I have 153k miles on my 95 auto maxima. I noticed that the shift between 1st and 2nd gear have been hard. It's been a while since the transmission was serviced, but it was a flush at around 120k miles. I then had a mechanic install a transmission cooler. I'm not sure if he drained the fluid, but he toped it off. I bought the transmission kit from NAPA. My question is do I need to flush the transmission or have the kit installed?

 

You already bought the trans rebuild kit? I did the DIY return line flush on my 03 auto at 32k and noticed alot of shavings/really dark color. Since that experience I will definately flush the tranny at least every 30k. I suspect that with your older tranny it probably needs the fluid flushed. If you DIY the flush I shouldn't cost you that much( even with M1 syn tranny fluid it cost me less than $50 for the fluid[+26 for the pan gasket]). In that case it should cost alot less than having a rebuild done, and if it dosen't solve your problem you are only out $30-$75.

 

I bought the kit from NAPA for like $16 a month ago. I'm not to familiar with flushing the tranny. I would do this after I install the kit?

 

For $16 you more than likely didn't get a rebuild kit. There are several how-to's on this board with detailed instructions on flushing the tranny yourself(sorry I don't have time to research the exact threads).

 

I'm no expert on automatic transmissions as I have a 5-speed. If you had the tranny flushed @ 120K, it is due for a drain and fill at 150K. I am not sure what you bought.

If it was my car, I would have done the following:

30K drain and fill
60K flush/service
90K drain and fill
120K flush/service
150K drain and fill

then at 180K flush/service etc.

In other words do a drain and fill every 30K, followed by a flush/service at 60K intervals.

At a minimum, you are now overdue for some kind of tranny fluid service.