how often are we suppose to change the auto tranny fluid?
what kinda ATF do u guys prefer?

I dont think im going to do it myself, ill just pay my local mechanic and provide my own oil. is there any filter required? and if so, is the OEM nissan filter best?

thanks in advance, plz no flaming...

 

Dexron III or compatible is the right fluid.

Ideally, it should be changed between 15k and 30k for conventional fluids. Realistically, the automatic transmission is the most neglected thing on the car and this almost never gets done on time.

 

anymore suggestions?

 

May I ask why you aren't going to do it yourself? It is nearly as easy as changing the oil. On my old auto I just bought a big jug of Amsoil ATF.

 

Your best bet is to find a shop that can flush the entire tranny while adding the new fluid. While it's fairly easy to change it yourself, you'll never be 100% sure all of the fluid has been changed while the flush will.

Either Amsoil or Mobil 1 in that order. Both fluids hold up extremely well according to the oil analysis spreadsheet at the top of this forum. 15-30k on regular fluid, 60-90k on the Mobil or Amsoil fluid.

 

Amsoil ATF, that is all you need to know

 

I change my trans fluid every other oil change. Just about every 6,000 miles.

 

Id say thats overkill and a big waste of money....6,000 is way too often to be changing your atf.

 

Could it cause any damage?

 

changing the atf more often will not cause any damage at all.... but imho i just think its a waste....

 

The only problem with these new "evacuation services" is that the pan, magnets, and filter/screen get neglected. you still need to service the filter and clean the pan. You're better off doing it yourself since you know you can do it correctly yourself. More details here: http://www.amsoil.com/lit/filter_man_council01.pdf
No, but the point of changing the fluid at all is to increase the life of the tranny so you are spared the expense of repairing/replacing it. With the frequency you're doing it, you might as well never replace the fluid and then just get a new tranny when it dies. it'll probably cost you less money in the long run.

 

I did not know our trans had a filter. Is it easy to replace?

 

I don't know, I haven't done it yet, I only have 19K miles on my car...

Check out Bill's post here for some basic instructions on how to do it. He lists the parts you'll need to order but the Tranny Pan Bolts part number he gives is incorrect (If you order from Jerry Rome Nissan anyway). The correct part number is 3137732X02

 

Why new bolts are needed? New gasket, sure, but why new bolts?
Just curious...

 

This other post from Bill in that same thread should answer your question

 

aite i guess AMSOIL it is. do i need to buy any filters or any other stuff such as this "flush"? i want to provide all the good stuff for the mechanic and have him do the labor cuz god knows what kinda bs products they pour in.

sorry im kind of a n00bie buy i do change my own oil and the reason why i dont wanna do the tranny oil is cuz u do that like once every 30k and i dont have tools so i dont wanna bother !!

btw how many quarts do i need?

 

For a tranny flush I would dump a small amount of marvel mystery oil in the tranny, drive around for 50 miles, and then do a tranny fluid replacement. With the amsoil ATF, you can go 60k between flushes.

 

10 quarts (2.5 gallons). I would buy an extra quart or two just in case...

http://amsoil2.cpinternet.com/script...msoiloaf:index

 

Good one!