Hey guys, I got a quick question. I just changed my transmission fluid(Drain and Refill) after 30,000km, my local shop used the total fluidmatic 3g atf for the change.
I just wanted to get your input on using this multipurpose ATF rather than the expensive k matic. Do i run risk of future transmission issues because of this change.

 

Your post does not indicate whether you have the 4 speed or 5 speed transmission.

If you have the 5 speed RE5F22A / AW-55-50SN automatic transmission, I wouldn't use it.

FLUIDMATIC IIIG

It does not say anything about meeting Nissan Matic-K (Nissan's own fluid) or JWS 3309 specifications or being compliant with them. As troublesome as these transmissions can be, I wouldn't take the chance. I would start flushing it out by doing a transmission fluid drain and refill immediately and then with each of the next 3-4 engine oil changes using either Nissan Matic-K or another JWS 3309 compliant fluid.

In my opinion, being as these transmission were used in more than just Nissan vehicles you don't have to use only Nissan's own Matic-K fluid, but you do need to use something that meets JWS 3309 specifications. Personally, since having the valve body rebuilt with Sonnax solenoids 4 years/60,000 miles ago I have been using Amsoil Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid with great success.

If you have the 4 speed automatic, the above may not apply. I don't know anything about those.

 

Thanks for the feedback, my maxima is a 5speed. I actually found that my car accelerated better between the gears with the new total fluidmatic 3g atf.
I used the castrol multivehicle atf on the maxima some 30,000km ago. My mechanic says that the total fluidmatic 3g is even better than the valvoline max life atf

 

Your car requires a fluid meeting Nissan Matic-K specs. You can use a multi-purpose fluid (one which meets multiple OEM Specs) as long as it's labeled as meeting the OEM's specs.

Differences between the Total product and Matic-K could be in viscosity, frictional properties and/or additives

 

Thanks for all the input, I will assume that i am good with the total fluidmatic IIIg for the next 30,000km. I also wanted to clarify something, I heard that the nissan k matic is the same as Dex III in viscosity and quality

 

In cars that required Matic-D, Dextron III could be used as a substitute. I believe Nissan made some changes to the specs when they came out with Matic-J and K fluids...

 

Thanks for the feedback, hopefully the total fluidmatic III g turns out to be a good alternative to the Nissan K-matic fluid. So far, so good its tranny is running great

 

Guys i just confirmed from my mechanic that the atf is actually a total fluidmatic syn na (fully synthetic).Its multipurpose and very good for a wide range of cars( i also confirmed from their online profile), it could be a cheaper and better alternative to the expensive Nissan K-matic. Thanks once more for all the input

 

This thread is starting sound like a commercial for Fluidmatic IIIg.

Total Oil's own website doesn't mention anything about it meeting Matic-K or JWS 3309 specifications. I'll take their word over some mechanic who seems to think that whatever ATF he can get the cheapest is as good as any other. I guess run whatever you want. It's your transmission and money to gamble with. Personally, I am trying to make my car last as long as possible without any more major repairs and as problematic as the RE5F22A can be, it seems penny wise and pound foolish to risk such expensive damage to save a few bucks on fluid. But to each their own. Good luck.

Is your mechanic willing to offer a written guarantee covering any damage arising for the use of a non-compliant fluid?

 

He started talking about Total Fluidmatic IIIG which does not meet Matic-K specs.

Now he says they installed Fluidmatic Syn NA which does...

 

My mechanic clarified to me that he uses the multi vehicle Total Fluidmatic Syn NA for all none cvt transmission fluid change since its compliant with most car brands. I thought he used the total fluidmatic 3g, I called him today to confirm and clarify with me. The drive so far especially the acceleration and change of gears has been better i must say too.

 

Well that certainly sounds better. I don't mean to sound harsh, but I would prefer that people who might be reading this avoid the transmission issues so many of us have experienced. I think that using proper fluid and changing it more often than originally recommended is critical.

If a simple fluid change is making the car run better, kind of makes you wonder what was in it before.

Guess that's another reason I prefer to do most of my own work: I know exactly what is being used.

 

@ scramblinman, I agree that the key to maintaining a 6Gen 5speed AT Maxima is changing the fluids at frequent intervals(e.g 15,000miles or 30,000km) and not driving too hard.
The 6th Gen max has a touchy transmission system, its a pitfall for an otherwise solid ride so the key is still AT maintenance and good driving habits, styles

 

This make and model requires Matic K transmission fluid. If you or your mechanic thinks otherwise, go ahead and gamble all you want. As it was mentioned in previous post, it's your transmission, do as you please. Just don't forget, if transmission fails and car accumulated a lot of miles, overall car value may even not justify transmission replacement cost, similar to doing body work on a totaled car. Good luck!

 

The Fluidmatic Syn NA fluid he used meets Matic-K specs and is labeled as such.

 

I really think that anyother ATF meeting the K matic specs work well, i used the castro MV ATF 30k km ago and my tranny has had no issues at all.
The fully synthetic K matic compliant ATF might be better even, 2004-2008 Nissan Maximas have a terrible transmission over all in my opinion.This is gonna be first and last nissan car.It's a pity that Nissan haven't made a recall for this particular models smh

 

Yes, either a fluid meets the specs or it doesn't. As we know, any ATF labeled as meeting Nissan Matic-K specifications should perform satisfactorily.

With that said, Specs (such as Matic D, J, K, S; Dextron; Mercon; Chrysler ATF+4, etc, etc) establish the minimum performance requirements of a fluid, and credit isn't given to more premium products that greatly outperform that minimum threshold.