Hello. I have a 2004 Nissan 350Z with 138,000 miles. Yesterday, I put it in reverse, backed out then put it in drive. It took a couple of seconds to kick into drive (just sat there). I noticed the same issue a couple of times in the past but it was not as bad. I've never had to have any engine work on this car and have never replace the timing chain. Any suggestions as to what the problem might be? Thank you in advance for your input.

 

Make sure you stop the car fully. Do a drain/fill and if it's not doing anything while driving then I wouldn't worry about it

 

With 138k miles on the chassis, I would recommend taking it to a shop and having a drain & fill done on the auto trans. Make sure the filter screen is inspected and cleaned. Do not "flush" the transmission. If a transmission service(s) have already been skipped a flush will most likely cause more damage. To my knowledge, ATs on 350Zs and G35s are very reliable assuming the maintenance schedule is followed and the owner follows the DOs and DON'Ts of driving an automatic. Also make sure to use Nissan OEM ATF, I would personally only trust a Nissan/Infiniti specialist for this type of service.

Good Luck! Hope it's nothing serious.
-Icer

 

Ya, I honestly meant "drain and fill" I didn't even know "flushing" was something different (I haven't owned many A/T cars)

 

Flushing involves chemical cleaners and/or power/pressure flushing. While the theory is good, the truth is, flushing takes out built up coatings on the clutch/band/gearsets (whatever's applicable) and any tolerance fits tend to loosen up a little quicker than normal use. Shop I managed offered such flushes but I NEVER recommended them over drain & fill - despite mgmt pressures to up shop revenues for this reason. If we did full transmission replacements then maybe... laff....