My_first_maxima

I have read many posts of how to accomplish a full ATF flush. I use AMS oil in the engine and I will do the same for the XMSN. Living in Alaska where temperatures drop to -50 like this coming week, AMS oil is a must. MOBIL 1 does not pour as good as AMS oil does in cold temperatures.(AS I did my own poor test at -42, AMS OIL WAS THINER and still poured out like milk while Mobil 1 was like pouring corn syrup consistancy.)

I just bought this 03 Maxima Se and I cant say enough about it. It has 22,000 miles on it and I am not sure when to do the full flush as people advise in this forum.?

The steps to get it right
1) remove the nut from the xmsn (transmision) and drain all that fluid into a container where you can measure how much came out.
1A)install nut (left this step out, LOL)
2)Fill the xmsn with the same amount of fluid
3)Disconnect the xmsn drain line
4)If you want you can connect a clear hose to the drain hose into a clear gallon container
5)turn vehicle on and drain about 2 qts into the milk jug
6)add 2 qts into the xmsn via the removal of the xmsn dip stick.
7)repeat the process untill you have completed using up to 12 qts of this expensive stuff or untill the fluid is not mercy and appears to be clear red.

Where can you dispose of this fluid?
If you choose to drop the pan why is there so much heartache for removing and installing the filter and that one dredded nut bolt combo Nissan made?
Any other helpfull hints and advise will be appreciated when I choose to accomplish this task.

As with my Ford Taurus SHO (1993) the owners manual recommends high octane...nothing less then 89. But I have done the cheap thing a few times and just notice not as much spunk as premium. What is the recommend octane level for the 03 Maxima? If it is premium fuel (RECOMMENDED) will mid grade be suffice?

THANKS FOR THE HELP AND YOUR TIME

S00NR1

iTrader: (3)

To answer a couple of your questions:

1) ATF can be disposed at most autoparts stores that recycle regular motor oil.
2) When performing the flush, it is important to have a 2nd person to start the car for you so that you dont have to quickly go back and forth.
3) Only use octane of 91 or greater or you will deal with the dreaded knocking, mid grade will not suffice.