Qx4 4wd

[Tallent89]

Hey guys,

I own a Qx4 with about 150k miles and the previous owner told me they hardly ever used the 4wd.
I checked the transmission fluid and its not completely burnt (no shards in it). I would say it still has a slight tint.

My question is, if I plan on using the 4wd often, should I change the fluid or should I leave it?
(Could I be better off w/ doing just the transfer case as well)?

I know nothing about 4wd and transmission fluid

Thank you in advance

[hotdawwgman]

Change it! Get some fresh fluids in there

[Rockwood]

Absolutely do the transfer case. If it has not been changed in a while it will be very black.

When you pull the drain plug on the transmission pan you will get a little less than four quarts out. So buying a new gallon jug works out well for a quick drain and fill.

Valvoline high mileage ATF has a good reputation and it is pretty affordable compared to some. It does have a nasty odor tho.

[brickbox]

Absolutely do the transfer case. If it has not been changed in a while it will be very black.

When you pull the drain plug on the transmission pan you will get a little less than four quarts out. So buying a new gallon jug works out well for a quick drain and fill.

Valvoline high mileage ATF has a good reputation and it is pretty affordable compared to some. It does have a nasty odor tho.

This is what I am doing. Valvoline high mileage Dex/Merc. I drain about 4 quarts and replace it with 4 quarts. Based on what I read in an old thread, someone posted that they had fresh ATF after 4 drain/fills (16 quarts).

I would replace the front and rear diff fluids like others have recommended. I still haven't changed the t-case fluid on mine.Per the owner's manual, its ATF in the t-case as well.
Can't seem to find the quantity of ATF needed in the t-case though?

[Tallent89]

To All of you,
Thank you!!

[yeldogt]

The transmission and the transfer case are two different things ...

At 150k .. I would have someone do everything at once when you are having the oil changed. front and rear differentials with M1 gear oil -- transmission and electric transfer use Nissan D-matic fluid. Have a simple coolant change using proper Nissan fluid.

All simple and cheap together -- Amazon has the fluids. Using the correct stuff is $40 bucks more and no worries.

[Tallent89]

The transmission and the transfer case are two different things ...

At 150k .. I would have someone do everything at once when you are having the oil changed. front and rear differentials with M1 gear oil -- transmission and electric transfer use Nissan D-matic fluid. Have a simple coolant change using proper Nissan fluid.

All simple and cheap together -- Amazon has the fluids. Using the correct stuff is $40 bucks more and no worries.

Appreciate it brother!

I was just reading some threads on changing the tran. fluid too late may cause slipping in the transmission so it freaked me out on if it was a good idea to change it this late in the game.

[yeldogt]

Not all the fluid comes out -- it's a partial trans change. Use the drain plug -- no need to drop pan. Same with coolant -- it's a refresh -- drain radiator / refill. gallon of coolant and jug of distilled water The transfer case does not use much ether.

The front and rear differentials have plugs that can be difficult to remove -- that's why having it done makes sense. You have to make sure both are free before draining or you will not be able to refill. I have a good independent mechanic -- it's all very easy to do at once. Drain them all -- fill them up.

[Tallent89]

Ok cool, very informative and I will definitely change the fluids and I appreciate the help again!
Keep ridin

[yeldogt]

my memory is the transmission refresh is about 4 quarts and the automatic transaxle is around two -- I bought a case (6) of Dmatic fluid on e-bay for around $50. The Nissan coolant is about $20 bucks on Amazon -- distilled water is $1. Mobil 1 gear oil is fine for the differentials -- I needed two bottles ...so another $11 x2.

With an older used car it's often difficult to tell what the previous owner or owners did or did not do to the vehicle -- unfortunately there has alway been this idea that buying OE fluids is a foolish rip off ... it's not. There are no universal fluid -- all Japanese cars don't use the same stuff. My point -- if you buy a used car with what looks to be the original fluids .. keep them. I have bought used cars where the coolant has obviously been changed .... in that case I like to do a full change and use the correct fluid. Since I keep my cars for a long time I don't want a problem in 3-4 years ...... lot's of people have cooling system problems .... I never have any ?

I own a company with many vehicles --- so I'm not inexperienced. I have had three 02 LE's .. only one is still around.

[Tallent89]

my memory is the transmission refresh is about 4 quarts and the automatic transaxle is around two -- I bought a case (6) of Dmatic fluid on e-bay for around $50. The Nissan coolant is about $20 bucks on Amazon -- distilled water is $1. Mobil 1 gear oil is fine for the differentials -- I needed two bottles ...so another $11 x2.

With an older used car it's often difficult to tell what the previous owner or owners did or did not do to the vehicle -- unfortunately there has alway been this idea that buying OE fluids is a foolish rip off ... it's not. There are no universal fluid -- all Japanese cars don't use the same stuff. My point -- if you buy a used car with what looks to be the original fluids .. keep them. I have bought used cars where the coolant has obviously been changed .... in that case I like to do a full change and use the correct fluid. Since I keep my cars for a long time I don't want a problem in 3-4 years ...... lot's of people have cooling system problems .... I never have any ?

I own a company with many vehicles --- so I'm not inexperienced. I have had three 02 LE's .. only one is still around.

So far I just changed the fluid with Dmatic (Transmission and Transfer Case) and luckily the transmission fluid still had some pink tint from before. I will need a neighborhood mechanic to do the rest as I do not have the time or patience lol.

Since I have you here; are you familiar with Idle surging? I'm located in LV and its 100+ degrees but lately my SUV has been acting a little funny on certain days with the idle.
Alternator and battery are good, I've cleaned the throttle body but not the IAC valve. Any thoughts?

Thanks again for the fluid specs!!

[yeldogt]

I have not had the idle problem on any of the Pathfinder -- but that seems to be a failure point with some. Its also something that can cause other issues with the electric control system ,,, so you can't just ignore it.

Trans fluid can change color very quickly -- not something to worry about unless burnt and black. Changing fluids is just something I do with a used car when I get. I have an older MB wagon going in today for an oil change and I'm going to have them check the rear dif oil level (I'm getting a noise someplace and I want to rule this out) -- it's really only the cost of the oil to change it vs checking. So why not just replace

The Pathfinder has a few items like many cars that can go. The O2 sensors/ HVAC fan module/ position sensors for the valves ... all mine have had rear brake issues -- always needing adjustment (I hate drum brakes) . In general they are extremely reliable and functional vehicles -- I don't drive mine a lot so the poor MPG is not an issue ...mine just went past 100k.

I'm having abs sensor problems .. and the exhaust is rusting out again. I spent about 1k on it back in 2015 ... and nothing really since ... so I'm due for my next 1k.

Obviously in LV you need a good AC and cooling system.

[Tallent89]

Glad to hear from someone who is a fan of the models, the vehicle runs great and I'm just trying to make this last at least over 200k with some preventative maintenance. I love the ride

[yeldogt]

yes -- they really are great vehicles. I wish someone made something like it today -- everything is too big today. The R50 is a great size -- it's unstoppable when locked in 4wd with the correct tires. The Path and the 4runner were always about the same --- now they are both huge .. and the newest pathfinder its really just a car. I like that the R50 is a truck.

Oh well -- mine is basically rust free -- that's what does them in