solution is a bad valve body assembly (as the culprit) - then replacing the old VBA may not help (it too is probably bad).. I dunno. What I do know is that I will never buy a Maxima again! fooled me twice - shame on me.

Well gee whiz, don't I feel special joining all of you! 2004 SE with 100K same tranny symptoms as everybody else. Same estimates, causes, etc. Strongly inclined to sell it privately as is for a $3-4k reduction in price see if get any takers. Anybody looking for a cool black on black leather interior tinted windows '04 that needs a tranny? OMG I crack myself up.

As for valve body assembly replacement and tranny fluid discussion, find that very interesting (obviously since price much lower!). Others going back to July 07 have posted same repair with what seems about 50% success rate. Does success depend upon how long the car was driven with the problem? Seems to me if you drive around in 5th gear you are going to fry a clutch or two? Was this the case for the gentleman that recently posted on VBA approach (nice to hear from a mechanic).

And second question - anybody try the fuel filter suggestion?

Go Nissan!!!

HahahahhhahahHAHAHAHAHAHAH... whew.

My wife's 2004 Maxima had the same tranmission symptoms (at 105k miles) and diagnosis from the dealer, replace it with a re-manufactured one for about $3800.

I filed a complaint with Nissan at 1-800-NISSAN1, calmly explaining the situation:

1. How that was very low mileage for that kind of problem

2. That there are over 300 open issue on the NHTSA site for that year transmission and all other comprable cars had 0 to 8

3. That it was a safety issue because of the hard shifting up and down from 1st to 2nd.

They thought it over and agreed to pay 1/2 of the replacement costs!!!

I just dropped my 04 Max off for the valve body replacement, will be approx $1700. I'll post the outcome. - iflylow9.

I also have the same problem with my 2004 Nissan Maxima, but mine started at 82000 miles. I took it to the dealer and they told me that I need a tranny flush, which I did. It work for a couple of months, then it happened again. The hard shift from 1st and 2nd gear. From my home to work it takes me 45 minutes. When I come off the exit, it will remain in 5th gear. I have to turn the car off and then turn it back on, so the car goes back to 1st and 2nd gear with hard jerks. I replaced all 4 mounts, same problem continued. If anybody has any advice or comments, please email me at dtrinidadboy@aol.com

OK, finally got the car back with the new valve body in it. Functions like new, it seems to be the problem when shifting becomes the issue in this car. When warmed up, I had shift shock going from 1 - 2 & 2 - 1, slipping from 2 - 3. When cold, the transmission performed like it should. This has been going on 2 years, finally my check engine light went on and threw a code for the valve body. Seems that Nissan isn't going to replace the part until the code shows it needs replacing. I also contacted 1-800-nissan1 and have a case number, hopefully I'll receive some monetary help? Cost $1762.84.

I have a 2004 Nissan Maxima with 105,000 miles. We replaced the battery and now when the car is cranked it dies. When I push the gas really hard it finally stays cranked. Any ideas on what the problem may be?

Another "HAPPY" '04 Maxima owner here with the same problem. First I can't believe all the run around from Nissan and the Dealer all these years with this trans. problem. I also bought my MAX brand new off the truck after finding it online. Same trans. problem as all the above has brought to light and also a "thumping" in the right front tire area. Had the struts changed (very expensive!) at about 48,000 miles and the problem returned shortly. Later found out, that this might be a wheel bushing problem and corrected for only $300 or so... jury is still out on that one. My question is this in a few parts:

1.) Has anybody got a bottom line answer on this trans. problem?

2.) Has anybody got an answer for the "thumping" noise in the right/left front tire areas -or- had it themselves??

3.) I can't BELIEVE that Nissan knew about this... especially the trans. problem and stood back and did nothing about it, other than milk it for all it's worth to make money on it, which they did... Everyone knows that car companies do recalls for safety issues and not mechanical... but this surely was a mechanical issue for sure!!

It looks like I was way down the line... when clearly this problem was going on for years!!!.. Can anyone please shed some light on my questions!!

And like everyone else, I loved the style of the new Maxima at the time... but I can honestly say I will never buy Nissan again!!!.. All they had to do was "step up" and that would've gone a long way!!!

I have a 2004 Maxima and recently started having problems with the tranny slipping and jerking. Took to dealership and they acted as if it was their first time hearing of the problem. Suggested that I replace the trans. I will be filing a complaint with the NHTSA and Nissan. Nissan need to recall the tranny problem because they know it's a problem. I've had Maxima's for the past 10 years and now I am going to have to switch to something else. Can't trust Nissan anymore.

Okay, so my 04 Maxima did the whole jerkin thing until it gave up on me, so I'm gonna call Nissan and complain, and if nothing is done after reading all the comments, I will file a law suit please email me at delrealsandra@aol.com if you have any info or help for me.

People are FINALLY waking up to the fact that Japanese cars have LOTS of problems. The solution is very simple. Buy a Malibu or a Fusion.