Hey guys, I just got back from the oil and lube place, and the guy there said that I should look into getting my transmission serviced since I have about 52k miles. He said Nissan has trannies that require service more often than regular trannies. This true? and when should I look into servicing it?

 

Nissan says every 60k. But, that's not sufficient. You should get flushed at least every 30k.

 

I do it every 15,000 miles.

 

is that part of the 30k or 45k service performed at the dealerships? Because I get the recommended service levels from the dealership done, last did the one at 45k and the 60k service is coming up, is the tranny service included in that?

thanks.

 

Nissan calls for the first service at 60K and then each 30K after. If you like your car, have it done at least EVERY 30K and never mind what the dealer says.

 

how much does it cost?

 

The cost of the fluid would be anywhere from $15 bucks for cheap ATF to as much as $100 for a high quality synthetic. Labor depends on what method you have done, drain and fill or flush. I tend to prefer the DIY drain and fill method over several days when I work on an auto. If you can't DIY shops will charge anywhere between $50-$120 to do the service for you.

 

is it easy to do ?....any instructions ?

 

I just purchased 4 qts of the Nissan-Matic "D" trans fluid.
Cost $5.25 a quart. Just took out the drain plug and drained it like oil. Didnt change the filter though..........

Theres actually an auction on ebay right now for 4 qts of this fluid.........

 

a classic example of what NOT to buy on ebay

 

If the transmission fluid sees higher than 220 degrees on a regular basis (like congested stop and go city traffic in summer heat), its life might not even be beyond 5000 miles.

 

Thats why a large portion of the 4th genners have a tranny cooler (such as a Hayden 404). Since I'm not too mechanically inclined, I paid a tranny shop to do the work and they did it for $50 (plus cost of tranny cooler). Shouldn't cost more than $100 total. Good price for piece of mind.

 

What makes you say that?

 

It's easier than changing your oil. Open the transmission drain bolt and let it flow until it barely drips. Pour roughly the same amount of new fluid in the tranny dipstick that you drained out. Check the level as per the instructions in your owners manual and adjust as necessary. Smile, you just saved a lot of money.

There have been a bunch of posts lately with more details, and one had a pretty neat idea of how to flush the tranny yourself in your driveway.

 

Go here for a picture from the manual on how to check and change the fluid. This from an Altima book, but I believe they are the same. Maybe somebody with an auto can verify this. http://www.mdvsynthetics.com/maxima/page8.htm