94 Terrano Auto Trans rough shift

[adrianp]

Hi All

My Terrano has always had a really rough 1st to 2nd change. The funny thing is that when its under load (towing a 1.5t jetboat) it changes smooth as. My Mechanic reckons its normal. She has 265/70R15 on which aren't quite the right size (maybe?).

It also never changes down to 1st when you come to a stop. So when you go to take off it starts in second, then changes down to first which is kind of anoying.

I've also go a aftermarket trans cooler fitted which makes me wonder if its running too cold?

[darinz]

A lot of Nissans have 2nd gear start so I wouldn't worry about that.
If you are towing a lot then the trans cooler is 100% essential and the factory trans cooler is responsible for alot of trans failures do to getting blocked.
A hard shift is far better than a slippery shift. You'll probably find that it has a shift kit fitted which is a good thing as well. The hard shift in 1 and 2 solves a problem that trans has with slip causes wear in 1 and 2. It is one of the things the shift kit solves.
If you want to feel a hard shift then come for a ride in my truck with a manual shift auto. At light load it feels like you are dropping a clutch at revs. And my auto uses the same valve body as the Terrano.
The hard shift is better than a trans failing!

[kiwipete]

I noted my '95 was choppy from 1st to 2nd, but after an oil change, filter and after market cooler, its running real sweet.

I just need a blind over the cooler for frosty mornings as it takes at least 10km before it will drop into overdrive.

[muskie]

mine sounds exactly the same as described