I just bought a 95 GLE with @72k miles. The last documented service was a 30k mile service at a Nissan Dealership, and regular oil changes I am assuming, as the next change due sticker had about 400 miles left to go when I bought the car.

I took it in for the 60k scheduled maintenance...and inquired if transmission service was included. The service agent informed that there was no hard and fast interval for a transmission service, automatic transmission that is, because the filter is self contained. He went on to explain that with this service they inspected the fluid, and if it looked and "smelled" ok, then everything was fine.

I know with my Toyota...I had all the fluids changed at 30k mile intervals, excluding the oil, which I changed every 5k.

The car drives and shifts very smoothly, but I can't help being a bit skeptical, and was wondering what interval you guys suggest for the transmission fluid change.

Also, as long as I'm here, do you guys have a favorite brand of motor oil? My local Nissan dealer uses Penzoil, and doesn't even stock a synthetic. I've had good luck with Castrol GTX (non synthetic) in all my other cars...

Overall I'm very pleased with this vehicle. I've wanted a Maxima for a long long time. When my buddy bought a new 2001 GLE, I couldn't stand it...I absolutely had to have one...and finally I found one in my price range...surprisingly, it drives almost identically, although I know his 01 has more horsepower.

Thanks!

Russell

 

Techniaclly your dealer is correct. Nissan does not specify a trans fluid change interval for normal driving, just inspections.

It would be a good idea to have it changed along with all the other 60k items.

 

Is his an automagic, too ? If so, you are faster. 4th generation (especially '95-'96) are the lightest. 5th gens have more horses, but it doesn't make up for the added weight.

 

Well, I always heard synthetics are the best, but I try to keep all my fluids non-synthetic (just to match). Right now I am currently using the Valvoline High-Mileage Formulated Oil and Trannsmission Fluid. I change my oil about every 3,000 miles (I know it can be used longer, but I don't want to have any worries) and the tranny fluid every other oil change. So its basically up to you on when you would change your tranny fluid, but I do recommend it. I feel if you drive hard then you should be more cautious of it. A tranny cooler will also help you in the long run.

 

I do a full transmission flush every 60K miles.

 

The 4Gen automatic transmission does not have a true filter. There is only a wire mesh screen in the pickup, and it does not require cleaning or replacement.

 

I cleaned mine the last time I dropped the tranny and found virtually nothing on it. The filter is fine.

 

Hey thanks man, I always wondered about that and always planned on checking that, I guess I shouldn't bother then if it doesn't to be replaced or cleaned.

 

You may want to clean the tranny pan though, and check for big metal particles near the magnets.

 

Your right, I will check for that on my next flush. Thanks.