M37/M56: Transmission Fluid Change Interval

[esaydam]

So my 2011 M37S has about 38K miles on it and I'm about to change the rear differential fluid and figure I should look into changing the transmission fluid as well. Quick look into the maintenance/service guide and there is NO RECOMMENDED INTERVAL for changing the transmission fluid. Even with the so called 'premium service' option, the footnote for replacing the automatic transmission fluid says 'except models with 7-speed automatic transmission'.

So what does that mean? Our 7-speed transmissions don't need the fluid changed EVER, even if you are towing (which I'm not but that's besides the point)??? Anybody have some more detail or insight into this? I tried searching the forum but nothing came up.

[Mjkkb2]

It must be a sealed transmission. If so you couldn't change the fluid even if you tried.

Can anyone confirm?

[szh]

We have the Infiniti Service Manuals at our site (see the link in my sig). I'd check that for full details ...

Our transmissions are not sealed (there was a rumor about this at one time, as I recall). But the access to the fluid is confusing - it is at the same location as the dip-stick. Which, however, is not trivial to remove to check. The Service Manual describes the procedure.

Z

[M37owner]

There is no dipstick according the service manual (I downloaded all the manuals. Thanks szh). The procedure to check the fluid level is to remove the "overflow" plug located on the bottom of the transmission (near the drain plug). There is a special coupler/fitting installed so you can add fluid (overfill) then you remove the overfill plug and let the excess drain out. This is done with the engine running.
If you were to just remove the overfill plug and nothing came out - that would mean either your fluid is at the correct level or its low. But you can't tell which so you would need to overfill it first. Of course if the outside/bottom of the transmission is dry that would indicate that nothing is leaking out. If it is leaking, Infiniti wants you to bring it in and have it fixed - not just add fluid to it and keep driving.
I have one of these trannys too, and I don't like the idea of not ever changing the fluid, so I plan to have it flushed when I get to 100K or 150K miles.

[svard75]

Transmission fluid needs to be flushed even on a sealed gearbox. Eventually bits of plastic and metal are swishing around in there creating more friction and wearing parts down. I personally perfer a flush where none of the OEM bolts/drain holes are used. I prefer when they disconnect the transmission cooling line and attach the flush machine to both ends. This ensures all fluid is properly exchanged even the stuff in the cooler. Ensure it's not a pressurized exchang system.

[M37owner]

I agree svard - but it's weird that the owner's service/maintence manual would not recommend a trans fluid flush/change "at any mileage interval". Us owners agree that it is worth doing, and it makes money for the dealership, so why don't they list this as a service item?
Maybe they are afraid that owners will do it themselves, screw it up somehow, then come in for warranty repairs.

[svard75]

I agree svard - but it's weird that the owner's service/maintence manual would not recommend a trans fluid flush/change "at any mileage interval". Us owners agree that it is worth doing, and it makes money for the dealership, so why don't they list this as a service item?
Maybe they are afraid that owners will do it themselves, screw it up somehow, then come in for warranty repairs.

If in doubt change every 60k kms or 40k miles. Read this thread changing-at-fluid-t530472.html

[grabba]

7 Speed Automatic Transmission Fluid Fill and Change Procedure: http://www.gtmotorsports.com/Manuals/Au ... cedure.pdf

[1GR8M56S]

I read all these questions and concerns and I'm more confused if we are or not to change the transmission fluid, can I get a definate answer?

[Ilya]

I just had mine flushed (along with coolant and differentials) a few weeks ago by the dealer. I do it every 45-50k or so.

[1GR8M56S]

What is the cost on that

[Ilya]

I haven't gotten the bill yet cause they didn't close the service ticket since I have to go back for some other stuff but if I recall on my 07 it was like $600 or so. The transmission fluid alone is like $140 and that's whether they buy it or I buy it due to it's like $14/quart price plus the quantity you need.

[Larz]

I had the following done earlier this year. 2009 M35, HR engine, RWD, 7-spd gear box. Should be somewhat close to the cost for the 37s and 56s to change the various fluids.
I bought my 09 last Oct with under 30k miles, but it's 6 years old and I could not verify if any fluids had ever been changed so I considered them to also be 6 years old and due for change.

