First of all, thanks all - I have learnt so much about my maxima that I dont feel intidimated anymore.

I had two issues resolved this past weekend. Want to share and get your feedback.

1) Oil Leak - The car was leaking oil from underneath. I took it to the dealer, they diagnosed it for $80 and said to replace the o-ring in the oil cooler. They wanted an additional $175 for that. I asked them if that would guarantee the leak, they said they cannot guarantee against any leaks. lol. I took my car and left. Had the o-ring replaced with help from a friend of mine. But the leak continued. I just dont trust dealers anymore. lol

I then had the car on the lift and me and my friend carefully went over each and every possible place it was leaking from. To our horror, we noticed there was no oil pan gasket ! Just parmatex all around. Is there supposed to be a gasket around ? Anyway, I purchased a gasket, found another friend, jacked up the car, dropped the pan. I have to admit I am glad I did this anyway because the oil was dirty, thick and black in the pan - no sediments or anything, just dirty. Cleaned the pan real good, scrapped all the old permatex, and then put it back again - with new gasket and parmatex. Changed oil filter and put new oil in.

It been 3 days since and there is not a drop of oil leaking from anywhere. Keeping my fingers crossed still.

2) Transmission Oil "Flush" I read a lot here and elsewhere on the best way to change transmission fluid. I started with the intent of unhooking the return line from the cooler (going into the transmission at the top) but backed out because I wasnt too sure about the line. I noticed two hoses connected toward the bottom of the transmission (near the drain plug). I thought the one towards the top was the return line but as I was trying to unhook, I thought it was a radiator coolant line instead. So I didnt bother. So went with Plan B - I took the drain plug off, drained the oil - about 3 quarts or so - dumped new fluid in through the dipstick -

Put the drain plug back on
Started the car and let it run for about 30 seconds
Drain oil again
Repeated this process 4 times until I saw the color of fluid go from brown to red

I would have loved to drop the transmission pan but chickened out i guess. Anyone know, if i drop the pan, what all I need to replace ?

Gasket, Filter Screen and transmission pan bolts ? After what i saw with oil pan, I am thinking it might be worth doing the same on the transmission oil pan.

Anyone have a link to DIY on this ? I would appreciate that.

The car is running great now. I didnt really have shifting problems prior but it seems to shift a lot smoother. I checked the fluid after two days of driving and it is still red.

 

No gasket from the factory, only form in place gasket sealer (silicone).

They sometimes do develop a leak at the lower oil pan though. Usually the removal of the pan and reseal with new silicone will do it.

 

Nice one. I read in some other post in this forum that the tranny is sealed up and that there are no pans, gaskets or filters to expose. The only way to change your dirty fluid is to flush as you have done.