help! got stuck in ATF change

[pathfinder20]

doing ATF change on my 01 pathfinder 4wd.
drained the fluid, about to lower the oil pan, but this some kind of rigid fluid line is in the way and it's blocking access to two of the oil pan bolts. looks like one end is connected to the radiator. socket or open wrench can't get to it. any idea?

[EdBwoy]

What's the other end connected to?

If yours is the 3.5 engine, the only thing I could think of is the trans cooler lines, and that might need a big 19mm socket on the trans end to move out of the way. It's been a while since I did it, so if you have pictures to share, that'd help.

[tedr]

I just did this on my 03. It is one of the transmission cooler lines blocking the bolts. Follow the line towards the front of the car. I was able to remove a bolt from a mount holding the lines. This allowed just enough flexibility to squeeze a deep well 1/4" drive socket into the bolt heads and get them off. When you remove the pan you can slide it to one side of the line. I did not find it necessary to remove the cooler line from the transmission.

[yeldogt]

What was the condition of the fluid ? The typical procedure is to just do a simple dump of the fluid -- replace with correct D-matic ... the same fluid is used in the "auto" transfer case if you have the LE with switch.

I never take the pans off -- most of the filters are really just a screen.

[mikeson]

Sorry to jump it but when I drain and refill ATF, it takes more oil than recommend on my QX4 2000.
when I refill 3.5 qt, engine stop at signal light, so I had to put N and restart engine,..it happens sometimes. so I refill ATF (more like total 4.5qt), it is ok now.
Does anybody know why mine takes more?

[Hawairish]

Did this recently, too. Didn't have to do anything with those lines. Just needed a 1/4"-drive 10mm deep socket to reach the pan bolts. The transmission line brackets come off easily. Then when all the pan bolts were removed, just tipped down the pan a little and shifted it foward...the pan lip slides between engine and lines and gives enough clearance for removal. I didn't unbolt anything except the pan bolts.