Hey guys...planning on doing a fluid change but am not sure what type of fluid to get (specifications..Dexron II, III ???).... owners manual just says nissan's 'D' Matic or something like that. Also, was wondering if I would benefit from using redline with my automatic transmision and if so which one? or if I should just get nissan's fluid. Lastly, I know the fluid change only replaces 50% of fluid...so when should I go have a flush done?... under what conditions or what regular time periods?

Thanks in advance
-Sergio.
(96 Auto Maxima SE)

 

As far as I know, Dextron III replaces Dextron II.
In my opinion, if you do drain/fill often enough I don't think you'll need a tranny flush. For me, I plan do drain/fill my tranny every 10,000 miles.
I have read a few horor posts on Red Line ATF so for now,
I'm using Nissan D ATF.

 

I picked up around 12 quarts of this stuff at an auction recently.

It reads:

"race proven 100% synthetic** auto tranny fluid that outperforms all conventional type ATF fluids and meets Dexron III and Mercon requirements"

it also says:

"can be used wherever Dexron IIE is approved"

**exclusive of carrier oil.

Is this stuff OK for the Max?

 

I recently had the transmission service done at my local shop. They have a T-Tech machine which is one of the brands of machines that replaces ALL of the transmission fluid. The regular price they charge for this service is around $70 but they charged me $40 because I brought my own fluid. The max holds 10 qts but you'll need 12 qts to get a complete flush. I used AMSOIL synthetic transmission fluid, is was around $90 for the 12 qts.

 

I did the T-Tech flush using Redline D4 ATF as well. I do notice my transmission shifts a little smoother now.

Also, I have my fluid drained an refilled during the 15k services. The cost is minimal and the peace of mind is enough to justify that. However, Nissan's official recommendation is a drain and refill every 60k. Seems a bit long to me.

But yeah, any Dextron III or equivalent should do. If you do get Redline, get Redline D4 ATF, not normal Redline ATF (which is Dextron IIe).

 

Usually you should change your trans fluid every 30k. To me, that is a bit long. I usually do a drain and fill every other 15k miles and the times i dont do a drain and fill, i have a T-Tech done. T-Tech gets out all your trans fluid.

So this is what i do.
15k - Drain and Fill
30k - T-Tech
45k - Drain and Fill
60k - T-Tech
and so forth...

You are suppose to use Dex III but Dex II works just as fine. The mobil 1 Syn Trans fluid is even better. Just make sure it meets or surpasses the Dex III requirments.