The Nissan Path

I know this question is bounced back and forth on here, but I wanted to ask and see what you folks think.

My 2006 Path has 86000 miles..I bought it new and I have never changed the ATF . The fluid still looks good..shifts good, etc. I have done the radiator / tranny bypass. Should I:

1. just do a simple drain and fill with new ATF?

2. drain, pull off pan, put new filter and fill?

3. have the dealer do a full flush and fill? I hear this can cause problems.

Thanks

Drain and fill only

I'd go with the drain, replace filter and fill. What good will new fluid do, if the filter is clogged?

....there is a filter into the trasmission?

Good question...I looked online at the auto parts store and none show a filter for a 2006 Pathfinder....is there an aftermarket replacement filter?

Possible that the filter is internal which would require the transmission to be disassembled. My Mazda 6 was that way. So what I did is installed an inline filter that I would be able to change/clean. I was not about to tear my transmission apart.

For the pathfinder I'm unsure as I have not done much research on it, but it's possible to be internal. Have you tried calling the dealer?

Volv,

Havent tried the dealer yet...ususally if there is a part like the filter, your auto parts places will list it...they had one for my 02 Xterra.

either way, I like the idea of an inline filter. Saw where you can pick them up for about $40

You have to drop the trans oil pan to get at the filter, and I don't believe it is listed as a maintenance item, so I wouldn't bother unless you think there is a real problem. Its a wire mesh screen if I recall.

t

Hey Terry

sorta sounds like the trans in my Xterra...not listed as a maintenance item, but a filter is there. I bought one for the Xterra..gonna do a drain and fill and tans filter change when I get the time.

volvite wrote:Possible that the filter is internal which would require the transmission to be disassembled. My Mazda 6 was that way. So what I did is installed an inline filter that I would be able to change/clean. I was not about to tear my transmission apart.

For the pathfinder I'm unsure as I have not done much research on it, but it's possible to be internal. Have you tried calling the dealer?

searched some more on this and only filter I can find says it is internal and disassembly of the tranny would be required...so...Im going to just go with a drain and fill for now.

dawgn86 wrote:

volvite wrote:Possible that the filter is internal which would require the transmission to be disassembled. My Mazda 6 was that way. So what I did is installed an inline filter that I would be able to change/clean. I was not about to tear my transmission apart.

For the pathfinder I'm unsure as I have not done much research on it, but it's possible to be internal. Have you tried calling the dealer?

searched some more on this and only filter I can find says it is internal and disassembly of the tranny would be required...so...Im going to just go with a drain and fill for now.

Sounds good to me. That's how my tranny was on my 04 Mazda 6. The filter required transmission disassembly so all I did was a drain and fill.

so yesterday, I got under my Path..seeing where the drain plug is on the trans pan...

do you have to remove the cross member to drain the fluid? I know I can get the bolt out, but it looks like the fluid will draiin almost directly onto the crossmember

I would recommend not removing the cross member. Put some kind of cover or plastic on it to keep the tranny fluid off it.

Nissan trannies use a screen for a filter. You do not service them, like a filter on a GM or Ford product. Years ago when I took the auto tranny course at Nissan's Northeast Training Center, they said Nissan's thinking is that if you have enough debris in the fluid to clog the filter/screen, then you need a trans overhaul, not a service. If you think about it, they're right! The only way the fluid will get contaminated (outside of the infamous radiator cooler issue) is if the clutch and band linings are breaking down. If that's the case, it's on the way out.