Remanufactured RE5R05A Transmissions: Specs & Updates

To get an estimate on a rebuilt RE5R05A, click Get a Free Estimate.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Replacement RE5R05A Transmission Prices:

Note: A replacement valve body and TCM (transmission control module) can be purchased for roughly $490 online, if the vehicle only has certain symptoms.

RE5R05A Applications and Compatibility:

The Nissan RE5R05A transmission first saw production in 2003 models. The transmission fits both two-and four-wheel-drive vehicles.

RE5R05A Radiator / Valve Body Issue

Numerous Nissan vehicles equipped with the Jatco RE5R05A 5-speed automatic transmission experienced premature transmission failure (under 120K miles) due to contamination of transmission fluid with engine coolant. This occurred due to fluid contamination occurs due to failure of the transmission fluid coolers seals within the factory radiator.

RE5R05A Valve Body Specific OBDII Codes

These codes may require just a RE5R05A valve body replacement

Common Problems with the RE5R05A

The RE5R05A is electronic, meaning that many of its components are controlled by electronic solenoids. These include the gear shifting mechanisms and the torque converter.
If you have a multimeter, you can easily check the solenoids to determine whether there are problems.

Simply connect the multimeter and attach the two probes to the pins on the solenoid. Set the reading on the multimeter to measure resistance. You should, ideally, get a reading between 20 to 30 ohms. If you get 0 ohms, it means the plastic covering from the wire has given way and created a short circuit. A higher reading indicates a complete break in the wire, preventing an electrical circuit from forming. Even if a solenoid is broken, it is easy and inexpensive to fix.

You can also cause the transmission to overheat with improper maintenance or abuse. The main things you need to watch out for are overtowing and revving too much. These cause the transmission to rev too high and strip gears or use too much transmission fluid. The best thing to do, if you think the transmission is overheating, is to pull to the side of the road and let the vehicle cool down.

Also, make sure you check fluid levels every 20,000 miles.

If you notice the transmission fluid is dark or leaking anywhere, it’s a sure sign that damage is imminent. At that point, it should be repaired if possible to reduce the costs involved in a full transmission replacement.

Transmission Cooler
You can also purchase an aftermarket transmission cooler. A cooler is important because it keeps the fluid from overheating; even a short time can reduce a transmission’s working lifespan significantly. Look for a transmission cooler that has fans built in to increase airflow and increase the effectiveness of the cooler.

RE5R05A valve body problems
Although Nissan tends to make very reliable vehicles, the RE5R05A valve body can fail prematurely if the transmission is not maintained properly, and the cooling system design flaw is not addressed in time. Simply rebuilding the valve body typically will not solve problems caused by warping, cracking and damaged bores. The best way around this is to install a remanufactured RE5R05A valve body from a reputable company that has modified it to address the factory design flaws and metal fatigue. To learn more about one of these reman valve bodies, click here. You can also click here to read more about RE5R05A valve body problems.

Transmission won’t upshift from 1-2 or 2-3 – RE5R05A transmission
Problem – The transmission may hesitate or refuse to shift from 1st to 2nd gear, or 3rd to 4th gear. It may also refuse to shift manually.
Solution – These common RE5R05A transmission problems can be caused by a number of things that include dirty transmission fluid, a clogged transmission fluid filter, a failed vehicle speed sensor, direct clutch solenoid valve or inadequate line pressure. The valve body, TCM or direct clutch may have also failed, and/or there may be wiring/communication issues within the CAN bus system.

RE5R05A transmission won’t downshift
Problem – Here are the possible reasons for a no-downshift condition:

5th-4th gear: Transmission fluid level/condition, failed vehicle speed sensor, front band solenoid valve, direct clutch solenoid valve, front brake band, input clutch, inadequate line pressure, failed TCM, failed valve body wiring/communication issues within the CAN bus system.

4th-3rd gear: Transmission fluid level/condition, failed vehicle speed sensor, input clutch solenoid valve, front brake solenoid valve, TCM, valve body, wiring/communication issues within the CAN bus system, inadequate line pressure, failed input clutch.

3rd-2nd gear: Transmission fluid level and condition, failed vehicle speed sensor, high and low reverse clutch solenoid valve, inadequate line pressure, failed TCM or valve body, failed high and low reverse clutch, wiring/communication issues within the CAN bus system.

2nd-1st gear: Transmission fluid level and condition, failed vehicle speed sensor, direct clutch solenoid valve, inadequate line pressure, wiring/communication issues within the CAN bus system, failed TCM, failed valve body, failed direct clutch.

RE5R05A transmission slips or will not engage the following gears:

1st gear: 3rd one-way clutch, 1st one-way clutch, reverse brake, forward brake, direct clutch solenoid valve, valve body, gear damage.

2nd gear: Low coast brake solenoid valve, 3rd one-way clutch, direct clutch, forward brake, valve body failure, gear damage.

3rd gear: 3rd one-way clutch, high and low reverse clutch, forward one-way clutch, forward brake, failed valve body, gear damage.

