how to change ATF and Diff fluid

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jamm220
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Joined: Tue Jul 28, 2009 4:53 am
Car: 02 q45, 05 Q45, 98 GSR, 00 RL

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just bought a 02 q45 and i was wondering if changing the ATF and Diff fluid same as just about any other cars. I tried searching but it seems like there's more to it. I've done these services on my other cars before but the Q seems a little more complicated. I've seen some thread where it takes 11 qts and some says 4 qts. Is it just a standard release the drain plug and refill up top or it also involves dropping the pan? Also on the rear diff is also just drain it and pumping back the gear oil in it? please if anyone know let me know asap because im doing all that stuff today thanks


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goody90q45
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Changing fluids will be the same as any other car. The transmission has about an 11 qt. capacity but only 4 qts. will come out when you drain it. The rest is hung up internally. Repeating the drain and fill process 6-8 times (20-30 qts. total) with about a 30 minute drive around between each will exchange 95%+ of the fluid. At some point you'll want to pull the pan to change the filter so it may be cheaper overall to take it to a shop and do a mechanical flush pumping fluid through the internals which is 12 qts. in, 12 qts. out and supply an OEM filter kit to be changed while it's on the lift.

For the differential fluid it will be less than 2 qts (1.5 IIRC) and a good opportunity to switch to synthetic. Make sure to remove the fill plug before removing the drain plug or you may be stuck in your driveway with an empty rear end.

Good luck.

maxnix
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1995 Infiniti Q45t
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Release fill plug on differential before the drain plug.

http://www.bgfindashop.com

if you want a complete ATF exchange. If just drain and fill with 60% of the contaminated fluid remaining......that's easy.

Might call T-3 and see what they recommend for a F50. You will have to use the specified Nissan ATF.

Traditionally, we replace inner screen filter, O ring, gasket and one time use bolts also and clean and inspect.

Good time to add an auxiliary ATF cooler like a B&M 70268 or 70264.

jamm220
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thanks guys this helps alot

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loystock
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Better do a pan drop as suggested by OP, and clean the pan and magnets thoroughly. You will need at least 5 quarts to replenish the ATF after the pan drop (measure the exact amount drained). The O2Q requires Nissan Matic-J which has been superseded with Matic-S. Capacity is 10-5/8 quarts. The cheapest Matic-S I got was from IoS @ $7.99/quart (MSRP: $10.62 but other dealers mark it up)- http://www.infinitipartsusa.com. Also, for the 02-06Q, per FSM, the ATF can be replaced by filling from the charging pipe (dipstick is near the firewall secured by a bolt) with the engine idling while draining from the radiator/ATF cooler hose return side. This could be messy unless you are careful. You will need 3 1-Gal containers, preferably marked in 1-quart increments so you can track fluid draining and how much to fill up.

For differential, you need GL-5, SAE 80W-90 gear oil. Capacity is 2-3/4 quarts. Unlike other differential fill/drain plugs where you need 24mm socket or 1/2 square drive, the 02-06Q requires a big Torx bit (V10 or 10mm) for the plugs.

BTW, some 02Qs have high oil consumption. Be sure to check you oil level regularly and top off as required. Your car may also be part of the recall about air bag issue.

jamm220
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Joined: Tue Jul 28, 2009 4:53 am
Car: 02 q45, 05 Q45, 98 GSR, 00 RL

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thanks
loystock wrote:Better do a pan drop as suggested by OP, and clean the pan and magnets thoroughly. You will need at least 5 quarts to replenish the ATF after the pan drop (measure the exact amount drained). The O2Q requires Nissan Matic-J which has been superseded with Matic-S. Capacity is 10-5/8 quarts. The cheapest Matic-S I got was from IoS @ $7.99/quart (MSRP: $10.62 but other dealers mark it up)- http://www.infinitipartsusa.com. Also, for the 02-06Q, per FSM, the ATF can be replaced by filling from the charging pipe (dipstick is near the firewall secured by a bolt) with the engine idling while draining from the radiator/ATF cooler hose return side. This could be messy unless you are careful. You will need 3 1-Gal containers, preferably marked in 1-quart increments so you can track fluid draining and how much to fill up.

For differential, you need GL-5, SAE 80W-90 gear oil. Capacity is 2-3/4 quarts. Unlike other differential fill/drain plugs where you need 24mm socket or 1/2 square drive, the 02-06Q requires a big Torx bit (V10 or 10mm) for the plugs.

BTW, some 02Qs have high oil consumption. Be sure to check you oil level regularly and top off as required. Your car may also be part of the recall about air bag issue.
thanks for all the info. this is my first nissan/infiniti so hope its up to par with my Acura Rl n TL lol. I changed the plugs using some denso platinum, change the oil and changed the diff fluid using Valvoline syn 80-90 gear oil. the transmission service seems to be the more time consuming so i will tackle that some time this week...

the dam VDC/ABS/TCS light just came on so now i need to figure that out any thoughts guys?

maxnix
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No Denso in the VK45DE!

RTFSM!

jamm220
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Joined: Tue Jul 28, 2009 4:53 am
Car: 02 q45, 05 Q45, 98 GSR, 00 RL

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maxnix wrote:No Denso in the VK45DE!

RTFSM!
any particular reasons why?

maxnix
Posts: 22627
Joined: Mon Jul 22, 2002 8:11 pm
Car: 1995 Infiniti Q45
1995 Infiniti Q45t
2000 Infiniti Q45

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RTFSM!

The combustion chamber is designed for the NGK plug.

Denso is for Toyota.

RTFSM!


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