Hi everyone. So I recently bought a 1997 Maxima with a manual transmission. I put new cv axles in and as a result lost a little fluid so I was going to flush the trans fluid. When I got under the car I noticed two things. There’s a small plate affixed to the left side of the trans (looking at it from the front) that is affixed with 2 bolts, one of which is missing, so it’s kind of just flapping there. It’s circled in the second picture (you can just see the bottom of it, it goes up vertically). I can’t find any detailed diagrams online that tell me what this is.
Also I noticed a small hole to the right of the plate. Is my trans shot? If the fluid had leaked out of the hole wouldn’t the trans have failed when I drove it last week? I’m hoping it’s an inspection hole but I doubt it. If it’s not supposed to be there, what could have caused that? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

The plate is the fly wheel/drive plate inspection window cover. Replace the missing bolt.

The hole is damage to your transmission case. I doubt it will cause any issues other than to allow water, grit, debris, etc. to enter the transmission case.

Devising a means to plug or seal the hole would be wise.

Alternatively, I’d think a welding shop could make a repair.

 

Unless manuals are different than autos, that hole is normal, as in, put there by the factory. Probably a drain I would imagine. Leave it be.

 

My 2003 SE Auto

 

My bad ... I completely missed or disregarded the “manual” designation.

My 1999 RE4F04A (automatic) has no such hole.

I can’t speak for the ‘99 5 speed manual as I know nothing about them.