I just bought a new Nissan Maxima SL a couple of weeks ago at a dealer 300 miles away. While fueling I had the fluid levels checked and found out the tranmission was low. I looked in the Manual and it requires Type K fuild that is only available at the Nissan dealer. Does that stink or what??? Ohh... I called the dealer and they will ship me a quart for $10.00, they said it couldn't be low due to the reason it was checked before it left...Mmmm must of leaked or evaporated....Anyhow, is that a pain or what...Anybody know a compatible product???

Thanks...

 

I don't know about a compatible product, but I would try and make them send it to me for free. There is no way your transmission fluid should be loow in a new car. Did you check the fluid for yourself? I'm sure the others will give you some advice on what you could do. You could also check the fluids and lubricants section that may help. Sorry to hear that. 300 miles isn't a walk in the park and it really seems scary to drive a car that far with low tranny fluid.

 

I agree, the car has 900 miles on it...I tried the free approach but at time I had better things to do than to beg for a quart of oil...I will be going to the dealer at the end of the month to have a spoiler installed. I will let them know my thoughts at that time.... Yes I did check it myself…

 

Let them have it when you go. That is a disgrace that they could sell a new car with low tranny fluid hope all goes well.

 

I wouldnt see it as a matter of begging for oil, its the point that you shouldnt have to pay for something that shouldnt have happened in the first place. And having to spend your own money on an issue that should be covered by the dealer is ridiculous. Its almost like why have a warantee if you wont fight to make sure they honnor it.

You just have to get in the face about it in a professional confident way, these dealerships really do whatever they can to get over on customers, dont let youself be one of those people.

 

Thanks for your concerns, and I have every intent on letting them know how ridiculous this all was...As for getting in there face for this I will wait and pick my battles if I need at a later date... I have learned over the years to pick ymy battles for when I really need to. Life is too short to get worked up over every little issue…Tranmission starts slipping??? Now we have a battle...

Anyhow...Is this Type K fluid specfic to Nissan???

 

supposedly Matic K is just for our 5speed tranny and no one has a comparable alternative. Asmoil doesn't even have one. It would be nice to find somthing cheaper, but Nissan tried their hardest and seem to have succeded in making the only fluid we can use.

If you risk something else, (even with the Mugeson Act) you'll have a huge battle on your hands to prove your alt. fluid was compatible.

I would stop at the dealer at my earliest convience and demand the fluid to be checked and leveled. speak to the manager in front of other customers, or call Nissan while there to complain.

 

I haven't checked this in the manual yet, but did you follow the transmission level checking procedure? I remember from other cars I've owned that you have to check it with the engine warmed up and you have to slowly run the selector through all of the gears before putting it in park, shutting off the engine and checking the stick.

 

Valvolines MaxLife is MaticK compatible but I would hesitate to use it....

http://www.valvoline.com/products/Maxlife%20ATF.pdf

FYI, there is this Castrol alternative to MaticK fluid but not sold in the US. I would just bite the bullet and get it from the dealer and enjoy the drive!!!