2007 M45 Climate Controlled seat filter and transmission flush

[AD1787]

From reading the posts it seems like my car should have this filter somewhere below the seat. When I asked my dealer to replace the filter as part of the 30K service they said it doesn't have one?

Also interesting note, from this forum a bunch of people said to "flush" the transmission fluid at 30K, I asked dealer about that and they said a "replace" fluids is all thats needed. Who is right?

Thanks

[szh]

Also interesting note, from this forum a bunch of people said to "flush" the transmission fluid at 30K, I asked dealer about that and they said a "replace" fluids is all thats needed. Who is right?

We are.

Our collective experience (mine is with three Infiniti's ... first was purchased new in 1991) with Nissan/Infiniti transmissions is that they last a lot longer when properly maintained.

A full flush every 30k miles is known to prolong the life of the transmission. If you don't keep the car past 100k to 150k miles, the next owner will thank you!

Z

[AD1787]

Thanks. I am also surprised the dealer didn't use the chance to just do as I requested and get a few more bucks out of me.

Szhosain- Any idea about that filter under our climate controlled seats?

[tytamto]

Any idea about that filter under our climate controlled seats?

Each front seat with the climate controlled option has its own filter. There are two different parts numbers (driver side/pass side), but have yet to see the filters in person, so not sure if there are actual design differences. My dealer was asking $55 per filter without labor. Replacement should be easy, all you need to do is unbolt the seat rails and tilt the seat back to get to the filter.

I am planing on doing mine once the weather warms up in a few months. Even my garage is freezing right now.

Anybody know what kind of cost Joe T. is offering?

[DashingMax]

Yes, Joe T from IoS is selling it for $55.84 for each climate controlled seat filter.I just bought both driver and passenger filters among other things. I spoke to Leon in IoS parts dept.

[tytamto]

Did the seat filters warrant a replacement after 30k miles?

I might do mine at 60k. Spoke to my service manager, and he said that they have never replaced one, ever. Said that there was never a need. He seems to think that it is overkill... I'll check mine out this spring.

Dashing, take pictures of the old filters and new ones once you get them out. I want to see if there is that much crap on them. Would you?

[Double E]

The filters on my seats were relatively easy to get to without unbolting things. Just a plastic cover with a plastic "catch" that positioned them n the housing. When removed, they were not very dirty and a little air blast from a "hobby" air compressor and they went right back in. That was at 40K miles or so. The cabin air filter was much dirtier...

Is the 1st gen that much different than the 2nd concerning the seat filters?

[M4T5]

I too agree that the seat filters are not going to see too much dirt. They do not suck or blow all that hard to collect dust like the main system's air filter would. Therefore, at your mileage, I guess he might be right calling it over kill.Though I would replace the main systems air filter.On the transmission flush, flushing transmissions have not always proven to be better than a drain and fill. That's what I done to all of my current and past vehicles. If a GM transmission (car & trucks) can last well over 100K, then I would sure hope the Nissan/ Infiniti ones can to. I vote just doing a drain and fill. Do these transmissions have an internal filter?? If not, then that might explain why some of you would advise a trans flush. All transmissions should have a filter....... Would you prefer an engine without an oil filter??? It only makes sense.

J

[DashingMax]

Did the seat filters warrant a replacement after 30k miles?

Dashing, take pictures of the old filters and new ones once you get them out. I want to see if there is that much crap on them. Would you?

Sure, no problem!

[DashingMax]

What is a fair price for transmission fluid replacement (not power flush) for our M35/45?

I've seen quotes between $129 = $200 at Infiniti/Nissan service depts. Yes, this is using OEM Nissan J-Matic fluid.

[tytamto]

I paid $179 for a transmission flush. Not cheap, but worth the expense in the long run. Since our 4.5L V8 is exclusive to Infiniti, and not shared with Nissan, I figured that the transmission will be different enough to make sense to stick with an Infiniti tech. That reasoning might be flawed, but I am sticking to it.

[szh]

On the transmission flush, flushing transmissions have not always proven to be better than a drain and fill.

Ummm ... not true for Nissan/Infiniti transmissions, unfortunately. A drain and fill simply does not remove enough of the old ATF, albeit better than running without at least that!

Like I said, if you plan to keep your car past 100k miles and not pay for an expensive transmission replacement sometime in the 125k to 175k mile mark, then better to do a flush every 30k. With 30k flushes, it is possible (albeit not guaranteed) to get to the 250k mark or higher, without problems.

If going way past 100k is not important to you, then don't do the flush! After having owned an Infiniti model for almost 18 years now, and having gone through one transmission (because of somebody else's lack of maintenance on a leased return that I bought), I know better!

It is your choice ...

That's what I done to all of my current and past vehicles. If a GM transmission (car & trucks) can last well over 100K, then I would sure hope the Nissan/ Infiniti ones can to.

Ah, but this is not a GM car or truck transmission, nor is it exactly sitting in a low power car, without any stress of periodic WOT's, etc. Can't compare apples and oranges really.

