Maintenance for 2004 Pathfinder LE 4WD w/106,000 miles

[Benster]

I have looked all over the internet and cannot find the Service and Maintenance schedule for my vehicle. I'm thinking:

Spark plugs-The dealer want $500 just for the plugs!

Coolant fluid or flush

Differentials fluids

Anything else?

[yeldogt]

I had all the fluids changed in mine when I bought it about 5 years ago -- it's gone about about 40k since. Now at 100k --- had the coolant changed again and the plugs. Unfortunately, one plug is difficult to do. I have a good independent -- so he did the plugs. Fluid changes are messy and don;t cost much -- so I alway have them done on my cars when in for basic oil changes and rotations -- the cost is really minimal that way.

You can get the proper nissan coolant on amazon (free ship w/prime) -- same with the D matic transmission fluid if you need some extra. I bought a case on e-bay when I did mine -- think I needed 6. (can't remember -- its in an old post) The front and rear differentials can use M1 gear oil ... it's suitable for the rear LSD as well if so equipped. The electric transfer case uses the D Matic -- same as auto trans. Use the exact fluid -- just a simple drain and fill is all you have to do. If DIY ....Make sure to remove the fill ports first on the differentials -- they can be very hard to get off .. you don't want to open the drain and then not be able to get the fill open ..... you will be towing the car to the service center. IMO -- get the proper fluids and take it to a good independent. The Nissan coolant is full strength and must be mixed with distilled water.

Additional: Cabin filter ? Just did both my filters -- and replaced the wipers. I always use the inserts because the OE blades are high quality -- but the blades finally failed. I use the Denso replacement blades in my old cars. Autohaus is a great place for filters and wipers -- related parts ... free shipping after $50. There is really not much to do -- make sure the prop shaft is greased. All three of mine have been very reliable .... only a few issues throughout the years.

There are some posts on the fluids -- very old now. Just do a simple dump of the fluid -- since mine never get anything other than the OE fluid -- it's just a refresh.

[brickbox]

The owner's manual has the specified service/maintenance requirements for 105k miles. Additionally, you can also use the Nissan owner's portal to get the list.

I think you list above is pretty accurate. Go to a local shop - much cheaper. Also, consider changing the brake fluid if dirty/black and drain/refill the trans fluid. The D Matic fluid is same as Valvoline Transmax - that's what I plan on using in my vehicle in a couple of weeks when I do a drain and refill.

[yeldogt]

The owner's manual has the specified service/maintenance requirements for 105k miles. Additionally, you can also use the Nissan owner's portal to get the list.

I think you list above is pretty accurate. Go to a local shop - much cheaper. Also, consider changing the brake fluid if dirty/black and drain/refill the trans fluid. The D Matic fluid is same as Valvoline Transmax - that's what I plan on using in my vehicle in a couple of weeks when I do a drain and refill.

The interesting thing about transmission fluid. A specification listed in an owners manual -- is a minimum. Manufacturers need to list specifications as cars are sold all over the world -- with various fluids available. Saying one fluid is the same as another == may or many not be true -- it's typically not. Most manufacturers have proprietary additive packs -- so the fluid is a base of the specification + the additive. The question becomes what is the additive doing?

You can see this with some companies where you know they had a fluid change -- but the base specification is the same. They clearly are not selling two exact fluids. Go look at a given Valvoline bottle and see the list --- I can assure you that the ZF and the MB box don't use the same fluid.

The additive pack is often for cold weather operation and modifiers for older fluid/transmission compatibility. There is less danger today with failure -- it's mostly changed shifts.

[macgiver]

mac , I just did Trans fluid+ blew screen in 93 J30 and had been putting in Mob1ATF ,and SOME say ,for my application( mostly the age,circa 90's) that Synth. can be problematic . I did it for touted technology improvement AND super hot summers - BUT my rebuilt original transmission failed after coming home from buzzing around the mountains doin 90, on the Mob1, although I believe it was faulty rebuild , found a plastic "piece" ,bushing lodged in pickup housing . FFWD - got a used japan trans ,did fluid change again (20kmi ran) w/the Castrol for "Japanese Imports" . Next & last planned change- this time now was with the NISSAN-D , and did it I reasoned it would be the last time , AND last change STILL wasn't a good red , clean color ,and I wanted most of all to see what most people -including me - hardly see by using the Dealer stuff (non-CVT). NISSAN-D really brought backthe original shifting feel and reduced that funny jolting cold action the car is known for. I mean I paid like $8.64 / qt , gotta shop around , most likely best price not INFINITI but Nissan Parts!What's the aftermarket ? Same or more? Basically the 'D' fluid gave significantly noticeable - positive- performance than other aftermarket fluids (Mob 1 probably superior heat protection) , no real difference in cost here.

[yeldogt]

Without getting technical ... transmission fluid is not oil. So all transmission fluid is "Synthetic" ... until the 70's whale oil was used -- it's a great slip modifier. Alternative needed to be found for obvious reasons ... it actually took a long time .. that's why all the various fluids. It was not until the early 90's that things really changed and stabilized. The high end fluids developed in the 90's are much more expensive -- and are what went into the early ZF and MB "sealed for life" transmission. The manufacturers rightly understood, due to cost, people would look for other alternatives -- when none were available.