Help with Trans Flush

[Empty V]

So my ATF service is way overdue and I'd rather do a complete flush then just a normal change. This will be the first time I've tried even an ATF change so please excuse my ignorance. From what I understand when you do a simple change you're only replacing approximately 4-5 quarts but the ATF holds almost 9. So how do I replace all 9? I've got 9qts of Rotal Purple Max ATF, new filter, o-ring, pan gasket, and I'm going to head over to the dealer to get the 18 self sealing screws. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Billy

[GRNMACHINE]

Billy,

U are Motivated!! I believe when you drop the pan most of the remaining quarts should flow out. That is where it can be messy. I watched a video on YouTube last nite for transmission change-the truck was a 7.3 Power Stroke, the additional step they did was remove torque converter and then all the fluid came out. I dont remember reading anything about that being possible on our Nissans though. When the pan was down, they sprayed the inside of the pan clean.

I thought about doing the service as well but dont have a lift and diff fluids/transfer change was messy enough--plus it is getting quite cold out. I called a different dealer today, they claim they can do trans change for $70, so I made an appt for tomorrow. Not sure if its a flush or not, I am really doubting they are going to drop the pan for $70. I really wanted to use synthetic for the ATF but not happening.

Let us know how it turns out!

[alexf20c]

the only way to get all 9qts of ATF out are to drop the transmission and remove the torque converter. then you can pour out the ATF from the torque converter.

another option would be a pressurized TF flush, but you'd have to take it to a shop, and even then you're not guaranteed to get it all out, or to not damage anything.

i "changed" my ATF last week through the drain plug. i didn't bother dropping the pan because i didn't intend to change the filter or gasket. i got out ~5qt with this method.

the ATF i drained had 160kmi on it, and the shift performance is markedly better. it no longer violently shudders when going in/out of lockup.

i added a trans oil cooler from an early-model R50, so i figured it was finally time to address the overdue ATF change.

[Empty V]

Billy,

U are Motivated!! I believe when you drop the pan most of the remaining quarts should flow out. That is where it can be messy. I watched a video on YouTube last nite for transmission change-the truck was a 7.3 Power Stroke, the additional step they did was remove torque converter and then all the fluid came out. I dont remember reading anything about that being possible on our Nissans though. When the pan was down, they sprayed the inside of the pan clean.

I thought about doing the service as well but dont have a lift and diff fluids/transfer change was messy enough--plus it is getting quite cold out. I called a different dealer today, they claim they can do trans change for $70, so I made an appt for tomorrow. Not sure if its a flush or not, I am really doubting they are going to drop the pan for $70. I really wanted to use synthetic for the ATF but not happening.

Let us know how it turns out!

What you call motivation I call being broke. $70 sounds like a great deal if it includes the oil. I'll do a full "How To:" once I finish it tomorrow.

Billy

[Empty V]

the only way to get all 9qts of ATF out are to drop the transmission and remove the torque converter. then you can pour out the ATF from the torque converter.

another option would be a pressurized TF flush, but you'd have to take it to a shop, and even then you're not guaranteed to get it all out, or to not damage anything.

i "changed" my ATF last week through the drain plug. i didn't bother dropping the pan because i didn't intend to change the filter or gasket. i got out ~5qt with this method.

the ATF i drained had 160kmi on it, and the shift performance is markedly better. it no longer violently shudders when going in/out of lockup.

i added a trans oil cooler from an early-model R50, so i figured it was finally time to address the overdue ATF change.

Am I reading this correctly? You're actually helping someone and giving useful info? What you've stated is kind of what I was afraid of. I wonder how many fluid changes it'll take to get all of the old oil out. When you performed this was it super messy? I'll be changing the filter and pan gasket as well. I'm not sure if Ill have time to get the "self sealing screws" for the pan so I might have to change those out later.

Thanks Alex for being helpful(not sarcastic).

Billy

[alexf20c]

haha, i have my moments.

anyway, i only drained through the drain plug, so it was actually less messy than an oil change. it's also pretty straightforward.

if you're dropping the pan to change the filter, then it'll be much, much messier. thankfully, our vehicles have drain plugs so you can empty most of the ATF before dropping the pan.

i'm not aware of any self-sealing screws for the pan. i've never even heard of them. if it were me, and i insisted on changing the filter, i'd just use RTV silicone for a gasket and tighten to ~35lb-ft.

IIRC, the drain plug was 19mm, and i'll bet money that the drain pan bolts are 10mm. the drain plug uses a copper crush washer (typical Nissan), but i reused the old one and i don't have any leaks.

[Empty V]

Well here's a ridiculous question. Where the F is the filler tube?

Billy

[Pwnin O'Brien]

Well here's a ridiculous question. Where the F is the filler tube?

Billy

Just pour it into the trans dipstick tube, it's on the passenger side (I believe). You'll also definitely want to use a funnel.

[Empty V]

Just pour it into the trans dipstick tube, it's on the passenger side (I believe). You'll also definitely want to use a funnel.

It's funny because in my Haynes manual it tell me every except for the location of the filler tube. for that it says go to another chapter which is all about removing the trans. The dipstick hole seems really small for filling, is there not an actual filler tube?

Billy

[Pwnin O'Brien]

The FSM says to refill the transmission using the "A/T fluid charging pipe" which is just some technical term for the pipe which the "A/T level fluid gauge" (aka the trans dipstick) goes into.

The tube is really small, that's why I recommend using a funnel.

[Empty V]

The FSM says to refill the transmission using the "A/T fluid charging pipe" which is just some technical term for the pipe which the "A/T level fluid gauge" (aka the trans dipstick) goes into.

The tube is really small, that's why I recommend using a funnel.

Okay great, thanks!

Billy

[alexf20c]

transmissions typically have no filler tube. you always just use the dipstick tube with a small neck funnel. the only cars i've seen actual filler holes were FWD transaxles.

[GRNMACHINE]

Billy,I understand broke, even broker after going to the dealer today althought the Pathfinder is running like new again. Talked to the Service Manager and also to the Mechanic. They do not recommend fluid flush or dropping the pan on my 10 year old vehicle. All they did was what I should have done myself and what Alex recommends. Drop the plug, drain 4 or 5 quarts and refill _ and yes thru the filler tube...... I did read in the FSM about the special bolts for the pan. Spoke with mechanic for awhile and he said you could have more problems at this age if you remove all the fluid at this point. Re: ATF fluid changes, so many recommend never changing (which I think is nuts) and others say do it every 30k 60k etc etc etc....

[wizeguy]

Let me ask a question....Why would you change the trans fluid without changing the filter? To me it's like changing the motor oil without changing the filter.

[GRNMACHINE]

Thats exactly what I thought. According to the FSM there isnt a filter on the 3.3 (2000 & older), just a screen which can be cleaned.... Seems odd to me as well.

[alexf20c]

Let me ask a question....Why would you change the trans fluid without changing the filter? To me it's like changing the motor oil without changing the filter.

what's wrong with changing the oil without changing the filter? i always replace both, but there's nothing wrong with doing that. at least the fluid is getting changed.