After reading up on this subject, I'm still a little unclear. If my understanding is correct you should flush the transmission, and than drop the pan. I had this done yesterday and I think I Pissed off the Tech. I stated what I read here on the sight that by flushing the transmission all the old crud that does not make it out the exit tube would end up in the pan, clogging the filter, and therefore would be a waste of time to do drop it first. The tech was mad sad it was a waste of his time, and that it did not make any sence. Can anyone exlpain to me why the pan should be dropped after the flush so I can explain to my tech. By the way I think he was mad about me bringing in my M1 transmission fluid. So I took Denise's advise and tipped him 20 bucks and offered to pour in the fluid myself. His attitude really changed, and became very interested in the info I was relaying about this site. Any info is greatly appreciated!
Robert
Trans Flush Procedure
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maxnix
- Posts: 22627
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1995 Infiniti Q45t
2000 Infiniti Q45
Pan Drop
You are correct, the pan drop, then screen replacement follows the fluid replacement, and is followed by refilling the lost fluid from the pan drop.
http://www.infinitipartsusa.com has the kit with the screen, screws (one time use only) and gasket.
http://www.infinitipartsusa.com has the kit with the screen, screws (one time use only) and gasket.
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maxnix
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- Car: 1995 Infiniti Q45
1995 Infiniti Q45t
2000 Infiniti Q45
The screen is a filter
The screen will catch any loose material, and will clog if there is enough detritus, starving the transmission and TC of fluid and otherwise wrecking it. Secondly, the contaminants that do pass will eventually clog or at least hamper the ATF flow through the heat exchanger (stock) or external cooler (owner installed).
This has been documented by several independent shops including T-3 and Jerry Tucker.
Unfortunately, most dealers are not aware of this procedure. But then again, they want to sell you a new car.
This has been documented by several independent shops including T-3 and Jerry Tucker.
Unfortunately, most dealers are not aware of this procedure. But then again, they want to sell you a new car.
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greg_atlanta
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- Car: 2008 G35 Journey Sedan, silver/black (no sunroof), 1992 Q45 (in a past life)
When T-3 did my pan drop and trans flush in 1/2001 they dropped the pan first, refilled with cheapo fluid, then flushed with Mobil 1 ATF. (But maybe they did that since I brought only 16 quarts of ATF??)
I don't think the sequence is crucial -- I think it's the fact that you're cleaning the pan and replacing the filter that's important.
I just flushed again with Mobil 1 ATF in 10/2002 and didn't bother with pan drop. Still shifts like a dream at almost 180K miles.
I don't think the sequence is crucial -- I think it's the fact that you're cleaning the pan and replacing the filter that's important.
I just flushed again with Mobil 1 ATF in 10/2002 and didn't bother with pan drop. Still shifts like a dream at almost 180K miles.
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szh
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Unfortunately, no longer a Nissan or Infiniti, but continuing here at NICO! - Location: San Jose, CA
I just did (had it done at Frontier Infiniti in San Jose actually):
a. Flush with Mobil 1 Synth ATF.b. Pan drop and filter change.c. Second flush with Mobil 1 Synth ATF.
I took in 28 quarts of Mobil 1 ATF to the local Frontier Infiniti dealer. They reduced the price of the flushes since I brought in my own ATF as well as reduced the price for the second flush since the machine was still attached, etc.
Benjie at Frontier did the above (he was also the tech who replaced my transmission some months back) and said that he had no problem following my requests for this recent multiple flushing work although he did not think it was necessary.
So, where did you have your work done that caused the tech to get mad?
Z
a. Flush with Mobil 1 Synth ATF.b. Pan drop and filter change.c. Second flush with Mobil 1 Synth ATF.
I took in 28 quarts of Mobil 1 ATF to the local Frontier Infiniti dealer. They reduced the price of the flushes since I brought in my own ATF as well as reduced the price for the second flush since the machine was still attached, etc.
Benjie at Frontier did the above (he was also the tech who replaced my transmission some months back) and said that he had no problem following my requests for this recent multiple flushing work although he did not think it was necessary.
So, where did you have your work done that caused the tech to get mad?
Z
OK, Thanks Maxnix I'll explain it to my tech.
Greg, what year Q do you have? Is it the origional transmission? Glad to hear it shifts like a dream @ 180K!
