I'm at 30k miles and looking into changing the automatic transmission fluid.
Questions:
1> Both the manual and factory service manual specifically say to use ONLY Genuine Nissan Matic J ATF
Has anyone used something different?
2> Does it really need to be flushed according to the instructions. Or can you drain old fluid out by removing plug at bottom, then refilling at top? Is this as simple as putting a funnel into where the dipstick goes and filling from there?

Here's the Nissan Service manual instructions

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e49/porterranch/ATF.jpg

If you haven't done any heavy towing I think draining the pan and refilling will be fine. However if the fluid is very dark and has a burned odor, then you need a complete flush.
I would not use anything but Nissan J at this time. Amsoil just released a fluid that they say is J compliant, but at this time I would stick with J until we hear more about the Amsol.

Thx scr38,
That makes sense. I did do some towing but I'll check out the fluid to see what condition its in.
I assume Nissan dealer is the only place to buy Nissan J ATF?

Local dealer charges $10 per quart of J ATF
So at 11.25 or 12 quarts, that's $120 just for the fluid alone.

Maybe I'll see how much Nissan charges to flush.

You won't need that much fluid if you just drain the pan.

Where is the drain plug. I spend 30 minutes underneath and couldn't find a drain plug for tranny.
There a black painted pan that has no drain plug.

Where is the drain plug. I spend 30 minutes underneath and couldn't find a drain plug for tranny.
There a black painted pan that has no drain plug.

It's been awhile since I've changed out tranny fluid myself, but on other trucks, I used to have to pull the pan off because there was not a drain plug. Just make sure that you have your new gasket <preferrably silicone> before you start.

Where is the drain plug. I spend 30 minutes underneath and couldn't find a drain plug for tranny.
There a black painted pan that has no drain plug.
Maybe some don't have a drain plug? Look at attached drawing for the location.

No drain plug on mine. (wonder why) Oh well, looks like I gotta pay the dealer to flush.

With my luck, if I pull the pan off, I'll leak forever.

Thanks guys,
Andy

There is a drain plug don't know how to describe it but will take picture and post it.

You won't need that much fluid if you just drain the pan.
I just did a drain and refilled, took 4 3/4 qt.

There is a drain plug don't know how to describe it but will take picture and post it.
After some research on this, I've concluded its absolutely a must to have the dealer do this. i went to a local Nissan shop (non-dealer) and watched him drain out tranny fluid from Titan. And then refill. Only 20% was changed.
The dealer will get nearly 100% changed by flushing out.
The dealer charges $120 and its worth it. It's $100 just for the fluid if you buy it yourself from dealer.
Matter of fact, dealer changes my engine oil for $30. That's almost how much it costs for 7 quarts and an oil filter if you do it yourself.

I'm still wondering where the tranny oil drain plug is. I still haven't found it. The Titan had one but not my Armada. :confused:

It's located a lil futher back from the skid plate on the middle it.

After some research on this, I've concluded its absolutely a must to have the dealer do this. i went to a local Nissan shop (non-dealer) and watched him drain out tranny fluid from Titan. And then refill. Only 20% was changed.
The dealer will get nearly 100% changed by flushing out.
The dealer charges $120 and its worth it. It's $100 just for the fluid if you buy it yourself from dealer.
Matter of fact, dealer changes my engine oil for $30. That's almost how much it costs for 7 quarts and an oil filter if you do it yourself.

I'm still wondering where the tranny oil drain plug is. I still haven't found it. The Titan had one but not my Armada. :confused:
I haven't seen any dealer doing the "Flush" for only $120. That's way cheap.

I haven't seen any dealer doing the "Flush" for only $120. That's way cheap.
I think they wanted to charge me over $500 for the flush!

I called 3 dealerships in Los Angeles.
It's $119 normally, but more for Titan, Murano, Maxima, and 350Z. It's $225 for Titan and armada due to "special" fluid. They all said to do it at 60K miles.

http://www.universalcitynissan.com/view_service_specials.htm

I called 3 dealerships in Los Angeles.
It's $119 normally, but more for Titan, Murano, Maxima, and 350Z. It's $225 for Titan and armada due to "special" fluid. They all said to do it at 60K miles.

http://www.universalcitynissan.com/view_service_specials.htm
I was planning on doing it at 60K anyway. So, thanks for confirming it!

I did it at 34000 stepping it hard everyday and the tech said my fluid was still good ohh...wells did it already.

Yeah do the flush to play it safe, i did mine @30k on the qx @225 in the dealer for the flush, they just changed the maintenace to 60k on the flush for nissans, but i did mine anyway, i feel safer that way, the drain is worhtless, just get the done and call it a day!

So what exactly does the transmission fluid do? Does it take abuse like engine oil and diff oil?