Trans Fluid Replacement

[bluedevil30]

I have a 2009 M35x with 80K miles (mostly highway). Dealer says transfluid should be changed at 60K which seems early. What is the recommended?

Also, should I have the dealer do it for $225 or risk a chain repair shop for this issue?

[atlM35]

I just spend about $80 on fluids and do a couple drain/fills myself.

[DJPlayedYA]

60k miles is actually very common for all cars. Keep in mind though that a "flush" and "drain and fill" are different services. Anyone can do a drain and fill...all you have to do is drain the fluid, then replace it back. To do a flush, special equipment is required, plus you use more transmission fluid because you're essentially using new transmission fluid to flush out the old fluid, buildup, shavings, etc. So therefore if a drain and fill requires 9 quarts, a flush might require 14 quarts.

$225 is not too bad or even a good price for a flush. Dealerships only use OEM fluids, so they'll be sure to use Nissan Matic fluid. I know we bought that fluid recently for a Q45, and IIRC it cost us around $8 or $9 a quart from WorldPac. Assuming your cost is $10 plus tax, $225 for a flush is a decent deal.

Protip: if you're at the dealership and you complain or haggle about the price, they almost always offer you 15 to 20% off. I see it happen all the time.

Also my 2 cents: you'd be foolish not to use OEM fluid. Risking your transmission over saving a couple bucks for such a nice car is stupid to say the least.

[wingFeather]

60k is early? The industry standard is 30k miles (unless you buy the "disposable transmission" myth of 100k "sealed" units). This is why I won't buy a used car without service records.

[antzrus]

60k is early? The industry standard is 30k miles (unless you buy the "disposable transmission" myth of 100k "sealed" units). This is why I won't buy a used car without service records.

The industry (and obsessive compulsive disorder) standard for engine oil changes used to be 3k too...

[wingFeather]

The industry (and obsessive compulsive disorder) standard for engine oil changes used to be 3k too...

You're right. Now I change my oil at 2,999 miles

[Boonies]

Premium maintenance schedule from the manufacturer calls for trans fluid replacement at 30k

https://owners.infinitiusa.com/iowners/ ... _I_SMG.pdf

[Towncivilian]

Transmissions generate around 75% of their lifetime wear material within the first 5-10k miles or so, mainly due to manufacturing crud and break-in wear, so getting the factory fill out around 30k (if not sooner) is a good idea. They also have minimal filtration, which is even more reason to get all the crap out early. Same concept with differentials, transfer cases, and power steering systems - but these generally have no filtration at all!

Drain & fills are inefficient and wasteful, do a full fluid exchange instead. You can do this yourself with a buddy's help in your driveway. Steps:

You will need:

• 13 to 15 quarts of Nissan Matic S ATF
• A clear gallon jug, something like an empty milk jug
• Another large container to store used fluid for disposal

1. Disconnect the transmission cooler return line and secure it in a collection bucket such as a clear gallon milk jug. Disconnect the end leading towards the transmission.
2. Have a helper start the car while you watch the bucket - once it's half full (2 quarts), yell for the helper to stop the engine.
3. Add 2 quarts of ATF through the transmission dipstick.
4. Drain collection jug into larger jug (i.e. a Disposoil - these only hold 10 quarts though in my experience, so have something else to hold the last few quarts).
5. Repeat steps 2-4 until you're out of ATF.
6. Check fluid for proper level (see MA-25 of the FSM), and recycle the old ATF. Any place that takes used oil will likely recycle ATF.

This is similar to the steps described on page MA-27 of the factory service manual.

[antzrus]

The industry (and obsessive compulsive disorder) standard for engine oil changes used to be 3k too...

You're right. Now I change my oil at 2,999 miles

Whoa! I was a bit worried about you. But the 2.999k mark instead of the 3.0k mark possibly means your OCD isn't as serious as I once feared. You might adjust your Prozac drip up to 5ml per hour...