The Nissan Path

Hello,

I bough my Pathfinder a almost 4 years ago. Was lucky enough to have Nissan replace the transmission with a new one along with a new radiator. This was done with 119000 KM on it. Now the car has 153000 KM. Should I get the dealer to do the change or my self.

Thanks

34000km is about 21000 mi. You shouldn't need to do anything with it yet. The ATF is synthetic. Even if you wanted to be proactive and do frequent servicing, I would wait to at least 30000 miles, or 16000km, to do a simple drain and fill.
If you have basic skills, you can do the service yourself. You'll want a Nissan 11026-01M02 drain plug gasket and 4 quarts of Nissan-matic Type "S" ATF or compatible ATF. Valvoline Maxlife ATF and Castrol Transmax Multi-import ATF are two, good alternatives to the more expensive Nissan ATF.
Park on a level surface. Remove the 19MM drain plug and drain the transmission fluid into a pan. Install a new drain plug gasket and install the drain plug. Remove the 10mm head bolt from the dipstick tube and remove the dipstick. Install a transmission funnel and install 3.5 qts of ATF. Reinstall the dipstick and start the engine; cycle through the gears. Check the fluid level with the dipstick and top off as needed. Mine usually takes exactly 4 quarts. When finished, install the dipstick and the 10MM head bolt.

Thanks for the information.

I usually check ATF by taking a larger sample, not just a drip from dipstick. I use 100ml plastic injection tube (got in local drugstore 3 pcs for 1 US$) and cheap plastic transparent tube, which nicely attaches to injection tube.
So I soak some 100ml via dipstick tube and see the real color of ATF. The sample drop from dipstick might seem reddish, but when looking at 100ml sample in a clear glass, you see the real color of it.

Replace when any other color than RED. A bit brown is still OK and it almost always smells like dead crap.
Prepare to panic if BLACK and smells like BURNT oil.

Hello,

I bought some some ATF today. Just want to make sure I got the right one. In the front it is good for Fords, etc. In the back of the jug it mentions the Nissan. Please see attached images.





Thanks

Yes, this is the product I use in my transmission. Have been for about 3-4 years now without any issues.

I did a drain and fill this past week. I like to do at least 1 drain and fill every year, as this valvoline product is quite inexpensive, and I abuse my transmission by towing a really large trailer. But this time around the fluid came out basically clear.

In the past, it has been much, much darker.

I would agree with SMJ's comment that you probably don't need to do anything yet. But if you feel the need, a drain and fill will take most of the jug you have purchased.

Thanks for the replies.

Yes, that's pretty good stuff! It's full-synthetic and doesn't cost an arm and a leg, plus it works in a lot of different manufacturer's transmissions. I use it in my transmission and transfer case in two different R51's.

Hey guys, I have a question. Today I was going to tackle the fluid change. So the day before I went to mobile for my oil change. He came back with a bottle saying here what your transmission fluid looks like compared to red. It was dark brown. So today I drove my car for bit got it warm pulled the dipstick out and noticed my transmission fluid from the dipstick is clear white and no smell at all.

Were they trying to rip me off ?

not sure how the fluid can be "clear white"

did they change it our you? should have a reddish or pinkish color.

i just did it again and used a paper towel it is pinkish/reddish

I used this website to compare the color. it seems to be good.

http://www.twincharlotte.com/transmissi ... arlotte-NC

some reason, I cannot see the pics of the brand of fluid you put in, put I changed my with Valvoline maxlife....

The first time I changed the ATF in my 06 and 08 and it was the same way: brown. Nissan Type "J" is a very dark red color and I think it just comes out looking brown when it gets drained. I noticed when I switched to Valvoline Maxlife ATF, the fluid now looks red when it's drained. Unless you are experience abnormal shifting or see signs of water in the ATF, your should be fine.