Can someone clarify this J30 transmission question for me?

[DJ MF]

So I passed by my local Infiniti dealer today to get some pricing on a full transmission flush...

I was priced $100 bucks Canadian, EVERYTHING included. AT fluid, replacement parts, and labor.

That seems EXTREMELY cheap to me. And I told him so. I also asked if that included a new filter, etc...

He replied by telling me that you can't change the filter on the J30 transmission...and then he told me that if the color of the fluid was fine (it is), I shouldn't even bother, as they've NEVER seen a J30 transmission go out...

Keep in mind this is in Toronto....

So?

MF

P.S.- couldn't get me the button for the clock either...

[VimyJ]

Hmmm.... That's strange. I had a pan drop and filter exchange done. New filter is redesigned (at least that's what it said on the box).

[Q451990]

Common mis-conception at dealerships, transmission shops, etc. The filter is actually called a "strainer" in the parts lookup but they should know what you mean.

It should be replaced. J transmissions do fail...

That's the good thing about this site - you can learn what to ask for and make sure it's done right.

Heath

[Eswift]

there is a filter, actually more of a strainer i believe, and it is quite replaceable.

I assume toronto never gets hot enough where the trans fluid reaches critical temps as in the states...

but there are places where J30 trannys drop like flies

[boomstriker]

The filter is replaceable and available at most auto parts stores.It's the same as the Q filter.It's kind of pointless to change the fluid and not the filter.I would also look into back flushing the cooler on that thing if the mileage is high. They're prone to clog because they have fins on the inside.Even if they get a little restrictive, the fluid is by-passed through a check valve in the trans above a set pressure and the planetaries get limited lube.I always remove this valve and plug the hole on rebuilds.An after market cooler is the best insurance.

Kirk

[VimyJ]

there is a filter, actually more of a strainer i believe, and it is quite replaceable.

I assume toronto never gets hot enough where the trans fluid reaches critical temps as in the states...

but there are places where J30 trannys drop like flies

We Canucks like to say that there are 11 months of winter and one month of poor skating but in reality it gets plenty hot enough in the summer to damage a transmission. Toronto's climate is similar to Chicago and while Chicago is not considered hot like Pheonix it gets hot enough lemme tell ya. All the Canadian provinces with the exception of BC can see temperatures over 100F. There just aren't as many days when that is likely to happen as in Atlanta, for example.

There are less damaging days in the great white north but they do come around every summer.

[DJ MF]

No doubt....it's not like we're -10 all year long....

It's just a little frustrating that the freaking INFINITI dealers appear to be in the dark on this...

Anyone got any comment on the price? I figured just the AT fluid would cost me 100 bucks. I just can't see them doing the proper job at the price quoted.

MF

[Eswift]

some nissan dealers are in the dark too, i went to the one down in champaign illinoi[z] and they refused that it [strainer] existed, even though i pointed it out on their parts database on CD. once they couldn't deny its existance they simply said it is designed to last "the life of the car", quoted me something about $70 if i really wanted it.

[Eswift]

i guess my original comment on temperature was a bit off, (in my defense, i have only been to BC) - but you still have to admit that the 30 year avg high for toronto in july is 77, chicago 84...ok youre right that is pretty close....i quit

[Eswift]

in response to the original question, what button fo the clock do you need /color? the one that you push, it springs out, and you set the time?

[DJ MF]

Yup...that's the button. It's very small...and apparently exclusively sized for this application (yes, that's sarcasm on my part ) And I need a black one.

MF

[VimyJ]

The dealer shops are mainly in the business of doing waranty work on their newer cars. One of the things about this site is that you can learn more about how your particular car works than any general tech alive.

[DJ MF]

I agree Vimy...but even with the 'rarity' of the J, it's basically a 4 door Z....which I'm sure the dealers still see a lot of...so stuff like engine questions and transmission questions shouldn't be so hard to answer...at least that's the way I look at it.

MF

[VimyJ]

You'd like to think so, eh? You find that most of the members here start doing as much DIY as their skill level allows because at least if you've done it yourself, it's been done right. Scary stories of idiots at quick oil change places making major screw ups, dealers telling people that the J30 is FWD, etc.

Makes you think about getting references for doctors.

[Eswift]

this probably should be posted in classifieds, but since I never thought anyone would ever need the parts, i havent posted it until now:

Ok guys, i have a J30 front AC vent / clock assembly in black, willing to part out. Best offer. Low ballers welcome.

US coinage preferred, but not required - tollway is cracking down on my beaver nickels...