Transmission flush @90k miles?

[LCC828]

The dealer has a maintenance package for 90k miles and includes a transmission flush. From my understanding, 90k miles is a bit much to do a transmission flush. Correct?

I would never spend $700 for this package but I was curious on what was suggested to do at 90k miles. That package includes: oil change, air filterS, transmission flush and CHECKING brakes, tps sensors, tires etc.

[Ilya]

Has it been done before? If it's been done before, you're safe. I do mine every 30kmi or so (yes, have dealer do it). They have a nice machine that pumps in new fluid as the old comes out. Doing it myself at home (done it once) is a PITA.

If it has not been done before on your car, I'd leave it alone. The dealer service assumes you did it somewhere around the 50kmi mark I believe.

[LCC828]

I have no record of it being done before and for that reason, I'm staying on the safe side!

My M is currently at the dealer. They gave me a Q50. Ehhhhh, not too impressed. The interior looks like an Lexus IS. Almost exactly, in my opinion. Plus much smaller than the M.

[szh]

Has it been done before? If it's been done before, you're safe. I do mine every 30kmi or so (yes, have dealer do it). They have a nice machine that pumps in new fluid as the old comes out. Doing it myself at home (done it once) is a PITA.

If it has not been done before on your car, I'd leave it alone. The dealer service assumes you did it somewhere around the 50kmi mark I believe.

Yes, indeed. The dealers typically use a system that cycles the transmission through the gears to ensure that maximal fluid is exchanged - much more than a typical drain and fill (which may only "change" about 45% to 60% of the fluid).

If you can find another place with one of these systems, that would be fine too. If so, take your own Nissan/Infiniti Fluid J or S to them - do not use stock transmission fluid!

Z

[LCC828]

Excellent. Thanks!

[BlackCat81]

I just flushed my trans with 208k miles. Unless you previously have problems with shifting issues, which would be super rare since the Jatco transmissions in them are damn near bullet proof, you'll be fine. In my opinion, you'll cause more harm not doing it.

[2.7t]

If the vehicle has had even a drain and fill done every 30k, I would consider it. But if no history is known, just do a drain and fill. unless your having issues?

[Larz]

I agree with the OP. There is usually NO Need to pay for these "packages". They include services easily done at home. As for "checking" items, just have the dealer do an oil / filter change and you get all those things checked for free. I also agree with Ilya about the gear box. I make a squinty face and pay the dealer for that so I have documentation it was done and by an Infiniti mechanic in the event any trouble comes of it later on. They can't hide behind any "customer performed" issues related to the gear box / fluid if they are only ones who have worked on it and it's a terribly messy and incomplete fluid change if done yourself. I believe they charge me around $200 for the transmission flush / fill.

[Six_Legs]

My local dealer will not do the flush, only the drain and fill. Apparently some customers developed transmission issues after the flush. I've read posts on this forum stating the same.

[steve_c]

A few thoughts:

Nissan Parts & Service Bulletin NPSB/07-027 dated Dec. 10 2007...
States concern over aftermarket flush machines that run a cleaner through the system.
They instruct dealers not to use these machines, as the flush agent may be harmful!

I have "flushed out" my system using only Nissan Matic fluid, I ran 16 quarts through the system to get
to a point of nice, cherry red looking fluid.

I think one concern about a total fluid changeout is that the proper amount must be put back, overfilling or underfilling are both detrimental!
When I did my flush, I monitored what I removed and what I put in using 1 gallon water jugs to capture & measure the old fluid being pumped out.
I replaced exactly what I removed, no more & no less, then rechecked level as per FSM.

I do not have a machine. I used the transmission pump to push the fluid out from a disconnected line at the transmission cooler, adding fresh fluid at the same time. The only problem is that the transmission pumps fluid out faster than you can add fluid into the charge tube, so you need to be careful, and utilize an assistant to shut the engine down when needed to avoid a mess!

If anyone wishes a copy of the Nissan Parts Bulletin, I can E-Mail it to them, or maybe a moderator can get it posted up to the sight for me.

[Ilya]

Do all dealers run a cleaner though? That's the question. If your dealer does not, using the machine is the right way to go since it does exactly what you stated (put in what it takes out in terms of quantity). Also, for 95% of the public, even DIY'ers like myself...it's a messy job and I can't be bothered with it. Literally, it's not worth my saving the money by doing it myself...and I have a lift in my personal garage which makes working on cars stupid simple.

[BlackCat81]

Do all dealers run a cleaner though? That's the question. If your dealer does not, using the machine is the right way to go since it does exactly what you stated (put in what it takes out in terms of quantity). Also, for 95% of the public, even DIY'ers like myself...it's a messy job and I can't be bothered with it. Literally, it's not worth my saving the money by doing it myself...and I have a lift in my personal garage which makes working on cars stupid simple.

I get the conditioner and cleaner as part of a kit when doing a trans flush. I never use them. Drain and fills are a waste. You're basically mixing 4 or 5 quarts of clean fluid with roughly 10 quarts of dirty fluid. It's like taking a shower and only washing your hands.