I'm running a 97 maxima with 116k miles, automatic, switched to synthetic motor oil (Mobil 1 10w30) about 500 miles ago.

My tranny fluid is pretty dark and i don't know when it was last serviced, i'm 99% sure it's not synthetic, but i'd like to change it to synthetic. Aside from that i'd like to drop the pan, clean it and do the flush myself but i don't have jacks or a large enough bucket.. so i figured i'd go to a place that does tranny flushes.

my questions are the following.

1. i've read that after the tranny fluid gets to a certain point, it's best to not bother changing it. How do i tell if i'm at that point.

2. What tranny fluid should i switch to? i'd like to go over to synthetic, and im thinking Redline, Amsol or Mobil 1. What are your recommendations? should i change over to synthetic or keep dino? is it to late to change to synthetic at 116k?

-thanks

 

I will attempt to answer some of your questions:

"my questions are the following.

1. i've read that after the tranny fluid gets to a certain point, it's best to not bother changing it. How do i tell if i'm at that point."

It is never too late to change automatic transmission fluid. The older it gets the worse it becomes for your trannie. If you don't know when (or if), then by all means do it now.

"2. What tranny fluid should i switch to? i'd like to go over to synthetic, and im thinking Redline, Amsol or Mobil 1. What are your recommendations? should i change over to synthetic or keep dino? is it to late to change to synthetic at 116k?"

You will hear many different opinions on this site about both trannie fluid and engine oil. You could also consider using Nissan fluid (not synthetic). I personally don't think that 116 K miles is too late to change to synthetic. But the product is up to you and your preferences (and price range).

 

thanks for the reply silvermax_04.

I'm thinking about doing the flush myself because the mechanic at the shop i went to, said if i want synthetic i'll have to buy it and bring it to him because he refuses to put synthetic into my car with its mileage because he says there will be leaks and tranny failure...

as far as fluid goes, i'm still not 100% on what fluids are even available for me to use.

from what i've looked at my choices are Dexron III, Mobil 1 synthetic, Amsol ATF (synthetic), and Redline...

- enlighten me

 

There have been reported engine oil leaks when switching to synthetic in an older car. Don't know about trannies. The reported "science logic" is that the gaskets in older cars will hold dino fluid, but can't keep the slipplier synthetic from slipping past the gasket. Suspect that would also work with trannies. But apparently if you switch to synthetics "soon enough" (whatever that is), then you don't get leaks later when the gaskets do get older.

Personally, if you don't use one of the 3 synthetics you list, I would buy the fluid from Nissan. Dexron III is a GM formulation, and somewhere I think I read that Nissan uses a slightly different formulation for auto trannies.

Given the age of your Max, you might be safer with the Nissan fluid.

 

I would personally treat it with auto-rx. Seen many people say it has sealed up leaks. $25 worth of insurance is well worth it!
I would change it out with a good dino oil give it a good Auto-RXing and then switch to syn if you really feel the need.
Best of luck!

 

so do a full flush with dino? (10-12 quarts) autoRX it ... ride around for 1000 miles and then do synthetic?

 

They have some instructions on their site (auto-rx.com) for auto trannies. I would do that for best results

 

mkay according to http://auto-rx.net/pages/applications.html

i'm supposed to add 6 oz, drive 1000-1500 miles and then do flush, it doesn't say anything about changing to synthetic. On top of that my fluid is already pretty dark, the idea is for me to change the fluid now.. not in 1,000 miles. :-/

 

k i went to pepboys and my favorite local nissan dealer. Pepboys has a bunch of nonsynthetic fluids, ranging from 2$ - 5 something a quart.

i'm thinking about going with either some no name brand dexron III / mercon mix which is like 2$ a quart (and i'll be needing 12 quarts to do the full flush) or with valvoline engine over 75k mile formula for like 2.99$ a quart.

any thoughts?

everyone i've spoken to about changing my tranny fluid to synthetic lit up with fear and after finding out i have 116k miles reccomended an exorcism.... but that's because they don't warranty the job when it's with synthetic. Pepboys wanted like 130$ for the tranny flush. Nissan dealer wanted 100$ and 175$ if i want to change the filter (what filter? don't we just have a screen).

im leaning to do the job myself..

now for prices for items from nissan dealer.
Nissan ATF tranny fluid.. case 66$ (5.50 a quart) after some haggling it became 4.75 a quart (57$ total).

then as advised by the DIY writeup:

i took just that advice and didn't order the tranny screen as i plan to clean it myself.

Tranny Pan Gasket - 17.01
19mm Tranny Drain Plug - 4.69
21 Tranny Pan Bolts - 14.70 (70 cents a bolt)



If you decide to not read any of the above and just answer questions here they are:

1. What tranny filter? i thought we just have a screen?? and why would nissan charge 75$ for a friggin screen?

2. What tranny fluid should i go for? synthetic / dino?! should i just buy a case from nissan? should i go with pepboys no name brand crap? should i order online?!... WTF help.

3. er.. im hungry and forgot but it might be in there somewhere.. - be back later for responses .. thanks

 

It is best to use auto-rx with a dino oil in most cases. Then you can switch to syn.

 

Go with the Nissan ATF.