Z

[M4T5]

I'm not saying a flush is bad to do, but it has been known to take contaminants that were sitting in the trans pan and force them into other parts of the transmission. This later causes more problems than it would have if it was just drained and re-filled. I guess both have their pluses and minuses. How about a drain and fill and a flush! Boy.... that would get expensive!

Does anyone know if these transmission's have internal filters or screens?

J

[DashingMax]

Completed the 30k service. Air Filter, Cabin (pollen) filter and both seat filters were all filthy! Transmission fluid looked & smelled brand new...checked & confirmed by service tech when he did the oil change.

I think $56 for a seat filter is a total rip-off but that is how Nissan has priced them. Here's a picture of the seat filter, old and new. This is at 31k miles.



Cheers!

[szh]

I think $56 for a seat filter is a total rip-off but that is how Nissan has priced them. Here's a picture of the seat filter, old and new. This is at 31k miles.

Yikes! Goes to show how good it is to change this ...

Z

[M4T5]

Completed the 30k service. Air Filter, Cabin (pollen) filter and both seat filters were all filthy! Transmission fluid looked & smelled brand new...checked & confirmed by service tech when he did the oil change.

I think $56 for a seat filter is a total rip-off but that is how Nissan has priced them. Here's a picture of the seat filter, old and new. This is at 31k miles.



Cheers!

Wow! I have never seen an auto HVAC filter that filthy! Two question (Answer honestly):

1. Do you drive with you windows or sunroof open a lot?

2. Do you smoke in your car?

J

[tytamto]

Dayumn!

I was not expecting it to be that filthy after just 31k. I will have to examine mine, since I drive with the cooling function on almost every time I am behind the wheel

We just need to find a cheaper place to get replacements from. $56 shipped is nuts.

[New2Import]

Flush for the first 30K seems ok. But I checked my fluid and its still looks new. I usally just drain and fill every 15K and Ive had trannys last well over 200k even on high hp engines and I wouldnt really call these Ms high hp engines. I try to stay far away for the Stealerships that I can.

[szh]

We just need to find a cheaper place to get replacements from. $56 shipped is nuts.

http://www.everythinginfiniti.com has it for less than the typical dealer, I bet!

Z

[DashingMax]

http://www.everythinginfiniti.com has it for less than the typical dealer, I bet!

Z

Yes...that is exactly where I bought mine from. $55.84 + shipping to be precise!

[DaddysWhiteCar]

did you do the seat filter change yourself ? since you bought the filter at IOS ? where to get the transmission fluid change? cost and which dealer in chicagoland?

[mmm..good]

Where exactly on the everything infiniti site are these seat filters located? I've looked and cannot find them.

[SteveTheTech]

The seat air filters are part of an ingenious system. There is actually a little charged plate and fan assembly that reverses polarity to either absorb or displace heat and the fan circulates the air through the cushions. I bet everyones first experience with the cooling function was about the same, it sort of feels like your sitting on wet pants.

I think most of the filters can be replaced without removing the seats, depending on your flexability. I would recommend removing the seat bolts and looking at one before you try to do it yourself but it is really easy to.With the filter located only a few inches from the floor (depending on seating position) they tend to intake whatever carpet fibers dust and debris that may be lurking on the floor, look under the seat it's almost always a hiding place for all kinds of things. I have seen many things lost under the seats and center consoles that should not be in a car.

I'll see if I can get some pics and I can post an article the next time I have a seat out, if you guys want.

Transmission fluid replacement is recommended at 60k with normal driving. That being said if you want to have a complete flush performed there are a few things that I would be looking for. Using a commercial exchange machine is a safe way to have this done correctly making sure the fluid flow is maintained to keep both line pressure consistent and fluid level satisfactory. Click the image below to read more.

Another thing that makes the difference is using a machine that is dedicated to Nissan J matic transmission fluid. Many of the shops I have been in have dedicated machines for the two most common automatic transmission fluid. Using only one machine ensures there will be NO contaminated fluid inside your transmission.

Improperly performed maintenance is the most common cause of component failure that may not be covered under warranty. If something goes wrong and the dealer performed this service then it will be easier to resolve as they will know what happened.

[DashingMax]

did you do the seat filter change yourself ? since you bought the filter at IOS ? where to get the transmission fluid change? cost and which dealer in chicagoland?

Yes, I did. Very very...super simple to change.Here's the screenshot from the FSM.

Infiniti of Lisle did everything else.

[DaddysWhiteCar]

Thanks. I'd take a look at mine and see if I need to replace the filter.. ..

[autoguru]

A fart filter, brilliant!

[pedsemdoc]

Completed the 30k service. Air Filter, Cabin (pollen) filter and both seat filters were all filthy! Transmission fluid looked & smelled brand new...checked & confirmed by service tech when he did the oil change.

I think $56 for a seat filter is a total rip-off but that is how Nissan has priced them. Here's a picture of the seat filter, old and new. This is at 31k miles.



Cheers!

Agree completely + I also think what the stealership charges to replace your in cabin air filter is outrageous considering it takes about 15 min to do.
Here's a site with seat filter replacements-not exact OEM, but it looks like it should do:
http://www.carpartswholesale.com/v5/det ... 56caaifi06

if i have to replace mine, will likely go with those.