Wow, 28 quarts....I thought I had a lot at 20. The tech was more irratated than mad. He owns and runs an independent shop in my hometown. My father is their CPA, so I trust them more than someone I don't know. Plus he lets me go back in the shop. Which is a big plus!!
How many of your first pan drops were perfectly clean. My tech told me when he went to the transmission shop to match up the new filter the guy there couldn't belive it was a used one! I just hope the rest of my Q is in the same shape.
Have a good one,Robert
Greg, what year Q do you have? Is it the origional transmission? Glad to hear it shifts like a dream @ 180K!
Wow, 28 quarts....I thought I had a lot at 20. The tech was more irratated than mad. He owns and runs an independent shop in my hometown. My father is their CPA, so I trust them more than someone I don't know. Plus he lets me go back in the shop. Which is a big plus!!
How many of your first pan drops were perfectly clean. My tech told me when he went to the transmission shop to match up the new filter the guy there couldn't belive it was a used one! I just hope the rest of my Q is in the same shape.
Have a good one,Robert
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maxnix
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- Car: 1995 Infiniti Q45
1995 Infiniti Q45t
2000 Infiniti Q45
Clean Screen?
Did he cut it up and blow it out with air on a white towel or cloth?
My understanding (from threads on this board) is that the screen can hold small debris while looking quite good from either side, once removed.
My understanding (from threads on this board) is that the screen can hold small debris while looking quite good from either side, once removed.
Maxnix, you raise a good point, that was not done. I'll call and ask if they still have it and chech. However the screen you could see through the opening, looked unused. I put my finger inside around all edges as far back as I could and nothing but light fluid would show. I saw the pictures of a dirty pan someone posted, and I can't belive the difference between that and mine.
As you have two 95's were your pans and filter extremely dirty when you first opened it? I also wanted to ask you your opinion between your two 95's, base and T model. I plan to upgrade in a few months to as close as possible to the T model, and would love to hear your insight.
As you have two 95's were your pans and filter extremely dirty when you first opened it? I also wanted to ask you your opinion between your two 95's, base and T model. I plan to upgrade in a few months to as close as possible to the T model, and would love to hear your insight.
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maxnix
- Posts: 22627
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- Car: 1995 Infiniti Q45
1995 Infiniti Q45t
2000 Infiniti Q45
Two Qs
The t only has 33K on it, and was BG fluid exchanged before I purchased it this spring, so I will fluid exchange late next spring. It was about two Qts. over filled by the old BG machine.
The standard Q has about 56K, of which I believe about 37K were highway since it was primarily used on trips. While the fluid is pristeen, I will fluid exchange and install transmission cooler in late Spring or early next fall. It is idle all summer in TX, and driven infrequently at other times. I will be attending to additional fluid replacements, suspension and cooling system at same time. Probably add the a rear bar. At least $1.5K dedicated to that regimen.
Since I don't drive them back to back, and the driving environment is so different for each, I cannot articulate the subtle differences very well at all. They are much more similar than distinct. I do see the need for the rear bar on the standard, though. I really am not aware of the different ratios in the steering gear because I drive like a grandpa most of the time. Well, not according to my wife, but by my standards I do. The last thing I want to do is put either one in harm's way.
When I get too much money, I might well change the standard to the t spoiler and the inside parcel shelf to the delted CHMB of the t because I like the inside mirror view better without the CHMB in the backlight. But it is a costly proposition for minimal functional gain.
Hope to get package deals on parts, brakes, wheels and tires when I get really rich to upgrade those! Haven't decided on JWT ECU and TCU because I don't WOT them very often at all. Both are functionally like new, with only minor exterior cosmetic blemishes, mostly on bumper caps.
Hope to keep them both for a very long time. I am genuflecting to Saint Dennis and his disciples on this board. A lot of talent and knowledge here. And really good people too, especially the few I have met and with whom I have corresponded.
The cars are special, and the people who appreciate them and maintain them on this board are a higher caliber too.
The standard Q has about 56K, of which I believe about 37K were highway since it was primarily used on trips. While the fluid is pristeen, I will fluid exchange and install transmission cooler in late Spring or early next fall. It is idle all summer in TX, and driven infrequently at other times. I will be attending to additional fluid replacements, suspension and cooling system at same time. Probably add the a rear bar. At least $1.5K dedicated to that regimen.
