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2006 Nissan Maxima P0744 Transmission Code: Clunking Shifts, Failsafe at 55mph, and Failed Used Transmission Replacement

Model: nissan maxima Fault Code: P0744 Posted: 2016-08-14 13:36

I own a 2006 Nissan Maxima with the 5-speed automatic transmission (RE5F22A) and am experiencing severe shifting issues. The car clunks and bangs during upshifts and downshifts, and it enters failsafe mode when reaching 55 mph — triggering a persistent P0744 diagnostic code. I've researched extensively and tried multiple solutions: I changed the transmission fluid twice using genuine Nissan Matic K fluid with no improvement. I then installed a TransGo shift kit (valve body upgrade), rebuilt the valve body myself, and replaced all solenoids — including new, brand-new Rostra solenoids as recommended by many forums. Despite these efforts, the symptoms remain unchanged. Out of frustration, I purchased a used transmission from a reputable junkyard with a 90-day warranty for over $1,000. The installation was extremely difficult and required replacing a broken transmission mount, but I completed it without damage. However, upon initial testing in the garage, the first shift produced a sharp clunk — indicating poor performance. After test driving, the car again enters failsafe mode at 55 mph, with the P07-44 code reappearing. This is not just a failure of the new transmission; it's consistent behavior across all attempts. I tested two randomly selected 2004 and 2005 Maximas (same model year as mine) for sale — both were high-mileage vehicles, yet they shifted smoothly with no issues. This suggests that not all 2006 Maxima transmissions are defective. My question: What should I do next? Can I return the used transmission and get a refund? Should I try another one? Is there a known technical service bulletin (TSB) related to P0744 in this model year? I'm not looking for a dealer repair — that's not an option where I live. Any advice on diagnosing or fixing this issue without going through official dealership channels would be greatly appreciated.

Related fault codes
P0744
Comments (3)
Anonymous 2016-08-14 14:36

Does your vehicle exhibit harsh 1-2 or 3-4 upshifts during moderate acceleration from a stop, and/or harsh 4-3 or 2-1 downshifts when slowing to a stop? This symptom pattern matches P0744 issues. Check for Technical Service Bulletin NTB11-035. Ensure your OBD2 scanner reads all codes — especially manufacturer-specific ones like P0999 and above. Also verify if your scanner supports reading full diagnostic data, not just basic codes. Look for private messages (PM) in the forum thread for additional insights.

Anonymous 2016-08-14 19:48

Yes, exactly — I experience those exact harsh shifts during acceleration and deceleration. What is a TSB? Where can I find NTB11-035? My scanner is a standard OBD2 device that connects to the data link and only shows P0744. Does it read all codes including manufacturer-specific ones like P0999 or higher? What does 'PM' mean — private message? How do I check for messages in this thread? Is there a way to get a Mitchell Repair Manual? I’ve seen links to those when searching TSBs, but I’m not sure if that’s the right path. Thanks for your help!

Anonymous 2016-08-15 07:32

PM stands for Private Message — look at the top of this forum page, where you’ll see a banner with notifications and private messages (e.g., [1]). Click on 'Private Messages' to view any replies from other users. Also contact your scanner manufacturer directly — many offer technical support pages or dedicated service portals that can confirm whether their device reads all diagnostic codes, including P0999 and higher. This is critical for accurate diagnosis of transmission issues like P0744.