Transmission (actual complete flush with removal of pan(s), clean magnets, inspect for filings, etc.)
Flush, exchange, inspect:
90.00 labor
129.00 fluid 10 qts Matic-S MTS00P
15.00 trans conditioner L4100
14.13 waste and shop supplies
_____________________________
$ 248.13 total


Rear Diff fluid:
113.70 labor
30.00 2 qts limited slip oil
8.62 waste and shop supplies
______________________________
152.32 total


Brake Fluid Exchange:
118.95 labour and flush
19.95 1qt DOT-3 fluid
8.34 waste and shop supplies
______________________________
147.24 total

Coolant Flush:
95.95 labor and flush
24.95 long-life anti-freeze AF000P
7.20 waste and shop supplies
______________________________
$127.15 total


Brakemotive:
90.00 front axle replace rotors and pads
90.00 rear axle replace rotors and pads
____________________________________
$180.00 total


Complete inspection:
95.99
________________________________________________
$95.99 total


Total for today's services:
950.83
-95.99 (inspection service waived for customer)
________________________________________________
$854.84


*** I had a cow after learning they charged $180 just to install the brakemotive kit after I was charged for a brake fluid exchange with labor already included ! So my service guy (Brian) made them waive the cost for the inspection which, by the by, came out absolutely perfect.

Some will say: Mate, they took you for a ride. You could do all of this yourself for a pittance compared to these prices!
I say, consider this:
1) who warranties work that you did yourself and if you need documentation it was done, how do you prove it?
2) I will wash my own car, change my own oil and filter, engine air filters, seat and cabin filters, bulbs etc. But nothing
that can leave me stranded or endanger precious cargo (me !! and others) should be treated cheaply.

[1GR8M56S]

I totally agree if something screws up you have the proof the dealer did it, I personally had my mechanic change all fluids with Amsoil products except the transmission and differential wich I wasn't sure if the transmission was supposed to be changed or if it was a sealed transmission but I'll be doing it soon I also put a dimple oil plug lets see how that works, I wanna change the pcv and do the throttle body cleaning and I'll be good.

[Larz]

If you have no warranty on your car, and you are sure you can do it properly, all this can be done yourself and at a hugely reduced cost. I have a warranty that lasts through 2020 or 125,000 miles so I wanted to be sure I could produce proof of dealer maintenance in the event the warranty people try to skate on any future claim. If you had a medical bill, or a tax bill, you pay that, right? So why not this? It just sucks that you don't get the wine, dinner, cuddling and other benefits that normally come with a proper boinking.

[SmoovC]

I am with you Larz, on the point you make about being "taken for a ride" at dealership prices for service.

I have had ALL maintenance done at the dealer, at the "severe duty" schedule. If, in the event of any component failure, there should be NO QUESTION about warranty coverage and liability.

Further; a well-maintained, low mileage car with documented history should fetch more come sale or trade-in time.

[Malbec 56 Beast]

This is what I did with my G37xS, I bought the fluid, in this case I went with the Amsoil equivalent for our cars. The DEALER informed me that they do drain and fill with the trans. (Note. Had Nissan do it instead of Infiniti). Way cheaper than at infiniti and I have there most experienced tech do all the work to my cars. They had no issue using other manufacturers fluids and filed out the invoice accordingly.

Getting ready to do this to my new to me M56xS and do all the fluids with Amsoil. I love this fluid.

My G37xS had 60kmi and the fluid looked like crap that Nissan used. I'm so not impressed with the quality of there fluids.

Keep driving

Andy

[mikedamageinc]

They don't specify an interval but it uses the same fluid as the 5at, yet has more gears to shift through so my theory is that it couldn't hurt to change it at 50k or less if you go by severe duty interval.

I just had mine done at 60k since it's the family wagon and they only charged 200 (quoted 250 but I had other work done same time so I guess the discouted). I usually change my own but too much guesswork with this transaction since it's not a simple flush and fill to dipstick. The fluid already costs a little over 100 so my time and the mess is worth another 100 to avoid. Plus my wife hates the smell of used trans fluid and even a drop will stink up the garage for a week.