4th gear: Input clutch solenoid valve, direct clutch solenoid valve, high and low reverse clutch solenoid valve, low coast brake solenoid valve, front brake solenoid valve, input clutch, direct clutch, high and low reverse clutch, valve body failure, gear damage.

5th gear: Front brake solenoid valve, front brake band, input clutch, high and low reverse clutch, gear damage, valve body failure.

Vehicle will not move when in first gear – RE5R05A transmission
Problem – After shifting into Drive, the vehicle may seem to engage first gear but it won’t move.
Solution – This problem may be caused by several things, including a failed torque converter, accelerator pedal position sensor, transmission pump, 3rd one-way clutch, 1st one-way clutch, reverse brake, forward one-way clutch or forward brake.

Poor acceleration when in Drive – RE5R05A transmission
Problem – After placing the gear selector in Drive, the acceleration may be noticeably poor given the throttle position.
Solution – This problem may be caused by several things including; a failed accelerator pedal position sensor, PNP switch, A/T position switch, torque converter failure, transmission pump failure, a failed 1st one-way clutch, reverse brake, forward brake, and/or forward one-way clutch.

Updates to Remanufactured RE5R05A Transmissions

• Tru-Flat process applied to case, valve body and pump prevents cross-leakage and delivers consistent performance.
• Completely remanufactured valve body, with new pressure switches and, when needed, speed sensors. All valve bodies are tested independently to verify proper operation prior to the dynamometer testing of the completed transmissions. **No Nissan dealer reflash or programming required.
• Remanufactured and improved torque converter tested for leaks, lockup, concentricity, and balance. Upgrades exceed OE requirements and eliminate the possibilities of front seal leaks, premature bushing wear, and vibration.
• All new, bushings installed in key locations to improve internal fluid flow control and fluid pressures
• All bushings and machined surfaces are polished to a mirror-like OE finish of 15 RA or better.
• New radiator included free of charge, required to be replaced under warranty—including all rubber coolant hoses.
• Complete road simulation using a dynamometer testing program called C.A.R.S. (Computer Aided Road Simulation). Every transmission is cold and hot tested before shipment.

What’s Included

• Each rebuilt RE5R05A includes a pre-flashed TCM/valve body, so no dealer flash is required.
• Each rebuilt RE5R05A includes an aftermarket replacement radiator. Any rubber cooler lines must also be replaced (due to coolant contamination possibility).

How to Buy a Remanufactured RE5R05A Transmission

1) Buying Locally

When you go to your local repair shop, they’ll order a remanufactured RE5R05A transmission, then mark up the price. So at the end of the day, you’ll be paying 15% to 30% more than the actual cost of the unit.

2) Buying Online

Buying a reman transmission through a company like Street Smart Transmission will save you a considerable amount of money because you pay the wholesale price (avoiding a repair shop’s 15% to 30% markup), they’ll ship the unit to the shop of your choice free of charge, and returning your old transmission is free as well. Then all you have to pay for is the labor to install the unit (usually $400 to $800), and you’re on your way.

How Does it Work?

To order a remanufactured transmission from a company like Street Smart Transmission, all you need to do is provide your vehicle’s VIN number, the mileage, and the address of the repair shop that you want it shipped to.

Financing

Replacing a transmission can be expensive, so Street Smart Transmission offers financing through PayPal Credit. Depending on your credit, you’ll be able to order a new transmission, get back on the road, then pay for it over time. You may have to pay labor charges for the installation up front, but you won’t have to shell out for the transmission all at once.

Shipping Charge/Location

When it comes to shipping, a transmission is quite heavy. So you’re going to pay quite a bit of money, unless the reman transmission company offers free shipping. Street Smart offers free shipping to a business address, which is usually the repair shop that you’ve chosen to install the unit.

What is a Core Charge (Core Deposit)?

Every remanufactured transmission originally came from somebody else’s car. Therefore, they need your broken transmission in order to refurbish it for another customer.

Your old/damaged transmission is called a “core”, and many companies will collect a core charge (usually $500 to $1500), which will be refunded once they receive your old transmission. (Street Smart does not charge an up-front core charge.) Make sure to ask any company for their core return policy, so you’ll know what to expect.

Our Recommendation

We recommend Street Smart Transmission. We have found Street Smart to be of the highest quality. Their transmissions carry a 3 year / unlimited miles warranty that covers both parts and labor. Their warranty is nationwide and attached to the VIN so it is transferable with ownership if you decide to sell the vehicle. It also covers both parts and labor for the installation of the replacement transmission.

Finding a Shop to Install the Remanufactured Transmission

If your transmission has failed, you’re going to need a skilled mechanic to replace it. You can find a shop to install your transmission using our shop locator map.

For warranty purposes, you need to find a reliable repair shop. That way, if the replacement transmission doesn’t work properly, the warranty will cover it.

Ready to Replace Your RE5R05A Transmission?

Click Get a Free Estimate for an unbeatable price on a replacement remanufactured transmission.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?