diwan

I have a 2001 Maxima SE (manual) with 28000 miles. Last week along with the oil change I had the dealer change the transmission oil. After that I noticed that especially when the car is cold (first thing in the morning, about 45 degrees) it is quite hard to get into 2nd gear. I can always shift to second but it is not as smooth as I remember it before the transmission oil change. When the car warms up (within a mile) I can shift into 2nd smoothly.
Any ideas what the problem might be? I've dropped the car at the dealership a few minutes ago so they are also looking into it.

desperado_45

They most likely did not put enough fluid in. How many miles do you have?

Colonel

I am "guessing" incorrect grade of oil. Did they write on the sheet/invoice what grade of oil was put in the tranny?

ABS

I know that for the 2K2 and later 6speeds we have to use GL4 oil in the tranny. The GL4 spec is hard to find and most dealers were just using the common GL5. The GL5 is really bad - it will eat away at yellow metals like bronze and brass in the tranny. If your dealer installed GL5, you could be having problems. I've also experienced similar issues with synthetics in manual trannies. Make sure you only use dino oil or a synthetic which has been proven not to cause any drivability issues. I imagine the incorrect viscosity could also cause these issues. Manual transmissions can be picky.

BlackBIRDVQ

iTrader: (15)

Redline ShockProof Medium baby ! Stuff race cars run durring heavy road racing abuse. My tranny shifts like new after I rebuild it 30K miles ago myself from blowing up 4th gear to pieces. I am not going to give ya the whole description on what ShockProof does and how its better, you can read about it online I ran MT90 before, and my tranny still went- ableit with ACT clutch

diwan

My dealer checked the level of the transmission oil and that was fine.
They have used a synthetic oil: the receipt says
325 MULTI-GEAR
328-SYN SYNTHETIC
So it doesn't say what grade. Any ideas?
Thanks a lot for the responses.

spirilis

iTrader: (2)

Probably GL5.

It isn't just 6-speeds that need GL4. ALL manual Nissan transmissions I've heard of need it (well, what few I know about--the KN13 Nissan Pulsar NX needed it, at least...). They use brass synchronizers, and GL5-spec gear oil typically includes a sulfur-based compound that dissolves/eats away brass metal. That would explain why it's so damned hard to get into gear (synchros becoming a little messed up?)

Buy some GL-4, even if you have to go to NAPA and get their cheap hypoid gear oil stuff (GL-4 ONLY!!!), and either have a mechanic change it out or do it yourself. Your 2001 probably takes about 4.5 quarts, so you might have to buy 5 quarts of that stuff. (or 2 gallons if they only have gallon containers )

Ideally, you should treat it to something like Redline MT-90 (or any alternatives, like what BlackbirdVQ mentioned above) or Amsoil GL-4 gear oil.

diwan

On talking to my dealer, I found that they had used GL5 which is not the right oil for my transmission. Can you please provide me with a link to official information so I can take it to my dealer? Otherwise, I fear my dealer will just say: "we know better; gl5 is just fine..."
Amer

Max_Gator

How bout the owners manual.

You ought to also make certain that they write on the ticket that they are changing out the oil because they incorrectly used gl5. That way when you go back later with a tranny problem - you've got something to stand on.

diwan

The dealer has agreed to change the oil on thursday. At the point that change it out, the oil will have been in my transmission for a week and a half. Should I be worried about damage (I have driven about 200 miles).
Amer

nicks79

iTrader: (4)

I have the same problem. I changed the reverse light switch and with that I changed the oil in the transmission. I have 2000 SE 5 Speed. However, i followed stupid Hynes manual, and it says use 80W-90. I should have used 75W-90 which what manual says to use. Same problem with shifting to 2nd gear. Will change it to 75W this weekend, let you know if it fixed it.

takkar

After reading all these posts ( and previous ones) about how hard the tranny shifts after a transmission fluid change, makes me not want to do one to mine.
I have a 2001 Auto SE...do you guys think I should do it? Will get it done at the dealer just in case something gets screwed up and I have someone to blame

CCS2k1Max

iTrader: (2)

Huh? Medium suspension fluid in your tranny? I am curious.


Ed - Never mind I found it. The question is, is ShockProof GL-4 or 5?

nicks79

iTrader: (4)

Just put in Redline MT-90, GL-4 75w-90 and what a difference. Before it wouldn't shift easy into 2nd when cold, now its like new. Definetely make sure its GL-4 and right weight.