Transmission issue with '92 Nissan Maxima?

[Matt Iakhno]

I drive a 1992 Nissan Maxima SE with 153km on it. Recently I've noticed that when I set the car to park on a slope (even a very slight one) and don't use the hand brake, the car slides a good 1-2 feet before the wheels actually lock.

I went to my local Mr. Transmission and they said they have to pop out the transmission to see what the issue is, which alone is a $550CAD job. Another $600 for a replacement tranny if mine is damaged beyond repair, plus fluids and labour, he said the MAX for this job is $1300, min $800. I simply don't have this kind of money to put into the car.

My question is: is this an issue that is a common transmission problem? Is there any kind of online literature I can read regarding this issue, be it fixes or even descriptions of similar transmission problems? What is the best way to go about finding the best price? Just phoning a bunch of transmission shops around my area?

Thanks in advance.

[Jonathan S]

That's a good way to find other prices, however, they won't be able to give you an exact price on the phone without seeing the car.

Your Parking pawl is not engaging correctly.

[Chris]

The parking pawl is what locks the transmission when you put it into park. Read up on that. All cars will have some movement but i don't know if 2 feet is normal.

[Theneelster]

Your car isn't worth that much...and it certainly isn't worth my time (sorry...it's true).

Drive it until it dies. Don't park on hills anymore. There are no "simple" fixes for this problem. Just deal with it in your own way. Cost=zero.

[aml95]

dam* foreign cars, thats the problem