I'm about to do a drain and fill on my automatic transmission on my '96 Maxima. I was told by a parts shop
that I can use Dextron III but my owners manual says to use Nissan Matic "D", whatever that is. I'm assuming Dextron III is comparable to or the same as what the owners manual says, it this true?

Van

 

I just checked the latest Nissan Technical Service Bulletins, and they say this:
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For current and prior production Nissan vehicles, front wheel and/or rear wheel drive, only Nissan Matic "D", or other ashless petroleum based ATF, is formulated to meet the requirements of Nissan automatic transmissions and automatic transaxles. Nissan Matic "D", or other ashless petroleum based ATF, assists in ensuring transmission durability, smooth driveability, low exhaust emissions and customer satisfaction.

Only an ashless type petroleum based ATF should be used to repair Nissan vehicles because other types of ATF may contain compounds which adversely affect transmission performance. Specifically, ash will impact friction response. In addition, ATF with ash is likely to have a higher Zinc (Zn) content. Zinc will adhere to clutch linings and cause slippage, resulting in transmission damage.
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Thus, you should either: 1) use genuine Nissan Matic "D", or 2) use some sort of ATF fluid that is ashless (my 95 owner's manual states that DEXRON II-E is fine as well). If in ANY doubt, I'd use #1. Good luck.

 

Just out of curiosity, where did you find the full text of nissan technical service bulletins? I know the alldata sites have titles only, but I haven't seen the full text versions.

Thanks.

 

Wharper, I actually subscribe to http://www.alldatadiy.com so that's where I get my full info on the TSB's for the Maxima. For $20/year subscription, I think that it's not too bad of a cost at all for all of the information that I'm getting. I actually save the text on the TSBs and repair info that I've downloaded on my computer, so once my annual membership expires, I'll still be able to access them. However, if you had an OEM service manual, you'd be just fine w/o the subscription for the repairs that you might do for your Maxima. If you want some TSBs, I could probably look some up for you, but remember that I'm pretty busy, too.

 

Redline ATF this stuff works wonders on any 5-Speed {MTL} and probobly will work great on a Auto too,It will more then meet any reguirements Nissan has for tranny fluid but it costs about $11 a Quart,also it is race proven formula and is a pure senthetic based oil rather then the usual oil crap.Good Luck