Valvoline Maxlife ATF + Lubegard helps 1-2 hard shift

[eduJ]

I know it is normal for the pathfinder/qx to have a hard 1-2 shift, but I've recently did a drain and fill of the atf with Valvoline Maxlife synthetic ATF with lubegard additive and the shifts are smoother and less jerky now. Moreover, it also seemed to help the delay from P to D or P to R (usually due to worn-out seals). So if anyone of you are experiencing these symptoms, which I know are common, may want to try this combo.

BTW: This is my second drain and fill. The first time I dropped the pan I used non-synthetic Dexron III ATF, but I have switched since then. I plan to do one more drain and fill and follow a 30,000 mile service interval.

As an aside, when you check your atf dipstick, the colour always looks redder than it really is. So just change it if in doubt, though I do realize that colour is not always an accurate indicator of the lubricating properties of the oil.

Thanks for reading.

[Towncivilian]

Valvoline MaxLife ATF in gallon jugs can sometimes be found on clearance at AutoZone for $13/gal. Very good deal. Lubegard Red is an excellent product as well. Thanks for posting your experiences!

[blkqx4]

I have 182k on my qx4 and i dont know if a flush or fluid change has been done i read the sticky on this page but didnt quite understand. I did notice that she is slugish and slow it shift kind of lacy. Was thinking of doin the flush but i am scare to messed it up. my mechanic said we should change filter and fluid and put in a lucas oil trans add. That stuff is like thick honey. What do u think? And when did u drain and fill?

[eduJ]

Can you describe to me some of the symptoms that you are experiencing? The pathfinder/qx4 is known have shift sluggishly from 2nd to 3rd as well as having a hard shift from 1-2. So if you are experiencing those symptoms, I wouldn't worry about it as it just seems like it's a characteristic of our transmission.

If you are experiencing delayed engagement (i.e. from P to D or P to R), it is usually due to worn seals. This is normal as the car ages, but there may be things that you can do to help. Transmission seals harden quicker as temperature rises, so the lower you can keep transmission temperatures low the better.

I would avoid the Lucas transmission additive as the reviews that I have read appear to be mixed. I would do a drain and fill rather than a flush at this point. I have heard mixed opinions about doing a flush on a high-mileage transmission that has been neglected. So go ahead and drop the pan, clean out the magnet and pan, and clean the strainer (aka filter). After you have done this, you can do a couple more drain and fills over the course of a couple weeks. After 3 drain and fills, you will have changed out the majority of the fluid. I would then add Lubegaard Red additive with your last drain and fill. Apparently, it helps keep temperatures low and free up sticky valves, etc. It seems to have helped with my engagement delay so maybe it has some seal conditioners in there as well.

Hope this helps

[eduJ]

I did my first drain and fill at around 80K km then again at 92k km. I'll probably do one again before i hit the 100 k mark.

[blkqx4]

I guess it is a delay some times i put it in drive and it wont even move unless i press gas pedal. my d21 pick seems to be more quicker in shift and speed and it has less horse power. i feel like i the qx4 should perform better since is 11 years newer and more hp. So i will drop the pan and clean filter?( Not change it?)
And drain an fill with valvoline maxlife synthetic every time for at least 3 times? Should i clean the trans cooler?

[Towncivilian]

You don't necessarily need to clean / replace the in-pan strainer. It is more of a rock catcher than a true filter, I doubt it is clogged. I would suggest a drain & fill and Magnefine in-line filter install instead; the Magnefine can be easily installed on the cooler inlet line (hotter fluid filters easier) and will catch all ferrous wear material since all of the fluid passes by it, and much of the other contamination will be caught by the 35 micron media. Should the filtering media become clogged, there is a bypass valve which will allow fluid to continue to flow; fluid will still pass over the magnet, too. The best in-pan strainers are around 80-90 microns. You can find a Magnefine I've unscrewed after 13k miles of use here.

[blkqx4]

Were do i get this filter? Im i cutting my return line and fitting it in between?

[Towncivilian]

You can buy a filter here: http://www.emergingent.com/subpage1Magnefine.htm
Buy the 3/8" filter. It comes with additional hoses, so you don't need to cut any lines.

[Drexellake]

I tried the same combo after changing the fluid and filter. 1st to 2nd shift are much smoother though there is still some jerk there. 216k miles so can't complain. I would definitely recommend the Lucas products. I also added the Lucas oil stop leak with Maxlife oil and the couple of drips per day on the driveway are gone. I agree some additives don't work, but the best way to find out isn't by reading a forum where most negative comments are from people who haven't even tried it. Lubeguard is another one for transmissions that actually works. Experience.