Since I don't drive them back to back, and the driving environment is so different for each, I cannot articulate the subtle differences very well at all. They are much more similar than distinct. I do see the need for the rear bar on the standard, though. I really am not aware of the different ratios in the steering gear because I drive like a grandpa most of the time. Well, not according to my wife, but by my standards I do. The last thing I want to do is put either one in harm's way.
When I get too much money, I might well change the standard to the t spoiler and the inside parcel shelf to the delted CHMB of the t because I like the inside mirror view better without the CHMB in the backlight. But it is a costly proposition for minimal functional gain.
Hope to get package deals on parts, brakes, wheels and tires when I get really rich to upgrade those! Haven't decided on JWT ECU and TCU because I don't WOT them very often at all. Both are functionally like new, with only minor exterior cosmetic blemishes, mostly on bumper caps.
Hope to keep them both for a very long time. I am genuflecting to Saint Dennis and his disciples on this board. A lot of talent and knowledge here. And really good people too, especially the few I have met and with whom I have corresponded.
The cars are special, and the people who appreciate them and maintain them on this board are a higher caliber too.
Brian,
Looks like we have many of the same plans in mind. I too love my Q, and want to do everything possible to keep her in perfect condition! I will consider improving the suspension and brakes, but I won't touch anything else. I want to see 300K on her one day! Instead of modding my Q out I'm going to look for a nice M45. I sat in one at the SF auto show two weeks ago and fell in love.Why the transmission cooler on the 95? I didn't think they needed one? Or is it the hot summers in TX?
Looks like we have many of the same plans in mind. I too love my Q, and want to do everything possible to keep her in perfect condition! I will consider improving the suspension and brakes, but I won't touch anything else. I want to see 300K on her one day! Instead of modding my Q out I'm going to look for a nice M45. I sat in one at the SF auto show two weeks ago and fell in love.Why the transmission cooler on the 95? I didn't think they needed one? Or is it the hot summers in TX?
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maxnix
- Posts: 22627
- Joined: Mon Jul 22, 2002 8:11 pm
- Car: 1995 Infiniti Q45
1995 Infiniti Q45t
2000 Infiniti Q45
Transmission Cooler
Separate cooler installation recommended anytime temperature exceeds 80°F, or driving up hills, in city idling, long top speed runs, or anything that heats ATF over 176°F.
Preferred model is B&M 70268. I hope to fit one of their other models with a powered thermostically contralled fan for idling in town when the passive cooler is of minimal efficiency.
Preferred model is B&M 70268. I hope to fit one of their other models with a powered thermostically contralled fan for idling in town when the passive cooler is of minimal efficiency.
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greg_atlanta
- Posts: 1111
- Joined: Tue Jul 23, 2002 4:37 pm
- Car: 2008 G35 Journey Sedan, silver/black (no sunroof), 1992 Q45 (in a past life)
Bayarea Q wrote:Greg, what year Q do you have? Is it the origional transmission? Glad to hear it shifts like a dream @ 180K!
Mine is a '92. Got it at 130K and not sure if trans is original or not. Have a feeling it's been replaced or rebuilt before, but wasn't on dealer service records.
:xfingers
:xfingers
:xfingers
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szh
- Posts: 15932
- Joined: Tue Jul 23, 2002 12:54 pm
- Car: 2018 Tesla Model 3.
Unfortunately, no longer a Nissan or Infiniti, but continuing here at NICO! - Location: San Jose, CA
Bayarea Q wrote:Wow, 28 quarts....I thought I had a lot at 20.
I read here somewhere that a complete flush (done right!) takes about 14 quarts of ATF. Since I wanted a thoroughly done job on both the flushes (am leery of transmission failure now - having had to replace one recently at 102k miles ... 2k miles after the extended warranty expired
!), I went ahead and splurged on 28 quarts.Z
nice to see san jose Q owners going for the right thing. I bought my 97Q when it was 3 yrs old and had 35K miles, from Frontier Infiniti.Did a transmission flush at frontier (didn't know about pan drop and tech didn't tell me anything about it) at 40K miles. By the time I had 60K miles, I had been educated by this wonderful board. One member recommended me to go to willium at peninsula infiniti (redwood city) for a pan drop & flush. I took mobil1 ATF with me. He did a great job and I was very happy. Without the fluids, the cost was $350** (@_@). Anyways, I was very happy then and still happy. I am at 85K miles now (did 22K in the last year) and looking for another flush, may be not a pan drop. Just a flush with the machine.I intend to have pandrop/filter change with flush every 60K, but a ATF flush every 30K. Is it too bad?I have the 100K mile warranty until June 2003. I plan to get a full checkup done at the dealership just before the expiry.
