? HOW DO I REPLACE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FILTER

[holymolyNc]

What up guys need to know how to replace the fluid and filter on my 98Q . I have done almost all the maintenace on this car myself and wanted to do this as well ,and would full synthetic trans fluid be a good choice ? Brand suggestions?

[3Q Jay]

I read you question, but not sure what it is that you want to know? you've done this job before on other vehicles?
i would use dex-vi.
post pics on the white paper towel test.....

[94Q45Beast]

your FSM should cover that, and if your not going with OEM A/T fluid, then Valvoline is the best.

[Purplernest]

It Depends wethere you want to flush out the whole system or not

[Wiggler]

I Had mine done about 2 years ago... if my memory serves me correctly, it's almost in the center, and I just did not feel comfortable moving that far underneath a 2 ton car on ramps. I also know there are either brake lines or some other metal tubing hindering easy access to the pan bolts. Don't risk your safety unless you have a proper lift. As far as fluid, some guys here suggest full-synthetic Mobil-1, I think there's also a cheaper full synthetic made by Warren distributing called MAG-1. OEM Nissan D-matic is expensive everywhere.

[holymolyNc]

Ok I will look on the FSM , and yes I have done this job before just not on this car and wanted to get any info on trouble you guys came across and shortcuts.
The relatively low miles for the age 120k so am guess just a filter and fluid change I heard flushing could cause problems (I researched) and I dont wan't that with my baby

[94Q45Beast]

If you do a flush the right way it shouldn't hurt, My Q is flushed every 60K with OEM Nissan Matic D with a new filter.

[qship96]

My trans was operating like new at 315K when I got rid of the car- only dropped pan and replaced filter { really just a metal screen} once in its entire life,and honestly,it was not needed in my opinion} Changed fluid by pulling drainplug and refilling {can get near 5 qt out if car is parked nose up on inclined driveway} every 15,000 miles using Redline D4 full synthetic atf.

[3Q Jay]

Ok I will look on the FSM , and yes I have done this job before just not on this car and wanted to get any info on trouble you guys came across and shortcuts.
The relatively low miles for the age 120k so am guess just a filter and fluid change I heard flushing could cause problems (I researched) and I dont wan't that with my baby

Most things Q say don't take 'shortcuts'. having a service lift to keep this job at overhead level vs. on your back is the best, but most here probably do it on their back anyway. ...hey, we're talking transmission pans, ahem.....
but let's break this down.
at 120k, your trans could be ready for scrap, totally based on how well maintained (or not) it was.
or, it could be almost new.
what do your service records say?
has it had an external cooler fitted?
most important is to get fresh fluid in there. also important, but maybe less-so is to keep the fresh fluid from heat oxidation.
easiest way is to do 4 back to back drain and fills with economy ATF of the correct Dex-iii back spec. Dex-vi is backspec'd, which is why i suggested that in the earlier post. matic D is the original, will be expensive. your choice on spending more for full synth. I did not have great results with M1, but my box had been previously abused. Redline D4 is probably great if you use it from day 1, not sure i would bother when near end of life. i do use M1 atf as PS fluid, but enough digress.
Assuming you don't have detailed service records from day one showing a drain and fill every 15k, then after your fluid is 90ish percent exchanged by the above method, such that the stuff that comes out on the last drain is nice and see-thru red, then I would use a can of BG quik clean to free up varnish, do 3 more b2b d/f (drain HOT), THEN i would worry about the filter. (as a 'bonus' when you drop the pan/filter you get a lot more fluid out--pretty much only the torque converter is left)
I have dropped the pan, replaced the filter and cleaned the magnets exactly one time on each of my RE4R03A boxes. cleaning the magnets is of course important too.
I have no intention of dropping the pans on any of them again. now that they are maintained i simply do a drain and fill every 10k-15k.
use an inch pound torque wrench on the filter and pan bolts for a professional job. typical alternating pattern on the pan. nissan pan gaskets don't leak-- ever, if installed properly.
YMMV

[94Q45Beast]

what about the external atf filter, is it safe to temporarily bypass it (if possible) until a new one arrives?

[Wiggler]

I heard flushing could cause problems (I researched) and I dont wan't that with my baby

You darn tootin'. Don't bother with a flush unless you want trouble. I drained and filled the pan three times at every oil change, before I ran the current fluid continuously. End result is close to a flush, without the risk. If you decide dropping the pan is not worth it, look into a magnetic drain plug to help catch metal filings. Unlike the magnets in the pan, far easier to clean as part of the drain and fill.

[qship96]

what about the external atf filter, is it safe to temporarily bypass it (if possible) until a new one arrives?

Should be. I forgot to mention in my earlier post that I replaced that external filter once in my Q lifetime also,if I recall it was around the 180,000 mile mark.This is actually THE filter to change,as it is very similar to an oil filter with a fine pleated paper element vs the "in pan" screen,which is really only a strainer to keep chunks from circulating.Infiniti used to sell the external filter replacement kit which was rather expensive if I recall,not sure they still stock it......a magnefine aftermarket filter could be adapted into the existing hoses with a little bit of work for much less $$$$ I would assume.The factory setup is one hose into filter and 2 output,one going to each "in radiator" heat exchanger.

[94Q45Beast]

I'll look into a aftermarket, mines is leaking bad with dark brown atf....don't know why since the dip stick is blood red

[maxnix]

I have a filter and a B&M auxliary cooler if you go that route.

Drain and refill is not sufficient, but there are many posts, especially by Q45tech that give you the full details. Some of hte latter may be in General Chat.