hi and welcome. there has been some discussion on tranny issues here. have you taken a look at the archives? there are some threads on similar issues.

you mention the tranny fluid was replaced -- is it the CORRECT nissan fluid? since its used, some shade tree could have thrown in some incorrect fluid just to get it sold. id have the fluid drained and replaced.
you mentioned hesitation -- how are the coil packs and plugs? visibly check those for any cracks or damage and the plugs if there is any oil in there or if the plugs are fouled. what your wife said about this being normal is certainly NOT for this vehicle

There is a ECM "re learn" procedure that basically erases the shift points in the ecm so the tranny can re-learn your driving habits. its a sticked thread on this forum you can read on how to do it.

have you been able to check for any obd codes?

 

My other concern would be if the previous owner did a tranny "flush" which is a big no-no on these vehicles.

 

@Dpf87 do you know what software or OBD tool your mechanic used to update the ECM?

Does the Armada have a standalone TCM that needs to be programmed as well?

I know I've seen a few threads on here with the required reflash, but it has always been completed by a Nissan dealer.

I agree that the incorrect fluid could have been used. Or there may be another issue presenting itself (plugs, sensors, throttle sensor, etc...).

I let my local shop do a lot of things to my vehicles...
ECM/TCM OBD flash or reprogram would not be one of them.

 

I’m sure your mechanic didn’t apply the actual TSB software update since that is only accessible via Nissan’s Consult tool. Everything else like ECM reset, idle relearn, throttle body position relearn, etc. can be done with a full range scan tool.

 

A little off-topic - but I am curious.

What area of PA are you from? I bought my Armada from one of those “big stealerships” in SE PA … they suck. Haven’t been able to fix a telematics issue in 2 years (and told me to call Nissan), had issues from the beginning that I fought over using their “CPO report” (the sonar sensor gel out of a bumper - and they said I hit something. When I checked the CPO report they said they replaced it. During repair, they ripped the wheel trims off and broke almost all of the tabs … horrendous.) and so on.

None of the dealerships from Harrisburg to Newark DE appear to be very good …

-KRS

[(I hate the Nissan dealership I got it from... "then why on earth did you buy from them," yes, yes, I know...).

According to this same mechanic, my state (PA) apparently has a mandate where you can return vehicles within 90 days for a refund, even if not under warranty. Assuming this is true, I'm considering just returning the vehicle if it turns out the transmission needs replaced... I get it, it's a high mileage car, but this dealership is a huge local chain that pretends to have an esteemed reputation, and their "Five-million point check" or whatever the hell it is ABSOLUTELY should have sensed if the freaking transmission was toast, right!?!? Or am I crazy?

 

I had to get the transmission replaced on my first-gen. It was slipping in first and second gear and overheating, the fluid was black as coffee. My mechanic was talking about 4 grand for a rebuilt trans. He informed me that his friend had just spent that much to get the trans on his Xterra rebuilt, plus labor. I said "Yeah well, not me, man."

I went and found a T-Boned 05 Armada on car-part.com. I borrowed a van, drove out to Gettysburg, bought the tested transmission for a thousand and paid about $800 in labor to get it installed. My ride is running great now. (Well, the transmission is, the heater is on the fritz)...BUT the trans might not cost quite that much to fix. I am seeing tested transmissions, with 6 month warranty for $2400 for a 17 Armada.

Having said all of that, if you have the option to return that vehicle to the dealer and have them pay for any repairs, that would be my move in this case.

 

@Dpf87
What you have got is a common issue on this Jatco transmission.
The main reason for it is not replacing the oil often enough and using oem oil.
This transmission (without additional cooling and filter) need to get the oil replaced every 15k miles city driving. On 20k miles it is fully worn out. Highway lasts longer.

Currently the solenoid for the 7-th gear is gummed-up with clutch debris and not closing fully so you get a slipping clutch.
Usually it happens on 4-the gear, but you have the 7-th.
So you need to get a the valve body out, cleaned and all solenoids machine-tested.
For replacement (usually a cleaning helps fully if you don't drive to long with this issue), you can use updated Sonnax solenoids which are more durable for this transmission Jatco JR711E Transmission.

