2001 Auto Transmission Fluid Change

[razzlerdazzle08]

My 01 LE is ready for its fluid change. I didn't realize that it is more complicated in the pathfinder to change the fluid instead of just draining the pan. I read where one process was to drain the pan and add fluid while it was idling with the drain plug out but I don't want to risk running the transmission dry. Even if I did this process can you tell when to stop and replace the plug? Dose the fluid come out cleaner? I also read where it was actually recommended to drain the pan,remove a cooler line and use 20lb of air to push the rest on through, reinsert the plug ,then fill it up while running (back to running dry). Then I just read where it said to drain pan and add about 4 qts let it run and mix then drain the pan again and it would replace 90% of the fluid (this sounds more safe but dose it actually work). Dose anyone have any idea or a service manual. I work at a Nissan dealership so if no one knows ill ask and let you all know back!

[Densetsu]

Most of the methods you mentioned are a transmission fluid flush, where you're trying to get out as much as the old fluid as possible. On the plus side, when all is said and done you'll have less "old" fluid in the system than a simple drain-and-refill would have. On the negative side, you often have to waste a lot of transmission fluid to do it (it's expensive!) and/or risk damaging the internals with methods like blowing high pressure air into the system.

Unless your fluid is *really overdue* for a change, I wouldn't recommend flushing it. The engineers at Nissan know that most people will just drain and refill the transmission fluid and they've adjusted the maintenance schedule accordingly to account for the fact that 10% of the fluid after a change is "old" fluid.

[JonathanPrem]

Just got a question. It also time for me to change my trans oil to. What kind of oil do I have to use and how many liters.

Thanks

[Densetsu]

You have an '02? Either Canada Nissan ATF or Dexron III / Mercon ATF can be used. It's way easier to find Dexron III fluid in stores than the Nissan-specific stuff, so that's what I went with.

The 01-04 Pathys can take up to 8.5L of transmission fluid, though it'll probably take less. Watch the dipstick, of course.

[Andrew224]

The service manual recommends the simple drain and refill. I use Nissan Matic D fluid. It was like $8 / quart (not cheap!).

This is straight out of the service manual (cut and pasted):__________________________________________________Changing A/T FluidNBMA00211. Warm up A/T fluid.2. Stop engine.3. Drain A/T fluid from drain plug and refill with new A/T fluid.Always refill same volume with drained fluid.Fluid grade:Nissan Matic “D” (Continental U.S. and Alaska) orCanada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid.Refer to “RECOMMENDED FLUIDS ANDLUBRICANTS”, MA-11.Fluid capacity (With torque converter):2WD, 4WD model8.5 (9 US qt, 7-1/2 Imp qt)Drain plug:: 29 - 39 N·m (3.0 - 4.0 kg-m, 22 - 29 ft-lb)4. Run engine at idle speed for five minutes.5. Check fluid level and condition. Refer to MA-21, “ Checking A/TFluid”. If fluid is still dirty, repeat steps 2 through 5.____________________________________________________

I always go with what the service manual says.

Andrew

[dflipmode]

I was just wondering if anybody uses the Mobil 1 ATF synthetic fluid. I work at advance auto and it seems like that is more suitable to use than just a regular dexron III. It is compatible with the Nissan Matc D and I get a pretty good discount. Would there be alot of complications switching from a regular nissan transmission fluid to the synthetic fluid. I have 50,000 miles on my 01 pathy se and needed to change it soon. Also differential fluids, what do you guys use? I was thinking of using the mobil 1 stuff as well. just wanted you guys input on these stuff.

Dennis

[iudigital]

This was just what I was trying to figure out what to do...I have a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder with 90k miles on it and was about to change out the front/rear axles with synthetic and drain and refill the transmission fluid with synthetic as well. I was wondering if it really worth the additional costs if you are one to keep up the service on the truck. Plus is there really any benefits? I have not had one issue with my 2001 and want to keep it that way. What do you all think is the best path forward with this issue. What would you do?