My 1999 nissan maxima 5 speed won't shift from 1st to second gear.

Standard Transmision ? Check clutch res. if hydrolic ?

there is a computer that controls your rpm gauge, your speedo, and your shift. check that and your speed sensor. the sensor is faster and easier.

sensor plug with white band goes to the outside sensor, they will plug in wrong and cause the same sympyom

I had same problem with mine when I first got it. It's really quite a simple fix, if indeed it is the same problem. Anyway you need to jack up the front end and support it on both sides with jack stands. crawl up underneath the car and look for where your gear shifter comes down through the floor of the car. follow the linkage, and check that its nice and tight. I am telling you this from memory so sorry for the vagueness, but there are two pretty big screws holding it in place. Maybe they are lose or as it was in my case, one fell out. I replaced the screw and tightened the other and voila! worked beautifully. Hope this helps.

Check your fluid level

With a scantool in datastream you can see if your input and out put speed sensors are working if so sounds like a shift solinoid is not working that to is visable in fatasteam on a roadtest

Btw, I’m available to help over the phone in case u need at https://www.6ya.com/expert/craig_a14a43e01fd0835a

Try going to your local parts store (such as AutoZone) and ask about the transmission control solenoid. Go here for the direct link to their website with that specific part for your 91 maxima.

it could be a few things bent shifting fork or first gear is out reverse runs off an idler that is conected to first gear.

howdy,you need a clutch..thats for sure,101%

try pushing the gear selector button in and pulling the gear selector into 1st gear position, if it doesnt catch, leave it aligned with the "1" on the panel, let go of the button, then once the gear selector (shifter) is staionary int he 1 position pull back on it slightly without pusing in the button..

Hit the gas and see if it catches.. it is likely, you have a worn catch for the two gears that aren't grabbing.. if you hit speed bump or pot hole you may have to pull back on it genly while driving to get the gear back...

Let me know if this works