hi ppl, I own a 2002 Nissan Maxima SE with auto transmission. I am trying to change my transmission fluid. I am trying to change it to synthetic. I been hearing alot about redline and amsoil on this site. I talk to the Nissan dealer and they said it's better to stay with factory fluids. Is it true or it's BS??? I really wanna try the redline oil everybody been talking about. Can someone tell me the the exact one that I needed. My car also recently started like shaking sort of like vibrate when the car is started. It's not really that bad, I was just wondering if anybody else have the same problem or anyone that know what the problem is. replies is appreciated. thanks

 

FIRST ISSUE (auto tranny)

Synthetic is a better way to go for multiple reasons. For one is lasts longer, therefore has to be changed less often. Secondly it resists thermal breakdown over a higher temperature range than normal fluid. Third, it retains viscosity better than regular fluid.

SECOND ISSUE (vibration at startup)

This can be a number of things. Most likely it's the spark plugs or the ignition coil packs. Are you showing any engine light coming on? I'd check the plugs on it and see how they are. Probably need changing.

 

The person at Nissan told me that the Nissan fluid only need to be changed at 80k miles. They say the transmission also has a fan that cools the transmission. Do u know what kind of synthetic fluid is good for the maxima???

 

Standard Nissan party line... Synthetic is fine but a little costly. I wouldn't go 80k until my first change. The tranny has a radiator next to the coolant radiator which cools the trans fluid. When the fans kick on it cools both radiators at the same time. An additional tranny cooler will help the life of the tranny, and the install isn't to hard. goodluck

 

Regular Nissan service recommends changing transmission fluid more often than 80k miles. That's ridiculous. I changed mine to synthetic (Mobil 1) for the reasons stated above. I just think the synthetic has better lubricating properties and doesn't break down as quickly (better for the AT). Just my .02.

 

You should drain your regular (non-synthetic ATF) at 30K miles, flush it at 60K miles, and keep that program. The synthetic can go a VERY long time. I have seen guys comment on the fluid after 60K miles that it has no signs of wear. I have 40K miles on my synthetic and still going, no drain and no flush. I run Mobil 1 synthetic, there are others available such as Amsoil which has good reviews as well.

A tranny cooler is a good buy if you are towing or going up and down large hills, or extremely hot days. I wouldn't recommend a tranny cooler under normal conditions as the temperature of the tranny may not reach its optimum.

 

I only can get mobile one fluid at my local stores. Do I need just a regular synthetic fluid or I have to get something else. Cause I saw a bunch of atf for reline. Thanks for the help.

 

If you want to get Redline, you need their Synthetic D4 ATF, since it is suitable where Dexron III fluid is recommended.

And I agree with all the others... 80k ATF change interval is formula for disaster. 15k is more like it with Maximas. BTW, I'm running Mobil 1 ATF in mine and it works great.

 

Put in the synthetic. You won't regret it.

 

I am having a problem with my car but I can't post it.

I have a 72k 2002 car (very high mileage) and just today it started "slipping" in first and second gear - that is, from 3000-6000 rpms the car revs fast but doesn't respond accordingly with regard to acceleration.

The same goes for 2nd and 3rd gear.

I have only had the car for 1k miles but I doubt the tranny fluid has been changed ever since I have virtually all service records.

What should I do first?

- Just replace/upgrade transmission fluid?
- Immediately ask for transmission inspection?

The car is perfectly drivable at the moment.

 

Inspect the fluid condition and level. Fluid should not look brownish or smell burnt. If it does, the damage may already be done, since the fluid is not offering the needed protection to the tranny internals and the tranny has probably overheated already.
Check the level after the car has warmed up, in parking, with the engine running. You'll find instructions in the owners manual if you need more details.

Our cars have a drain plug in the tranny pan, so you could exchange the old fluid with new gradually by draining and refilling the tranny, leaving it for 500 miles or so, and repeating the process once again until it is mostly new fluid inside. Each drain and fill will remove between 3.5 and 4 quarts of fluid each time and I believe the tranny capacity is about 10 quarts, so after 3 drain and fill, you should be at about 70% new fluid.

Good luck...