j30 transmission failure survey

Post by **mersidoe** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

Hi,

I'm one of the newer J30 owners on this forum.

While I am really enjoying the car, all the reports of transmission failure have me feeling like any moment, the transmission is going to fail as I drive down the road. (I have a 93 with 86K.)

I'd be curious to hear from other J owners, how many have had transmission failures, and at what age? (Or do I not want to know?) Or better yet: How many have NOT had a transmission failure?

I'm planning on doing some preventive maintenance as soon as we get our spare car back from the body shop. (Life with a teenaged son!) Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Marianne

Post by **carlos_knology** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

I'm curious about this myself. I have a 95 J30 with about 78K miles. I haven't had any transmission problems, thank God.

However, the consensus seems to be that you have to do preventive maintenance to keep it running well (like anything else).

Have the transmission flushed and INSIST that they replace the transmission filter. Most places I checked (including several dealers) insisted that there is no need to replace the filter.

I bought a transmission flush kit (included filter, pan gasket, even some transmission additive) from Infiniti of Scottsdale and took it to a local shop I use (they have the flush machine). I try to do that every 30k miles. I think they charged me around $150 for the flush.

Carlos

Post by **Mayhem_J30** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

Mine is a 93 and failed early last year with maybe 110K miles. She could have went longer, but the transmission wasn't taken care of. The first transmission fluid change, that I'm aware of, happend at 100K miles.Then one day it started acting funny and about a week later it left me on the side of the road.Now that I've dished out some serious cash for a new one with a good warranty it's Mobil 1 ATF/flush once a year.

Post by **J-Owner** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

I have a '95 J30t and I haven't had any transmission problems (knock on wood)! I currently have 117,200 miles. I have done everything humanly possible in the way of preventative maintenance to keep her going for at least another year and a half.

Like you I feel that any day it will go on me. From things I have read, due to the weight of the car the transmission works harder than it probably should considering it is the same engine as the 300 Z and maxima, which I think both weigh less than the J, I know the 300 does. Anyway, everyone says they usually go between 76K and 100K miles so I feel like I am driving on borrowed time. But so far so good. I do know that a guy that gets his J serviced at Crest had 165,000 on it before the original transmission went and his J was a '93. The guy loves the car and keeps putting money into it. He still has it and last i heard it was almost at 200,000 miles.

I think it all boils down to how you take care of the car. Treat it right and God willing it will return the favor.

Just my 2 cents,B

Post by **VimyJ** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

I've got 122k on my J. Filter change at ~80k and switched to Mobil Syn ATF at about 90k. Time for a flush. So far so good. I try to reduce shifting by using 3rd gear for city driving and 2nd for rush hour freeway crawling.

Post by **PalmerWMD** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

carlos_knology wrote:I bought a transmission flush kit (included filter, pan gasket, even some transmission additive) from Infiniti of Scottsdale and took it to a local shop I use (they have the flush machine). I try to do that every 30k miles. I think they charged me around $150 for the flush.

This is an excellent strategy that carries the full NICO endorsement.

Likely to make for <very> long transmission life if used early enough.

Infinti of Scottsdale is also known as infinitipartsusa.com.Ask for Joe and tell them you are a NICO member for a substantial discount and a bit extra personal attention.1-888-216-5328

Fred..

Post by **PalmerWMD** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

Actually all this makes t impression the J transmission is weak.It's not!It's only that on internet forums, those folks that have problems are more lilkely to see out internet advice and join our clubs.

The J is one of the most reliable luxury cars around and considering its cost and incredible bargain to boot!

Fred...

Post by **cweberj30t** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

Knock on wood, 82,000 miles and still running strong.

Post by **IvoryJ30t** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

94 jt, 108k. running strong. [sitting, awaiting my personal touch. also, original transmission and timing belt, water pump, ect... till summer that is;) ]

Post by **mersidoe** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

Thanks to all that have responded/are responding.

I know from my experience with other "support" groups, that you tend to hear more about the problems than the successes.