In future just change the transmission oil fully every 15 k and use for example full synthetic Amsoil.
Flushing is a lot better if you do it from new regularly or after several oil changes, on older and dirty tranmissions it may lead to a problem.

Attached is my oil after 15k city driving (2 coolers and additional filter installed) with oem oil.

 

What is your advice for a tranny with 145k which never had the fluid changed?

I have no issues with it at all but was planning to start doing drain/refills in the spring. I was leaning toward the OEM fluid but see your preference is AMSOIL (which I used in my power steering for the flush).

I do not want to introduce any issues since it is running fine and my mileage scares me that I will create problems which do not currently exist.

 

Start with reading the manual. Pretty sure all the mileage recommendations are unrealistic. Most cars today with the new synthetic fluids easily go 50k. My old Sorento was 100,000 miles.

https://owners.nissanusa.com/content/techpub/ManualsAndGuides/Armada/2017/2017-Armada-owner-manual.pdf

 

Oil life in transmissions is not straigntly depending on the milage, but on the quantity of shifts your transmission does, because only during a shift the oil gets contermineted by the cluch debris.
So I killed the oil in 1 track day and drove it about 20k miles highway and it was brand new...
Just drain a little and check the color

 

Hello my friend. I don't think your problem is diagnosed properly. I work in many cars and I get called from shops for hard to solve or to find the cause of a problem which results is few or many effects. You can diagnose your engine .no good and smooth running engine, no good responds to any RPM demand will cause transmission malfunction. As you said shift when you let off the acc( gas ) . Take your catelatic convertors out , all 4 and put 2-1/4 or 2-1/2 test tubes . You will see all your problems are solved. Than correct your fuel trims in your engine ( stuck on lean condition ) . It must be with in -8 to +8 short feul trims Bank 1 and banks. -8 +8 are the limit . It must not even go there -3 ,-2 ,-1 ,0 , +1,+2,+3, ARE THE IDEAL. APPROACH TO THESE VALUE BY TUNING THE ENGINE THAN GO TO TRANSMISSION. PAN GASKET AND A FILTER + INSTAL EXTERNAL COOLER IF THERE IS NOT ONE . I FONT BELIVE YOU NEED OH OR AN OTHER TRANSMISSION. YOU HAVE CVT TRANSMISSIONS, GET FLUID FROM NISSAN FOR CVT . THIS SHOULD AND WILL TAKES CARES OF YOUR TRANSMISSION PROBLEM . CALL ME IF YOU NEED HELP .
YOURS TRULY
FRANK HEDAY

 

This concerns me…but here is my issue. 07 Armada w/big toe, transmission shifts powerful and normal up to 45-50mph. At this range engine is still powerful but RPM is up at 3000k…and it feels scary so I have avoided all highways for 6 months.
Is the t/c locking up..? Fluid normal..no lights on…fresh fluid change…what gives. About to send to Aamco in a week (maybe) for a $2300 rebuild if I have to…please help. Being told rebuild by Aamco is pointless and $4500 reman is necessary…cant afford that….advice needed…

 

I haven't taken delivery but you guys are scaring me 2017 platinum Big dealer here in GA the have it the shop now

 

I hate to tell you, but Nissan knows there is an issue with the CVT transmissions. I spoke with one of the workers at my local dealership and they absolutely hat this transmission. They had had so many people coming back complaining. I think we will have to do a class action lawsuit. This is just not fair.

 

While there are known issues with Nissan's CVT transmissions, the 1st gen and current 2nd gen armadas and its fellow QX56/80s and Titans never came with CVT transmissions.

 

dont be scared. forums are more for people who have issues than the ones who dont. you dont normally see someone sign up on a forum to tell you how great their car, or whatever, is. these trucks are solid, i had 2 armadas and a qx and never had any issues out of them. they were all daily drivers and i drove 'em like a rental!

 

Ok. I have a 2017 armada that will not go in reverse unless I rev the engine. All other gears change just fine. Any ideas of what’s going on here

 

Add a bottle of lubegard to atf ...should help