Maintenance / upkeeps

[Rockhoundrob]

2009 Rogue - 135,000 miles AWD - 4 cyl.

My daughter bought her Rogue about 1.5 years ago at 115,000 miles.
At the time, I changed out the radiator hoses, water pump, alternator, and tensioner pulley.
I tried to replace the pulley (this is the regular pulley) but could not remove the bolt due to lack of room.

Last Summer, I changed out the inner and outer tie-rods, control arms (due to bad boots/bushings), wheel bearings, and both ABS sensors.

1) I am wondering how long do fuel pumps last on these cars?
I am thinking of replacing the fuel pump and starter. This way she should be good for another 100,000 miles.

2) When she bought the car, I checked the transmission fluid, it was nice and clear, but I was surprised that the color was light BLUE.
I am thinking, change the fluid, but some cars are VERY picky about the trans oil.
Do I need to get the oil from Nissan or can I get a good brand trans oil ( Valvoline) from the auto store? I believe it is NS-2.
What is it with the BLUE ? Most car transmission fluid are red or orange. If the new fluid I get is not blue, should I be concerned?

Anything else I need to think about changing as far as preventive maintenance?
I already did a bunch of little things like brakes, air filter, cabin filter, oil changes, etc...

[VStar650CL]

NS-2 is green, NS-3 is a turquoisey-blue. Totally normal.

I have several customers now using AMSoil and Eneos fluid and I can vouch for both of them. They perform as well or better than NS-3 and are totally miscible with it, so there's no need for a complete pump-out.

I've seen plenty of Nissan starters go 200K+, but if you feel like doing it at 135K it might avoid trouble. Just keep in mind that it isn't as easy as it looks, the bolts need to be removed via the driver's wheel well using a swivel or wobble and a very long extension. Trying to remove them from the top is a fool's errand.

The fuel pumps can last a very long time, but a lot depends on climate and temperature. If your climate is 4-seasons then I'd say leave it alone till it quits, if you're in Florida or the desert southwest then preemptive replacement may be in order. The motor is fuel-cooled and they seem to die much faster in constant heat.

[macgiver]

Cabin filter along with the aerosol anti-mold anti -bad smell spray can - to prolong the enjoyable ride.

[Rockhoundrob]

Thank you Vstar.
I will need to look again to make sure of the color.

A few more questions...

1) So you are telling me that if the T-fluid is blue, it is still OK to drain whatever comes out and I can add NS-2 which is green?
And Valvoline NS-2 is OK? ( as long as the sticker on the trans dipstick says NS-2)

2) I looked at the Chilton manual and there is a transfer case for AWD.
I guess I should change the fluid out ( and maybe the Differential fluid too) ?
That way everything should be good for another 60,000 miles or 5 years?

3) The Chilton manual says to use API GL-5 80W-90 hypoid gear oil on BOTH the transfer case and Differential.
Do I need to worry about brand? I am still thinking use Valvoline.

[VStar650CL]

NS-3 is downward compatible with NS-2, but NS-2 is not upward compatible with NS-3. So yes, if the CVT originally took NS-2 then it's fine to mix them. My only personal experience with Valvoline wasn't great, but it was a customer trying to save a transmission that was already on the edge and may not have been a fair test. Some folks here have also said it made their trannies noisier (although not causing any apparent issues).

The transfer case and rear diff both take API GL-5, any brand is fine.