I'm new here so go easy on me LOVE my new Pathfinder so far though!

Ok, so there are obviously many threads on how to change the fluid and what fluid to use...I'm thinking I'm going to go with Matic-S after calling a few transmission shops around, but I was wondering if I drop the pan on the transmission to clean it out...is there a filter in there to replace or is dropping the pan even necessary? I have had two transmission shops tell me there's a filter in there to be changed, but the Nissan dealer is telling me there isn't! Nissan is recommending a flush as it "cleans" everything out so you dont have a dirty transmission or lines anymore. What do yall think? I've heard flushes are hard on the tranny, but I want to change the fluid soon and I want to do it the best way possible

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

BTW...did the bypass on mine yesterday (53k miles with dark cherry color - WHEW!) and it was really easy although it was a different process from what's listed on this site I guess because it's an '08. Similar, but my "long hose," as it is popularly referred to as, wasn't long enough to reach the other hose to join join them so I had to buy a longer hose to replace it with. Other than that little kink it was easy as pie!

No filter to replace. I'd do dump and fill.

It does sound like fan shroud or fan clutch. Can you peek in there and see what is going on? If it is a shroud hitting the fan blades, you will see damage, marks, etc.

Thanks slavabon! I'm assuming your second post was supposed to go into a different thread...

Any other opinions and/or suggestions???

I was a Nissan Master Tech until I left them in 2003 and rebuilt a number of Nissan trannies in my 16 years with them, until Nissan reman. units finally made it a rate occurance to rebuild a trans. Nissan transmissions do not use a filter, just a screen. Nissan's thinking is that if there is enough debris in the fluid to clog a filter, then the trans is on the way out and needs an overhaul, not a fluid and filter replacement. Your ATF is synthetic and under normal circumstances, will usually not require frequent servicing. That said, I would still recommend at least a drain and refill every 60000 miles; I do mine every 30000 mi. If by "flushing," we are referring to the fluid exchanging machines currently used by most dealers and many independants, they are not hard on the trans. They incorporate a tank with a bladder system. The machine is filled with about a case of new ATF and the lines are hooked between the radiator cooler fitting and the cooler hose. When the engine is started, the old fluid goes into the tank and pushes against the bladder, which forces new fluid into the cooler line and back to the trans. This system does a much better job at getting most of the fluid replaced. The big key is making sure the correct ATF is used. As far as fluid type, you can't go wrong using genuine Nissan ATF type "S." It is expensive, though. Personally, I use Valvoline Maxlife ATF in my 06 LE and my friends 08 SE. I've been using this for over a year in each of them and no problems or differances in performance in either one.

The transmission pan has a drain plug so no need to drop the pan.

deermjd wrote:The transmission pan has a drain plug so no need to drop the pan.

You dont think I should clean the pan out and replace the screen?

I wouldn't worry about it. I just do a drain and refill every 30000 miles.

Could I just drain and refill with Amsoil? or do I need to do a complete flush?

You can drain and refill with Amsoil if you wish; it should be cross-compatable with the Nissan Type "J" or "S" ATF.

Yes, Amsoil is as well as Valvoline MaxLife and some Globals out there; however, I keep hearing great things about amsoil.

Anyone have any input on the 75w90 synthetic gear oil for the diff made by Lucas? I know they are a reputable company when it comes to cleaning injectors and whatnot, I just wasn't sure about the new oil products they are putting out...

smj999smj wrote:I was a Nissan Master Tech until I left them in 2003 and rebuilt a number of Nissan trannies in my 16 years with them, until Nissan reman. units finally made it a rate occurance to rebuild a trans. Nissan transmissions do not use a filter, just a screen. Nissan's thinking is that if there is enough debris in the fluid to clog a filter, then the trans is on the way out and needs an overhaul, not a fluid and filter replacement. Your ATF is synthetic and under normal circumstances, will usually not require frequent servicing. That said, I would still recommend at least a drain and refill every 60000 miles; I do mine every 30000 mi. If by "flushing," we are referring to the fluid exchanging machines currently used by most dealers and many independants, they are not hard on the trans. They incorporate a tank with a bladder system. The machine is filled with about a case of new ATF and the lines are hooked between the radiator cooler fitting and the cooler hose. When the engine is started, the old fluid goes into the tank and pushes against the bladder, which forces new fluid into the cooler line and back to the trans. This system does a much better job at getting most of the fluid replaced. The big key is making sure the correct ATF is used. As far as fluid type, you can't go wrong using genuine Nissan ATF type "S." It is expensive, though. Personally, I use Valvoline Maxlife ATF in my 06 LE and my friends 08 SE. I've been using this for over a year in each of them and no problems or differances in performance in either one.

Great information, thanks a lot!