Hey guys,

Ok guys, I've got 46k miles on my '99 infiniti i30-ltd that I just purchased and i think it's due for the tranny oil change(as infinti didn't have records of it on their server + it doesn't look very red). I was wondering if any of you guys would take part and quelling some of my questions.

1.1st of all...does anybody else get a hard 1st to 2nd shift and gets smoother as it warms up?
2.2nd to 3rd shift: gas lets up and you can feel it and then engages 3rd gear ~1/3 sec later?
BTW this is all at reg throttle.
3.I've read alot about changing it to synthetic will improve smoothness, so I'm considering it...is there much of a difference if i decide to go with mobil 1 synthetic ATF vs. amsoil? (as i can purchase mobile 1 at local auto parts store)...and this leads into the next questions.
4.Transmission pressure line, you can flush it by hooking a hose up to the line and then pouring fluid in. ok...don't suppose anybody knows a DIY directions out there?
5. Lastly so.. if i just decide to do a drain and fill...how much do i put back in? I've read 2 and then i've read 4 and then 5.

Thanks all,
John

 

John, I am in the process of converting my 97 I30 to AMSOIL ATF. I have only a 50% ratio of dino vs. AMSOIL Synthetic ATF. The transmission is so much quieter and shifts so smooth at this ratio I can only imagine how much better it will be when I get 93% ratio of synthetic. Without hesitation I recommend you switch to Synthetic ATF. My only experience is with AMSOIL and I strongly recommend it.
The method you are considering using is probably the fastest, easiest and cheapest way to convert to synthetic ATF. Hoeever your car should be under warranty. I would take it to the Infiniti dealer and have them fix the problem. You know you get a free loaner, it should be a 2003 I30, this could be fun! They will probably end up flushing your transmission for free. Once they have repaired your I30 I would switch to AMSOIL ATF using the procedure you mentioned in your post. I even think there is a write on how to do it, use search.
Be well!!!!

 

Of course I'm partial to Amsoil ATF over Mobil 1. If you're interested in Amsoil, contact me and I'll send the maxima.org pricing to you.

Below are some step by step instructions that deadrx7conv. wrote from another post:

Or, buy 5 feet 3/8"ID (I think) clear hose($2) at HomeDepot/Lowes/Plumbingsupply....
Connect(use hose clamp) to either A)the pressure line from transmission(see ATF COOLER FAQ) or B)connect to transcooler exit point(flushes cooler).
Drain/refill transmission(~4.5 quarts).
Overfill by 4 quarts(optional) and start motor. Dirty ATF will be pumped out of clear hose into container of your choice. Do not let ATF pump run dry(it will gurgle/burp/bubble before running dry). Always monitor fluid level in container. Stop before the amount that exits is greater than amount used. And, if fluid is not clean, add ~4 more quarts and redo. You will see the fluid in the hose change color(means you are done).
Best if you have 2nd person(to yell at) in car(to shut off engine when container hits the 4 quart mark) with key while you hold the hose(don't hit neighbor's house with ATF).
This will flush your torque converter. The new fluid will displace the old fluid just like the flush machine. And it will save you money because you are not wasting new fluid(drain/refill method).

Add fluid,using funnel, to the dipstick tube. Drain plug is ???--someone please post a picture of the bottom of your transmission or page from FSM. I did not see drainplug in the ATF Cooler FAQ. But, there is a good picture of the autotrans pan(3rd from bottom). The plug is usually there.

Process of diminishing returns--for the drain/refill/run5minutes/repeat method--wastes too much fluid(if using synthetic).

 

I took my i30 to get serviced. My loaner car 2002 i35 all i can say is I WANT ONE. 17" rims stock, 255 HP, i could go on for hours on end about it, damn...it kind of makes me wish i went with the 5th gen. When I get it back I think i'm going to try to flush it out with the amsoil synthetic ATF and if not I will just drain and fill with amsoil ATF synthetic (I figure some is better then none) thanks for the info. oh..and OH YES the i35 is FUN.

John

 

There are various name for the machine. ie. t-tech, B&G Make sure you ask for a tranny flush and not a drain & fill. Most places would like you bring your own fluid. Try Jiffy lube or Valvoline instant oil change http://www.vioc.com/