I want to change the tranny fluid on my '04 with the 5 speed auto, i don't see a drain plug though, am i blind and missing it, lol ?

 

You use a hex-nut to take it out and it's located towards the front of the tranny. You can't really miss it, if you are actually looking for it.

 

it's that big screw on the middle. use a 10mm 3/8" disc brake caliper socket to take it out.

 

thanks for the quick responses guys!

 

How often are we supposed to change the transmission fluid? How much would I need if I were to buy it in the store? Any suggested brands?

 

When you get the tranny fluid changed in the 6th gens, you have to use the correct fluids.

Manual transaxle fluid (MTF)

2 3/8 qt 2.3 2 qt. with flush Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) HQ Multi 75W-85


Automatic transaxle fluid (ATF)
4 speed A/T 9 3/4 qt with flush Genuine NISSAN Matic "D" ATF


5 speed A/T 7 3/4 qt with flush Genuine NISSAN Matic "K" ATF


Make sure you use the right fluids or you will mess up your tranny

 

take it to your mechanic

 

even takin it to ur mechanic if he doesnt know what fluid to use then he just screwed up ur tranny

 

correct.

put the wrong fluid and say bye bye to your tranny.

 

Has anybody use Redline Trans Oil? for a 2004 Maxima?

I'm thinking about changing to Redline.

 

Only 3 quarts came out of my 05 5at. The rest stays in the lines and the torque converter if you don't power flush. Use the NISSAN recommended oil only. Don't be cheap, change the oil every 2-3 years. They run real hot and need all the help.

 

Is it bad for the old (3 qts) to stay in there? Would it be practical to flush then flush say a few days later to get the rest of it out?

 

^^
It is a safe alternative to a machine flush.
If you do the drain and refill method 3 times you will get about 70% of the old fluid out.

 

whitem - Practically speaking, unless the fluid you took out looked badly discolored or smelled burnt or otherwise did not look good, I would forget about the three quarts that didn't come out, and just be sure to change the fluid again in another few years (or 30K or so miles).

Of course we Maxima fans do tend to be ****, and changing the fluid twice back-to-back certainly might help in that more of the fluid left in the tranny will then be new.

 

I second that.

 

is there anything else involved when changing the fluid. do i need some kind of filter and i want to take off the oil and and replace the gasket too. thanks.

 

By the way what color is the fluid so post to be? My friend told me that tranny fluid is red or pink. But mine is Dark don't know maybe (realy dark red) but looks realy realy dark to me. I don't smell it burnt or any thing. Have 25,000 miles on my 06. By the way any one tired Max ATF from RP any good?

 

Mine is dark with metal chunks and nissan told me they wont change the fluid, they will replace the trans under warrnayt when it fails, uh.

 

LOL THATS MESSED UP

Tell them to replace it NOW because when it fails you may be out of warranty! Don't be a sucker!

 

The dealer hopes you will be out of warranty when the tranny dies and milk you for it.

I sent my oil out for analysis to Blackstone labs at 17K and they recommended I change the oil because it was acidic(for $22, you get a detailed report of what is present in the oil and what are abnormal levels).

I normally change it every 30k or two years. Three quarts of oil is real cheap insurance. Buy Nissan ATF oil only.

For the SE 5sp auto, just take the plug near the tranny cooler out, and three quarts will come out. Color alone is not a good indicator of cleanliness. It is already burgundy when new and gets dark red/brown soon after.

 

Has anyone heard of NEO transmission fluid & Oil and feedback if you have? If you would use it in your 04 SE or even negative feedback.

 

I have tried using MAX ATF from RP. It worked pretty well an shifted a bit better also. Then I had my Valve body overhauled by a local shop. Had them add Nissan ATF to it after that. Only had it in for like 2k miles or so. It really doesn't matter the type of fluid as long as it meets or exceeds nissan's recommended fluid. RP does that along with a couple other types. If in doubt just stick with nissan fluid.