J30 Transmission Flush

[carlos_knology]

Hey everyone, I just called Troncalli Infiniti in Atlanta to inquire about a transmission flush for my 95 J30.

I'd take it to T3 except that they're not open on saturdays and I live about 140 miles from atlanta. No local dealer where I live.

Anyway, when I asked about the filter replacement, the service writer tells me that the J30 has no serviceable transmission filter. Is this correct?!

It sounds like they just basically run new fluid through the system. Does that sound right to you J30 owners?!

They said they don't even drop the pan.

Carlos

[juiceman]

Most places do not like being bothered by taking the pan down. Yes there is a filter and it can be changed

Infinitipartsusa has a kit including filter, oring and gasket.

My place did the same thing. I am planning on dropping pan and change filter at one year mark.

Pay the extra and go with mobil one synthetic transmission fluid. Made my car shift much smoother. Well worth the extra $$

[DAEDALUS]

http://www.nissaninfiniticlub....d=578

Info is from a Q discussion, but it applies 100%.

[gbridger]

In Portland, I had to take my J30 to the Acura dealer (from whom I had purchased my M30C). They had not been aware of the filter when they took the car in, but went down the road to the Infiniti Dealer to get the part.

This is must-do service for your long term enjoyment of the J.

[greg_atlanta]

Even if Troncalli discovers the filter, I doubt they'd be willing to do that kind of work on a Saturday. They're probably only doing routine service stuff with lower-skilled techs.

[slaughtermimms]

I have had my transmission done by a local transmission shop with a flush machine and used some lucus transmission additive and so far it run like it's off the show room floor, I did this about one year ago.

[carlos_knology]

The service writer at Troncalli said if I really wanted the filter replaced, they'd do that for an additional $150.

The total would then be $280 ($130 flush, $150 additional for filter replacement ($20 filter, $130 labor). Seems a bit high to me.

I think I may buy the kit over the phone and take it to a local shop. I know of a good shop that has the flush machine. I figure they'll change the filter if I bring it in. Need to call them and see how much they'll charge me for the flush and filter replacement.

Carlos

[VimyJ]

Hey everyone, I just called Troncalli Infiniti in Atlanta to inquire about a transmission flush for my 95 J30.

I'd take it to T3 except that they're not open on saturdays and I live about 140 miles from atlanta. No local dealer where I live.

Anyway, when I asked about the filter replacement, the service writer tells me that the J30 has no serviceable transmission filter. Is this correct?!

It sounds like they just basically run new fluid through the system. Does that sound right to you J30 owners?!

They said they don't even drop the pan.

Carlos

The J30 does indeed have a replacement filter that has an improved design. Getting the pan off and having a knowledgable tech show you whats in the pan and collected around the magnet can give you the inside story on your transmission. It's a messy job and because there is some skill in reinstalling the pan to get it right the first time so that it doesn't leak you might want to take it to an experienced guy. The VG30DE in the J is a standard Nissan engine. Any Nissan dealerships close by? A good independent shop can also do this service.

[Mayhem_J30]

i pulled off the pan and filter from my transmission in under 20 minutes. it's not hard. make sure it's done.

[carlos_knology]

i pulled off the pan and filter from my transmission in under 20 minutes. it's not hard. make sure it's done.

Did you do it yourself? If so, should I change it before the flush or after?

[Mayhem_J30]

Did you do it yourself? If so, should I change it before the flush or after?

I didn't really have any intentions of putting it back on after pulling it off, I just wanted to see with my own eyes since I had an opportunity. Putting things back together is probably the trick when it comes to the pan gasket at least.But for your question, changing filter before or after flush...I think this was discussed in the Infiniti tech section once before. I haven't searched for the info yet as it's to early in the morning :pface but if I guessed I would say change the filter after the flush. That way you end up with the cleanest filter when you're done. Flush then pan drop, that sounds right. That's the filter procedure with the fuel filter so I bet it follows a similar rule.

[carlos_knology]

Well, here's the verdict. My local shop (independent) has the same flush machine as Troncalli infiniti.

A friend of mine works there and he said they run a detergent through the system to loosen things up and they flush out the old fluid.

He also said they like to drop the pan to clean out any sediment and he said you should always replace the filter.

I called Infiniti of Scottsdale and ordered their transmission kit for $40. It includes the gaskets, filter, o-ring, and a can of transmission additive.

When I asked him about switching the fluid to synthetic, he said it was safest to stick to whatever the manufacturer states. He said my car doesn't come with synthetic.

Should I insist (i know it costs more) on the synthetic atf fluid?

Carlos

[juiceman]

do a search on this site but everything I have read states it helps.

Also my brotherinlaw is a drag racer and expert mechanic and states that he uses synthetic for everthing but the motor because he likes changing it every weekend to see what is goining on in his motor. But he also stated that alot of guys he knows use Syn motor oil and have had not engine failures due to it. He also stated that the motors that do use it are very clean when disassembled for maint!

I guess it is your call on this one. I did and was very happy with performance and 7 months later, no leaks

[Mayhem_J30]

When I asked him about switching the fluid to synthetic, he said it was safest to stick to whatever the manufacturer states. He said my car doesn't come with synthetic.

Should I insist (i know it costs more) on the synthetic atf fluid?

Carlos

Sounds like they just don't want to be held responsible for anything that might go wrong so they stick with the book, not syn.If syn ATF is what you want, yes insist on it. It won't hurt that's for sure and could only help. The cheapest way to do it would just to flush with regular then drop pan and fill with syn.Your car doesn't come with synthetic motor oil either, but that's just a cost cutting technique. Nissan wants you to buy another vehicle eventually.But if you search around for the oil threads and stuff you'll find something about the abuse the ATF takes and the temps it endures. synthetic resists some of the endured temp side affects.

[greg_atlanta]

Mobil 1 ATF performs better in temperature extremes.... either very cold or very hot. I'm on my 2nd flush with Mobil 1 ATF and transmission shifts like butter at 181K miles ('92 Q).

[bantoine2]

There is no reason to switch to Synthetic oil if you have had your transmission flushed with that Troncalli system at the Infiniti dealership. The machine already leaves a coating similar to the same affect of synthetic oil in your car. You will just be paying extra money for something not even necessary. I will keep doing the flushes with the flush machine at Infiniti and stick to the regular oil they put in it. I have 150k miles on my 94 J30 and original transmission and car is immaculent and I am a hard driver.

[PalmerWMD]

Mobil 1 ATF performs better in temperature extremes.... either very cold or very hot. I'm on my 2nd flush with Mobil 1 ATF and transmission shifts like butter at 181K miles ('92 Q).

What Greg said.

Fred...

[gbridger]

The service writer at Troncalli said if I really wanted the filter replaced, they'd do that for an additional $150.

They do not want your business. This, in gentle terms, is r*pe. I paid, as I recall, the $20 for the part in addition to the flush cost. My bill came out about the same as your estimate, less the huge instalation fee.

[VimyJ]

I have 150k miles on my 94 J30 and original transmission and car is immaculent and I am a hard driver.

:ylsuper