I appreciate the opportunity to put this situation in perspective. (Although I'm still going to get that transmission flushed ASAP!)

Marianne

Post by **TechGizmo** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

Actually all this makes t impression the J transmission is weak.It's not!It's only that on internet forums, those folks that have problems are more lilkely to see out internet advice and join our clubs.

The J is one of the most reliable luxury cars around and considering its cost and incredible bargain to boot!

PalmerWMD you're 100% right. It all boils down to how the transmission was serviced by the previous owner.

When I bought my 93 J30 with 118,000Km on it the transmission fluid was pink almost new, however for the peace of mind I did a fluid exchange with Mobile1 Synthetic, then a pan drop, filter replacement. I intend to keep this car for a loooong time.

Post by **Omar** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

My J's transmission went out last year (around this time) when she only had about 62K miles give or take a 1K miles. I know thats pretty low, but do you know why?

I was a complete idiot and an *** to just drive my J hard. I used to redline it so much and not only that, I even used to brake torque. I learned the hard way. I kicked myself so many times. I regret it. I paid $1500 to get it rebuilt.

It now shifts so smooth. Smooth as butter. Of course, I dont redline or brake torque or anything. I drive like a grandma now. People are always passing me like crazy.

After that experience, I learned to take care her. I dont know why, but I am always scared of the transmission going out.

By the way, I was going to do some maintenance work on it like fuel rail flush (I think it is) before the winter.

Anyways, thats my .02. I hope my experience helped you out.

Yeah I was a complete idiot. I love my car though and would never sell it.

Take care.

Later...

Post by **VimyJ** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

You don't have to baby your J like that! She loves to go. But "brake stands" are ridiculous. :rolleyes

Sounds like you were beating your J like a rental car. Nothing wrong with red lining. Won't hurt a damn thing.

Post by **PalmerWMD** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

I agree with Vimy:Dont be afraid to drive hard.

Just so long as you stay away from too many brakestands.

Fred..

Post by **Melbout71** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

Though I may be jinxing my car, I have 119K miles on mine. The previous owner was great about oil/belt changes but neglected the transmission. I know have mine changed every year (about 15k Miles) with new filter, etc. So far, knock on wood, no problems.

Post by **Omar** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

Yeah I have learned the hard way. I sure as hell do no more brake stands. What hell was I thinking? Some one slap me.

So you honestly think if I redline it once in a while, it wont hurt it? I mean I havent redlined for over a year! I always want to when some one is trying give me a hard time on the road when trying to get ahead.

Just a question, how often do you guys redline you Js/Qs?

Also, if you drive at high speeds (over 90+), will that hurt you transmission?

Thanks.

Later...

Post by **maxnix** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

Omar wrote: Just a question, how often do you guys redline you Js/Qs?

Also, if you drive at high speeds (over 90+), will that hurt you transmission?

Omar. good to see you here again. I am old and in the way, so I have to remind myself to redline once a week or so (8 second tune up).

No one has posted about transmission coolers on a J30, but it seems like it would be a benefit to them as well in most circumstances. What's the consensus?

Post by **Mitch95J** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

Just turned over to 95,000 yesterday, Ever so slite slippidg every now again.Mostly when I,m in 3rd gear accelerating lightly and it shifts into 4th. I noticed this right after I bought the car 6 months ago. I had the fluid flushed at jify lube to see if this mite help but I gained little. I checked the fluid level after the did this only to find that the fluid level apers to be to high. I checked both hot & cold , I still believe its to high.So now I'm waiting for payday and then I'll drop the pan my self and change the fillter in hope that this will cure or at least buy me some more miles.

I love driving fast my J fast though the tight and twistes !

LONG LIVE THE J !!!

Post by **PalmerWMD** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

Mitch:Too high a level can destroy your transmission!!!

Get it down to spec quick.

Fred..

Post by **PalmerWMD** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

Omar wrote:
1) Just a question, how often do you guys redline you Js/Qs?

