In the automobile industry, there are a number of suppliers that manufacture the components that go into each car. The RE4R01A transmission is made by a Japanese transmission company called Jatco, and it’s been used in everything from the Nissan Pathfinder and Nissan Xterra, to the Nissan 300ZX and Mazda RX7. It was produced from 1988-2004, and featured 4 forward gears, along with an electronic control system.
What Transmission Do I Have?
RE4R01A Overview
Designed specifically for rear or four wheel drive applications, the RE4R01A transmission was an efficiently simple design that used dual planetary assemblies for performance, durability and weight reduction. The wide gear ratios allowed for strong acceleration, while the fourth overdrive gear provided excellent fuel economy on the highway. This Nissan automatic transmission also uses a pair of one-way clutches to control the forward clutch and the low clutch.
RE4R01A Transmission Diagnostic Trouble Codes | DTC
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0705 | Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input) |
| P0710 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit |
| P0720 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0725 | Engine Speed Input Circuit |
| P0731 | Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0732 | Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0733 | Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0734 | Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0745 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' |
| P0750 | Shift Solenoid 'A' |
| P0755 | Shift Solenoid 'B' |
| P1705 | Nissan DTC: Throttle Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction |
Common RE4R01A Transmission Problems
Engine cannot be started when the shifter is in Park or Neutral – RE4R01A transmission
Problem – Drivers may not be able to start the engine when the shifter is in the P or N position. However, the engine may be started when the shifter is in the D, 2, 1 or R position.
Solution – The wiring related to the PNP switch, and the switch itself will need to be tested and possibly repaired/replaced.
Vehicle no longer creeps backwards within the shifter is placed in reverse – RE4R01A transmission
Problem – When the shifter is placed in the R position, the vehicle should move slowly backwards when the brake pedal is released. If this problem arises, it won’t.
Solution – A number of things could be causing this issue, including the level and condition of the transmission fluid, inadequate line pressure, a failed valve body, transmission pump, torque converter, reverse clutch assembly, high clutch assembly, low and reverse brake assembly, or the low one-way clutch.
RE4R01A Problem – Delayed 1-2 shift and quick over speed during 2-3 shift
Cause – Although this issue is often assumed to be a high clutch failure, closer examination may reveal that nothing is wrong with the high clutch circuit. A design change for the 2000 model year can cause the RE4R01A Wide Open Throttle switch / WOT switch to become stuck in the closed position. This not only causes the delayed upshifts, but it also briefly activates the RE4R01A solenoid A right before the 2-3 shift, giving the overspeed sensation. RE4R01A transmissions built prior to the 2000 model year will experience delayed upshifts in all gears, without the 2-3 overrun.
Solution – Repair or replace the WOT/Idle switch, which is incorporated with the throttle position sensor / TPS sensor.
RE4R01A Planetary gear failure
Problem – The fin type transmission cooler that is commonly found in the Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan 200SX and Nissan 300ZX can become cogged, which will then restrict flow to the planetary gear, causing it to fail due to overheating.
Solution – Instead of replacing the entire radiator, Nissan has released a spiral type cooler replacement kit – Nissan part number 21606-15V25
Shift cycling from 4th-to-3rd-4th
Problem – The RE4R01A transmission may seem to shift in a 4-3-4 cycle.
Solution – Repair or replace the ‘D’ range signal wire to the inhibitor switch. The problem may also be caused by a corroded or broken pin inside the harness connector, or the inhibitor switch itself may have failed.
RE4R01A Transmission Specs
General – 4-speed automatic with overdrive
Application – RWD & 4WD / AWD
Production Began – 1988 (U.S. models)
RE4R01A Transmission Fluid – Genuine Nissan ATF or Dexron II
RE4R01A Transmission Fluid Capacity – 7.9 qts/8.5 qts
RE4R01A Transmission Gear Ratios
First – 2.78/3.02
Second – 1.54/1.61
Third – 1.00/1.00
Fourth / OD – 0.69/0.69
Reverse – 2.27
What Transmission Do I Have?
**2wd/4wd
