Nissan 1993 240SX stuck in 1st or 3rd - digital display bad

1993 NISSAN 240SX
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LUNY23
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mileage: 140000 automatic; intermittent problem of shifting. Starts out in 1st gear won't shift to 2nd. Sometimes will "jump" into 2nd, sometimes have to stop, restart. which sometimes works. This happens about 60% of the time. Also, at a stop light, after it has been shifting fine, it gets stuck in 3rd in starting out and won't shift to 4th. I usually pull the car off the road, turn off, restart which is effective 75% of the time.

The digital display mostly doesn't work, but does come on about 5% of the time. The radio and dashboard lights & tachometer (of course) don't work, , but oil, gas, door open chimes do work. Oh, the radio light came on the other night for 5 seconds. If the digital display (+ heads-up display) does come on, it will stay on till car turned off. Start back up - display is gone.

Automatic transmission, computer, computer sensor - all fine. Replaced sensor, all injectors, spark plugs & wires & more not related. No one (Nissan dealership, transmission shop, electrical shop, import repair shops) can fix this.

Heat / Cold -- not a factor. Please help - I'm at a loss !!
Feb 19, 2007 at 11:59 AM
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KIN CHAN
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call me..i need more info...we workon 70 %...no sweat.i can nail this
kin chan
Feb 19, 2007 at 10:42 PM
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LUNY23
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[quote:4290a351db="kin chan"]call me..i need more info...we workon 70 %...no sweat.i can nail this
kin chan
relable auto
281 373 1774[/quote:4290a351db]

will do .. Tues 2/20/07
Feb 20, 2007 at 9:20 AM
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LUNY23
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Thanks, Kin, for the telephone call and lots of information about my 240SX having difficulties getting out of 1st or 3rd gears. It's an auto transmission with maybe 140000 miles. The digital speedometer & digital heads-up display also work intermittently. Taking your info, I found out the following:

Monitor the Vehicle Speed Senor (VSS) signal at the Transmission Control Module (TCM), may be dropping at times, without the problem occuring. Potential cause of problem: VSS signal.

Only a few 240's with this problem. It was unclear whether a code was set for the VSS signal or not. In that case a poor connection was found but unsure where. The VSS signal is sent to the TCM from the speedometer.

I've talked with one certified auto electrician who passed on it - he's the electric Guru of our area (??!); found anouther certified guy who will take a shot at it without charging an arm and a leg for more diagnostics. Will keep a post on this, in case other Nissan owners have this same complaint. Thanks again, Kin, you were just so generous with your knowledge. A great guy!! :D
Feb 22, 2007 at 11:14 AM
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NISMOPINOY7O2
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Has anyone come to a solution on this? I have the same issue and I have already changed my VSS. Still same problem. Any other ideas on what to check?
Oct 19, 2010 at 7:38 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.