I recently replaced my tranny fluid with Amsoil. at the time I had been having problems with hard shifting. Having to push to get it in gear etc.
when I changed to amsoil the tranny shifted like butter (once warmed up) at the time the temp was about 70-75
now the temp hear has been in the 40s-50s lately and once again it is hard to shift. It takes prolly a good 20 miles of driving for the fluid to warm up and the car to shift easilly.
I never thought this little of a change would make this big of a difference.

My question is... is there anything I can do to make shifting easier in cold weather but won't hurt my tranny once it warms back up.. (cause I mean in houston one day it can be 40 and the next 80... and the winter really doesn't last that long). Possibly ... additive of some sort or will mixing some lower weight fluid (keepin in mind it rarely gets below 35° and usually is 70 or above... even in winter)

 

I used Redline when I changed the 6-speed oil at 30 K miles and my shifting improved. While I park in a garage where the temp never gets to freezing, I still don't have problems shifting when the Max has been parked outside in cold weather. Suspect you have some issues with the trannie, given your troubles.

I would not suggest any additives for your trannie.

 

First, which AMSOIL product did you purchase/ install?

I concur with SilverMax. 40's - 50's is nothing compared to the cold weather some of my other customers experience and they have no issues. Assuming you're using the correct AMSOIL product, it's definitely not the fluid causing your symptoms.

The factory service manual lists several possiblities for hard shifting including:

1. Incorrect oil
2. Oil level too high
3. Worn Control Rod
4. Baulk Ring worn or damaged
5. Insert Spring Damaged

I also would not recommend any additives...no telling what you're entering into the equation

Let me know which oil you're using...

 

I have a 2000 maxima, and i've read most of u use redline; it is synthetic. i have 81k on the odometer. should i still use it and go synthetic?? im thinking about just going to nissan and purchase gear oil from them.

edit: also, does anyone know where the cabin air filter is and how to replace it? thanks

 

I'm a big fan of synthetics, so if the car were mine I would switch to a GL-4 rated synthetic. I've never used Redline, so I can't comment on that.

The cabin air filter is located behind the glove box...you must remove the glove box in order to replace the filter. If you buy replacement elements, instructions are included in the box.

 

What Amsoil gear oil were you using? I can only tell you my opinion on what I've tried...
the older 75W-90 GL4-5 Amsoil, Series 2000 75W-90 Amsoil, Redline, and the newer 75W-90 GL4 Amsoil (just came out). I live in NC, so if anything the temps around here are a bit cooler.
Redline and the Amsoil 2000 gave me pretty similar results - the tranny shifted great when cold, but when it warmed up, shifting got very notchy and it was sometimes difficult to get into gear (I have no idea why)
The older Amsoil GL4-5 gear lube worked great when it was warm, but totally stunk in cold weather.
I just tried the new Amsoil GL-4 only gear oil (about 5k miles). So far, it seems to offer the best of both worlds. Shifting has been smooth and easy at 35 degrees up to 85 (I'll know more when winter and summer hit). Hope this helps...

 

sorry. I kinda forgot about this post
I am using amsoil 75W-90 GL4

 

http://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/mtg.aspx
heres the stuff
(the newer stuff)
It felt so good when i first put it in... but it seems to have gone back to shifting hard (at least until completely warmed up)... I don't have any leaks, the fluid level is fine. could it be the shift linkage?
I am not too familiar with this area... I understand i need to get under there and take off the heat cat and heat shield to get to it right?

I don't think it's the tranny, but I am scared that the hard shifting might be hurting it...