Transmission Oil Change

[eddie57]

Can someone tell me if it's recommended to do complete transmission oil change oil a 2004 Nissan Altima. I called the dealer and they don't have the machine to do the complete flush. The service guy said it's not recommended, because it could mess the transmission up. He said to just change the filter and fill the oil to level. I find that hard to believe. Anyone out there have experience on this? One other question: what type of transmission oil does a 2004 Altima use?

TIA

Eddie

PS: Engine is 3.5L

[SHIFT_COUPE]

Eddie,The maintenance book that came with your vehicle indicates replacement of the transmission oil at every 30,000 miles under the Premium Maintenance schedule. Nissan recommends using genuine Nissan fluid MTF HQ Multi 75W-85 or API GL-4. How many miles do you have on your vehicle? I am not 100% sure about a complete flush, perhaps ask another dealer and see what they say in comparison to the one you have already spoken to.

[eddie57]

The dealer that said not to do a complete flush said that the fluid it uses is CVT. Is that the same type of fluid you listed on your reply?

Thanks

Eddie

[Cold_Zero]

eddie, It would all depend on what kind of transmission you have. AT, MT or CVT? As to what fluid to use. I think there is a lot of old wives tales when it comes to transmission fluid changes, whether it be complete flushes or just fluid changes. I don't see the need for a complete flush with a manual transmission. But there are a lot of internal working of an auto and it may be beneficial. I would just replace the fluid and filters as Nissan calls for it.bud

[david gussie]

Here is my oppinion. I have an 04. I understand it uses dextron 3.? The first Transmission oil change is important. If you have a filter it should be replaced. Metal filings are greater when the T is breaking in. Some Transmission (TMS) oil changers use a pump to suck out and refill the TMS. These types are no good. Jiffy lube uses them. From what i understand they screw up the pump and cause premature breakdown. Also, they don't replace the filter. Not a good idearThere are some types of TMS fluid replacement systems that use gravity feed and/or use the TMS normal pump to replace the oil. These don't damage the system. Also, you can replace the filter, if you have one. A very important procedure.Bob S. who writes a syndicated car Q/A in your local sunday paper said that a 1:5 ratio of Synthatic oil and dino oil gives you all the benfits of Synthetic OIL.

MY altima has 34k on it and my car needs an engine oil change at 38k I will have the TMS oil changed and substitute two qts of sys for dino oil. Then every synthetic oil change at about 8 to 10 K, I will open the TMS oil plug and drain 2 to 3 qts of oil and replace it with new TMS synthetic oil. This will in effect, change my TMS oil with out having to pay a mechanic. I will redo a TMS oil changeabout at 90 - 100k if necessary, but i dought it will need it..

I have been droping my TMS oil on my TOYoto avalon and doing that. My mechanic said every time i go in that I would be wasting my money if I had a full oil change. So far it looks like new oil every time I check it. The Toy Avalon doesn't have a filter, just a screen. I have to ask again about the Altima, I forgot what they said last year. I'm getting old.

This method saves lots of money and i can do it myself. Just unscrew the plug and refill the same amount.

[dcg129]

Latest up date. o4 altima tramnmission oil info. Per parts man Nissan. if it doesn't say anything on the dipstick it is Dextron 3, all others will say what oil you shouls have. Also, 04 has just a screen. Just to be safe, i'm going to do a complete oil change with 2qts of synthetic at about 38k