[pedsemdoc]

Just had mine done at 67,557 miles, plus had the car inspected in preparation for getting an extended warranty:

Description of service:
"Flushed 14 quarts of Infiniti/Nissan Matic J-S fluid through torque converter and valve body to fully replace all transmission fluid. Recommended every 30 to 100 thousand miles depending on vehicle in order to increase transmission longevity and performance."

Parts: 1 ATK404 TRANS CLR AND CONDITIONER $30.95
14 LOCALATFJ MOBIL MATIC J-S $73.50

Labor: $135.50

Total: $239.95

I thought that was a reasonable price for a full flush, not just drain and fill.
Seems to be shifting well, although didn't really have problems before the trans flush...we'll see

[DFW2011M56S]

Just had mine done at 67,557 miles, plus had the car inspected in preparation for getting an extended warranty:

Description of service:
"Flushed 14 quarts of Infiniti/Nissan Matic J-S fluid through torque converter and valve body to fully replace all transmission fluid. Recommended every 30 to 100 thousand miles depending on vehicle in order to increase transmission longevity and performance."

Parts: 1 ATK404 TRANS CLR AND CONDITIONER $30.95
14 LOCALATFJ MOBIL MATIC J-S $73.50

Labor: $135.50

Total: $239.95

I thought that was a reasonable price for a full flush, not just drain and fill.
Seems to be shifting well, although didn't really have problems before the trans flush...we'll see

That ATK404 is a profit driven additive kit that is added to the service. That one happens to be a Zak 2-part ATF Cleaner/Conditioner kit. Really only need the fluid to do it correctly. I personally do not use those additive kits in my car when the services are done.

My fluid was jet black at 90K when we serviced it at the Nissan dealership I work for.

[1080Rider]

What amsoil product are people using for their transmission? Lots of choices on their website.

[DFW2011M56S]

What amsoil product are people using for their transmission? Lots of choices on their website.

If you look it up by vehicle I believe there are only two options. OE grade and Signature.

I myself have run Mobil One Multi Vehicle Synthetic in 3 different Nissan transmissions requiring J/S fluid. Years ago Mobil had those fluids included on its data sheet as being compatible. Then they quietly dropped the compatibility. Its not because the fluid has compatiblity issues either.

[1080Rider]

Thanks DFW... I'm not totally familiar w/ all of Nissan's offerings but my understanding is that our infiniti trans is a mercedes based trans, is that right? Does Nissan use it in their cars as well or is it limited to infiniti? I have never heard of a problem w/ any mobil 1 product and if the price difference were significant I would go w/ mobil 1 over amsoil in a heartbeat. Some of the prices of the amsoil products was crazy, $54 a quart for some racing trans fluid???

I bought my car w/ 60K on the clock. I doubt the trans fluid has ever been changed. I asked the dealership about it and they said that it didn't need to be replaced... I'm not convinced. There is a nissan dealership closer to my house than the infiniti dealership, I think they'll get my business for this service.

[Malbec 56 Beast]

If my memory serves is the ATL fluid. My G37xS shifts firm. It did help with that and I had Nissan do it and they charged $80 labor. Can't complain about that.i don't remember how much of the 2.5 gal. jug was used, maybe half.

amsoiloil.com I think. Put your car in and it gives the type as well as quantity.

Getting ready to do all the fluids on the M.

Andy

[DFW2011M56S]

Thanks DFW... I'm not totally familiar w/ all of Nissan's offerings but my understanding is that our infiniti trans is a mercedes based trans, is that right? Does Nissan use it in their cars as well or is it limited to infiniti? I have never heard of a problem w/ any mobil 1 product and if the price difference were significant I would go w/ mobil 1 over amsoil in a heartbeat. Some of the prices of the amsoil products was crazy, $54 a quart for some racing trans fluid???

I bought my car w/ 60K on the clock. I doubt the trans fluid has ever been changed. I asked the dealership about it and they said that it didn't need to be replaced... I'm not convinced. There is a nissan dealership closer to my house than the infiniti dealership, I think they'll get my business for this service.

It has been in all the 370Zs and was just put into the Gas Titans and Armadas this year. Also been in the Nissan Patrols for years but that was not offered in the US. In fact the first "Armada" I saw was actually a Patrol with the badging taped off.