I really wish we had something like T-3 here in bay area, its important to have an independent mechanic charging a reasonable price. A member suggested there is one down in Ventura. Can somebody give details about this shop? For expensive services, going to this shop will be really a money saver.
I really wish we had something like T-3 here in bay area, its important to have an independent mechanic charging a reasonable price. A member suggested there is one down in Ventura. Can somebody give details about this shop? For expensive services, going to this shop will be really a money saver.
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szh
- Posts: 15932
- Joined: Tue Jul 23, 2002 12:54 pm
- Car: 2018 Tesla Model 3.
Unfortunately, no longer a Nissan or Infiniti, but continuing here at NICO! - Location: San Jose, CA
[quote=" pnanda16 I have the 100K mile warranty until June 2003. I plan to get a full checkup done at the dealership just before the expiry.[/quote]I also had a full checkup done at 98k, just before the extended warranty expired. They went through their "130-point checklist" (or whatever the number is) they use for the "pre-owned" certification process. Then, when my transmission went at 101k miles, I was irritated that they did not see it earlier. It is possible that the transmission went out rapidly in that 3k mile period, but the probability is low! I had had a transmission flush done at 90k miles too.
Now, what I would strongly recommend for everyone is to spend a bit of money before the warranty period ends, to check out all the possible major cost items properly. In other words, thoroughly check out the transmission, steering rack, engine, fuel injectors, valve cover gaskets, etc. - well beyond their "130-point" inspection (which, in hindsight, was a waste of time). I.e., do a diagnostics on each of those systems as if it were broken already - and then take care of anything that the diagnostics say is a problem.
Quote »I really wish we had something like T-3 here in bay area, its important to have an independent mechanic charging a reasonable price. [/quote]Yeah!!!! YEAH!!! If anyone ever finds somebody good here, please let us all know! :help
Z
Now, what I would strongly recommend for everyone is to spend a bit of money before the warranty period ends, to check out all the possible major cost items properly. In other words, thoroughly check out the transmission, steering rack, engine, fuel injectors, valve cover gaskets, etc. - well beyond their "130-point" inspection (which, in hindsight, was a waste of time).
I.e., do a diagnostics on each of those systems as if it were broken already - and then take care of anything that the diagnostics say is a problem.Quote »I really wish we had something like T-3 here in bay area, its important to have an independent mechanic charging a reasonable price. [/quote]Yeah!!!! YEAH!!! If anyone ever finds somebody good here, please let us all know! :help
Z
I like my place It's call Watt Automotive and it's in Santa Rosa. Which is a few hours from San Jose. My price for the pan drop and transmission flush was $200.00 This is why I stay away from the dealers. I actually got a new battery and air filter plus the transmission kit for 285.00 which includes tax. I broght my own oil. For major repairs, I will be going to the dealer. I too wish T-3 was on the west coast! Dennis, It's so much nicer out here in cali! And you can charge more! What are you waiting for..... 
Cheers,Robert
Cheers,Robert
good help there szhosein. I will do a more thorough checkup of the system as you said, before the warranty expires.
I did some window shopping today near my area (san jose) for transmission flush. I mentioned that I will get my kit (filter, o-ring, gasket etc) & oil. They all seemed to have the flush. 1 quoted me $90 and the other, $126.00.
Isn't that really cheap then even in bay area? I wonder what machine they use for the flush. But they all understood what I asked for and their flush unit seems to be doing the right thing.
97 Q45, 85K miles. Want to see 350K
I did some window shopping today near my area (san jose) for transmission flush. I mentioned that I will get my kit (filter, o-ring, gasket etc) & oil. They all seemed to have the flush. 1 quoted me $90 and the other, $126.00.
Isn't that really cheap then even in bay area? I wonder what machine they use for the flush. But they all understood what I asked for and their flush unit seems to be doing the right thing.
97 Q45, 85K miles. Want to see 350K