2)Also, if you drive at high speeds (over 90+), will that hurt you transmission?

1) Almost everyday.2)no, not unless you have blockage and/or its very hot and you dont have a cooler.

Fred..

Post by **VimyJ** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

Omar wrote: Just a question, how often do you guys redline you Js/Qs?

Just about every friggin' day!:ylsuper

However, I try not to beat the crap out of the transmission when I play with WOT. WOT throttle on freeway entrance ramps is a good tune up. Problem is that you're going 80 by red line and other folks aren't prepared for someone merging at that speed.

Post by **Omar** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

Hey,

Quote »Omar. good to see you here again.[/quote]

Thanks. I have been around going through posts, but never signed on. Plus, have been real busy with home and school, its pretty hard to come here everyday.

Quote »2)no, not unless you have blockage and/or its very hot and you dont have a cooler.[/quote]

Good because I miss both redlining my J and going over 90 mph since I was scared about abusing her. lol I havent done either of them for about a year now. lol

So yeah this stuff makes me feel better. Cant wait to take her out on the highway.

Take care guys.

Later...

Post by **R4v3n** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

In response to people that baby their car, that's cool and all I guess. To me, it's not worth buying a car unless you are going to drive the hell out of it, drive it like it was meant to be driven, FAST. Well no, but seriously, why drive like a sissy if all it's going to do is prolong the weak transmission for a few thousand miles? Yes, I'm on my second transmission (went out at about 83k), and yes, i drive like a ****head. But its fun, your J30s can haul *** if you ask her to! :ylsuper

Post by **tg240sx** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

I recently bought a 93 J30 and want to keep it running as well as it runs now. I had the transmission flushed but my mechanic doesn't use synthetics. Can an exchange be done without using the machine? Also, I haven't found any postings on a placemnet of a cooler. Hayden specifies a unit for the J30 but they do not have a specific placement only that it should mount like a Nissan. Has anyone mounted a cooler in thier J

Post by **PalmerWMD** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

For a proper flush a machine is neccessary.If you man didnt use one he liekly did a pan drop /clean and ( hopefully) a filter exhange.And refilled 30% of old fluid with new.

Or are you asking if you can switch to syn on your own w/o machine?

Location would be exacvt same as Q:between radiator and AC condensor ( I am assuming there is enough space on the J for this just like on a Q)

Fred..

Post by **tg240sx** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

My guy uses a machine that back flushes the transmission with a chemical that is supposed to remove any buildup of gunk. He did say that the car has been well cared for and didn't find that the fluid was significantly discolered. However, I would like to replace the ATF with synthetic. Can I just drain what I can and add synthetic or do I need to purge it all and than add the synthenic.

Post by **PalmerWMD** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

I would wait a bit.

Yes synthetic fluid is preferable , but this is brand new fluid you have in there now.You will likely not need the better cold flow of synthetic during the Orlando "winter".

If you crave synthetic just make your next change interval sooner, but no need to throw away the new fluid at this time IMO.

Fred...

Post by **Metroyed** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

Im young, dumb, fairly new and maybe just not down with the new lingo. What exactly is a "brake torque" or "brake stands" im hoping that it's one of those things you have to know to do.

yes im lame...

anyway, i take very good care of my J, up to date on all maintenance. Im proud to say i have my transmission running great at 150k. The only problem i notice is a slight hesitation from 2nd to 3rd, but no-one else notices except me.

Post by **carlos_knology** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

You do a brake stand by pressing on the brake. Hitting the gas, then lightly let off the brakes to let the rear tires break loose.

When the rear tires break loose, you stay on the brakes and the car sits there smoking the tires.

I guess, the engine torque is more powerful than the rear brakes. The front brakes probably keep the car from moving.

Carlos

Post by **maxnix** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:22 pm

And a cooler won't help you much with this abuse!

So is the consensus that J30 don't require ATF coolers? No one has ever done it? Is the stock heat exchanger a twin unit design with an external like the later G50 Q45? Just curious.__________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t & 2000 Q45

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