I bought a 93 Maxima about 3 years ago with 100K miles on it. The trans shifted fine and the fluid looked good. My son took the car away to school and I didn't maintain a very good maintenance schedule. Therefore, the car currently has about 130k miles on it and the trans fluid has not been changed while I've owned it. It seems to shift fine to me and my son has noted no problems.

I had it in the shop for a minor repair and the mechanic checked the fluids and belts while it was there. He said the trans fluid looked brown and burned and recommended changing it.

I thought I remembered my trans guy cautioning against fluid changes on older high mileage cars when the fluid has not been changed regularly or the maintenance record is unknown. So I took the car to him to get a second opinion.

He too said the the fluid was indeed brownish looking and that he would not recommend changing it. He said that he would almost guarantee that if we changed it, we'd be back in his shop within a few weeks with problems that we are not now experiencing. He also noted that on a Maxima in particular, the filter is actually in the transmission and that it couldn't be changed as part of the regular fluid and filter service and that the detergents in the new fluid would most likely clean out some gunk, take it right to the filter and we'd be looking at big problems. Hence, his recommendation was to keep the fluid at the proper level by adding a small amount as needed but to not change it out entirely.

I'd like to "change my ways" a bit and get on a regular maintenance schedule with this car. The trans guy says he is a strong believer in regular trans fluid and filter changes. However he is pretty adamant that, in this particular case, he would not recommend it.

I'd appreciate any opinions or insights. Thanks.

Ken

 

It has always been taught to me that if a car has not had the tranny fluid changed at regular intervals and goes for a long time with out a change you can destroy the transmission. Because as parts wear, with old fluid a varnish will build up between the parts keeping them from rattling; but changing the fluid will get rid of that varnish and the tranny will soon go boom.

 

I have heard the same thing, last time from the shop that rebuilt my tranny. Not sure if it's true or just one of those legend things. I guess it makes sense, in a way, but then it's also kinda hard to believe that the only thing making worn tranny work is a bunch of built-up varnish..

 

My 94 maxima is also having problems, the car was towed by mistake. and i was wondering id that is why now i can only get the car to run in 2 or 3ed.

I am going to get the fluid changed and put in additives, I just hop this works.

I can not get it to engage in drive.

it rpm's just spikes.

it seems like a last ditch hope.

I can not post a new thread can some one help?

 

post here...

http://forums.maxima.org/3rd-generat...ions-here.html

DO NOT BUMP A THREAD THAT'S 4 YEARS OLD!!!

It sounds like you need a new tranny.