The first pic is the measured container which holds 5.3 quarts. Enough for a drain and fill.

The second is the ATF pan with drain bolt.

The third is ATF draining.

The fourth is the drained ATF fluid.

The fifth picture shows how I marked the amount of old ATF drained. In case you do not have a measured container just mark the level of drained ATF with a piece of tape as shown. This is done so you can put in the same amount of new ATF that you took out.

First pic shows that I Poured old ATF into waste containers. I then cleaned out the measured container.

Second picture shows filling measured container with new ATF with the same amount which was drained. To the tape mark.

The third picture shows the ATF charging (filling) tube.

The fourth picture shows container of new ATF with same amount drained ready to be poured into the charge tube.

Every 15k miles or so I perform this procedure three times with a few hundred miles in between. This is the 2nd drain in this cycle. With the first cycle drain I always drop the pan to clean the magnets and inspect the pan. The next two are just a drain and fill.

NOTE: I do this with my Armada warmed up so the ATF is hot when drained. I let the container of drained ATF sit until it cools down before marking the amount. I do this because when hot the ATF is expanded and when cool it is a little lower in the container. Since I am filling with cool ATF I want the level to be accurate. It doesn't lower it much at all, but after doing this a bunch of times it can make a difference. And of course, always check the fluid level with the dipstick for accuracy.

I think with the next pan drop I am going to install a PML transmission oil pan. I like the idea of extra ATF working to keep things smooth in there.

Thanks for the great write-up!

Thanks for the great write-up!

Thanks Rumplecat. I just wanted to show others just how easy it really is and hopefully those who were nervous about attempting this will give it a shot.

I agree, thanks for the awesome write-up and pics...I truly appreciate the time and effort you put in this. I've been thinking about changing my ATF but was a little afraid to attempt this but you have certainly made it easy for anyone you might want to do this. Thanks again.

Super job Sir. Thanks for removing some of the mystery surrounding the tranny fluid change. I really like how you show how to replace the exact amount of fluid!

Thanks Rumplecat,

Good write up and clear pictures make it very simple and easy to understand. Now just need 13K more miles and I will do my first ATF change.

second the motion. Great Write up. that will save me some money instead of going to a lubrication shop. Are you using synthetic atf or just the recommended nissan atf? thanks in advance.

second the motion. Great Write up. that will save me some money instead of going to a lubrication shop. Are you using synthetic atf or just the recommended nissan atf? thanks in advance.

Thanks.

I use Amsoil synthetic ATF. It meets Nissan specifications. The recommended Nissan S matic is a synthetic ATF too.

Is there a seal to use when dropping the pan? Is there a source online?

Is there a seal to use when dropping the pan? Is there a source online?


There is a silicone gasket. You should be able to reuse it if it is in good condition. Just be carefull not to tear it.

The Nissan part number 3139790X0A (2007 and newer) or 3139790X00 (2003 to 2007).

First of all I want to commend you for taking the time out to explain the whole process of changing the trans fluid with great detail. Second, how do you manage to keep that underside so clean?

I tip the guys at the car wash extra to get down on their knees and spray really good under there. Not kidding. Just did it that day too. Only during the winter months though.
I do my part too whenever I am under there doing maintenence

What is the torque on the pan bolt? I am also interested on the PML pan upgrade.

What is the torque on the pan bolt? I am also interested on the PML pan upgrade.

I don't have the PLM pan yet, but Scr38 installed one on his Armada and said the torque for the PML pan bolts is between 6-8 ft. lbs.

I believe the OEM pan bolt torque is 70 inch lbs.

all these yrs i though only the dealer was allowed...thanks for the write up. save me some $$$$$$

Very nice explanation
thanks alot

i just drain and fill once every 40km , is that enough ?

Very nice explanation
thanks alot

i just drain and fill once every 40km , is that enough ?


Glad I could help.

I would do it three times (drain and fill) with a few hundred miles between each one. Drop the pan to clean off the magnets and pan and to inspect it with one of the three changes.

good right up just a few questions....

so you drain and fill the transmission ever few months? are you buying new fluid or reusing? i would think that it would be expensive to buy new every few months. also how offen you change the filter? my armada has 91k on it would you recommend me doing just a drain and fill or the whole drain/filter/fill up?

I drain and fill every 15k miles with new fluid. Don't reuse old fluid. Bad thing to do. I do it three times with a few hundred miles between each. I drop the pan on the first of the three to clean and inspect it. There is no filter. It is approximately 5 quarts for each drain and fill.

There is a way to do it all at once by disconnecting one of the trans cooler lines to drain while adding new fluid, but this basically achieves the same thing using about the same amount of fluid and is easier and less involved.

Additional discussion on this topic can be found at the following thread. Also includes a discussion on dropping of the pan.

http://www.clubarmada.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15145