Auto transmission Service

[MaXimaSE]

ok, so I have a 98 Max SE.

I haven't been having any issues lately.. I got the WAI installed, and my front strut tower bar. Im still getting a "0705" but Im going to be buying the part to change that soon.

My question is about the auto transmission in the 98 Maximas VQ30DE Motor..*How do I change the fluid completely?*Do I need to purchase new transmission fluid pan hardware/gaskets? (Want to drop pan and clean it out real good)*What transmission fluid should I be using to replace the existing fluid?

The Haynes Manual says something about the K-Matic Nissan fluid, but does anyone have any other opinions on this.

Any help would be appreciated, as I have a feeling It's begging for a good cleaning out.

[maxhopper]

The OEM fluid is Nissan Matic-D. You can also use a good Dextron III. I would just go with the drain and fill, unless you have skipped services. Then you may want to get a new pan gasket and trans filter.

[MaXimaSE]

well, Ive only owned the car for like 2 months.

within the first week of owning it I did the following

*Complete Oil Change/Refilled with Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 10w-30*Fuel Filter was Replaced with a Autozone Fuel Filter (Want to get a real replacement)*Changed out Autolite Platinum Plugs that were in the car when I bought it with NGK Laser Platinum Premiums*Also had the front brakes worked on, but they still sound like they're rubbing when coming to a full stop.

I was looking through previous service receipts that were left behind with the car and one was saying how It recommended a change of the transmission fluid. I looked at the fluid, I didn't notice a odor.. but the color of the fluid was also a clear/very faint shade of brown.

I know whatever I drain out of the pan needs to be replaced with the exact amount of clean fluid. The reason I want to drop the pan and clean It out real good and replace all that is because I do not know what the last owner has done, so Im trying to get **** done before winter hits me here.

I was looking over at CourtesyNissan, and I couldn't find the fluid or gaskets I needed.. (what a damn shame)

[maxhopper]

In that case, I would drop the pan. That way you can replace the filter and see what the magnets on the pan look like.

I just bought the gasket and filter from Pinnacle Nissan (http://www.nissanparts.org/)a couple of months ago when I installed my new transmission. I don't think they're listed in the on-line catalogue, so you may have to call them. Be sure to tell them you are a NICO member for any discounts.

[MaXimaSE]

ok, so the Gasket/Filter combo shouldn't be that expensive or hard to do. Also is it possible I can buy some new pan bolts, just to take the extra precaution.

can't find the Nissan fluid anywhere
Modified by MaXimaSE at 5:00 PM 10/2/2007

[loystock]

You can buy parts at discounted price from Joe (Scottsdale Infiniti). They have a flat rate $5 shipping for the month of October. I always buy from them.

The ATX service parts are available as a kit and I bought several of them before from Joe for the cars that I own. The 98 Maxima, whiich is similar to an 96-99 I30, the kit should contain the filter, pan gasket and drain plug gasket.

You can also buy Nissan Matic-D from Joe as they are now allowed to ship HazMat. A quart of Nissan Matic D from an Infiniti delaerships in Silicon Valley is $11 but you can get it from Joe for @ $5, or as stated above, you can use an equivalent Dexron fluid. You will need at least 12 quarts if you want your fluid color to change from 'tea' to pinkish red. You may need to do one or more 'drain and refill' after the initial pan drop. I'm not sure about the I30 flow rate but in the Y33 Q45, it 4 quarts/min (courtesy of Q45tech/Dennis) so I run the engine for 2 mins after each refill. No matter which fluid you used, don't forget to add a bottle of LubeGaard Red ATF Protectant (available from Napa/Winchester).

Be careful in removing the filter. One of the screws, could be problematic. Make sure you wipe down the residual oil from the assembly once you have taken oput the pan. Use a GasketMaker (available Napa, etc.) when installing the pan gasket. The bolts in the I30 can be re-used unlike the one-time use on the Qs.

As for the brake noise, it's not uncommon with Maxima/I30. Buy HW kit, especially for the front and have your rotors turned (if still within spec) and replace your pads with OEM (cost is about the same from Joe for an equivalent set from Autozone/ Kragen).

You can get a free download of FSM (donation is accepted) at PhatG20.com site or go to the official Infiniti site ($20/day subscription?) where you can also down load TSBs.

Good luckRod

[MaXimaSE]

ok, well I was getting some **** to wash my car over at Kmart earlier and I seen a Generic Brand of Dexron/Mercon III and I read the back of the bottle and It said that It had the standards to hold up to a bunch of fluids including the Nissan Matic-J fluid.. It was really cheap too, so I didn't bother. I did take a look at the Amsoil website, and I can get 12 Quarts of their Universal ATF Fluid that works with Nissan Matic D,J,K.

$110 without shipping..

I just want to drain and refill, so when I would drain I would get 4 quarts out of it??
Modified by MaXimaSE at 6:10 PM 10/6/2007

[maxhopper]

4-5 quarts should take care of it.