What is the difference between Transfer Fluid and Automatic Transmission Fluid

[Phifross]

Dear all,


I'm new in this forum, also I'm really sorry if I have done any mistake by asking this question...

I have a Pathfinder from 2004 a 3.5V6 automatic.
On the sheet "Recommanded Fluids and Lubricants" I'm confused about two things:

We have a line for the Transfer Fluid for Part-time 4WD model and Transfer Fluid for All-mode 4WD model.
What is exactly this Transfer Fluid ? For the Part-time 4WD model the quantity is 2.2liter or 2 qt and for the All-mode 4WD model the quantity is 3.0liter or 2 5/8qt.
The specification change for the Part-time 4WD model, it is API GL-4 viscosity SAE 75W-90 and for the All-mode 4WD model it is Genuine Nissan Matic D ATF.

Can someone let me know what is exactly this Transfer fluid please ?
Do we have to change it ?
How to change it or flush it ?

I'm ok for the Differential carrier gear oil, I have seen how to change it.
I'm also ok for the Automatic Transmission Fluid.

Thank you so much in advance !!!

Philippe

[centralcoaster33]

Hi Phifross, I'm not sure, but I think your answer is as simple as the question. If it's not, then I probably misunderstood the question. Since you have internet access, you might want to look at a basic four-wheel drive article on 'how stuff works'. You'll see some common components in there. Engine (gets engine oil and coolant I guess) powers the transmission (gets transmission fluid or oil) powers the transfer case (gets transfer fluid) powers the driveshafts, powers the differentials (gets differential oil) powers the axles, powers the wheels. The transfer case is on the output end of the transmission and sends the power (rotating driveshafts) to the front and the rear differentials of the vehicle. It's sort of like a differential, in the middle of the car and it has it's own gears so it needs it's own oil/ fluid. I am using oil and fluid interchangeably here in generic discussion, but it does get specific for your make and model as you've seen in your users manual. Hope that helps!

[Desert Rat]

In the case of the autos, they put ATF in the Tcase. If it was a manual, they'd put gear oil in it.

So yes, the same ATF you use in your trans can be used to refill the Tcase.

[Phifross]

Thank you Centralcoaster and Desert Rat,


Sorry sometimes also English can give me hardtime for the technical words...
I have tried to put picture but I was not abl to do it.... Sorry... I don't know how to do....

I have seen some Pathfinder with a second stick near the manual stick gear or automatic stick gear, that is a differential or it is what they call a part-time 4WD model ?

Anyway, I don't have it.... but I have a button where I can select 2WD, Auto, 4WD, 4H,4Lo it is what they call the all-mode 4WD model...
I don't think it is a real differential.... I didn't check yet... sorry....

But what is confusing they have on the manual page MA-12:
Transfer fluid for part time 4WD model but also a Transfer fluid for the All-mode 4WD model.
Maybe if ouy would like to understand me, please take the MA-12 page and you will see what I mean.

What you have said is right, for the All-mode 4WD model, the Transfer fluid is the same than the Automatic Transmission Fluid....
But it is at the same place to change it ?
Because I know how and where to change the ATF but I have not found about the Transfer Fluid....

If you can assure me that for the All-mode 4WD model with Automatic gear the Transfer Fluid is in fact the ATF and we when we flush and change the ATF we are changing also the Transfer Fluid, fine !!!!!!! But if it is different, can you help me to know how to change this Transfer Fluid please ?


Now I have another question:
It is important to change the Differential Carrier Gear Oil ?
If yes is there any thing I have to be careful about it ?
Don't forget, I'm living in Liberia and I have to everything on my own, no garage here.... Maybe one day I will post a picture about what they are calling a garage here.....

Thank you SSSSSOOOO much to everybody for their help and patience with me !!!

Philippe

[Phifross]

I can also add these questions.

Does all the Pathfinder R50 have a Transfer Case ?
Is there a tutorial with a picture on how to change the Transfer Fluid ?

Do we really have to change the Differential Carrier Gear Oil ?
Is there a tutorial with picture on how to change the Differential Carrier Gear Oil ?
I have read that some had problem, because they were not able to put as much oil as they drained...

About ATF, thank you so much for the tutorial and the pictures !!!! I'm still thinking about opening the pan and changing the filter....
One question, we have a description about how to do the flush here is the description:

"1. Disconnect the transmission cooler return line and secure it in a collection bucket such as a clear gallon milk jug. This will be the hose on the passenger side of the vehicle; 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 5 quarts).
5. Repeat steps 2-4 until you're out of ATF.
6. Check fluid for proper level (see the next question and answer for details), and recycle the old ATF. Any place that takes used oil will likely recycle ATF.

If we do the flush method, it means, if I understood well, that we are not draining the ATF through the drain plug, am I correct ?
Wehn we start the engine , do we leave the gear on Parking position ?
Would it be possible to have a picture of the Transmission Cooler return line ?

And lastly, we have an advice to install a Magnefine in-line transmission filter on the transmission cooler return line, where and how exatly do we install it ? Any picture available ?

I know I'm a little annoying by all my questions and I'm not at all a mechanic... I'm very very thankful to all of you for your precious help and patience !!!!

THANK YOU !!!!!

Philippe

[Desert Rat]

the transfer case should have separate drain / fill plugs on the back (facing the rear of the car) of the case...fill plug is up higher while the drain plug will be near the bottom. Remove the fill plug first in case it gives you difficulty so you don't drain it and end up unable to refill.

Differentials could benefit from an oil change, especially if you drive in deep water from time to time. 75W90 or 85W90 gear oil will suffice there. The rear H233B takes about 2.5 quarts and the front R200 will take just under 2. Buy 5 quarts to be safe (or liters if that's what they sell there). Fill them both up to the level bottom of the fill hole.

I can't recall if the front has a drain plug. If not, the front cover would have to be removed.

[Phifross]

Thank you so much Desert Rat.....

Yesterday I spent a lot of time to read and I understand a little bit more.
Frr the differential, I will wait a little bit before to do it, it seems it is not urgent....

My priority will be the ATF fluid.
If you can help a little with my questions concerning the flushing of the ATF, it would be great !!!!

Thank you !!!!

[darylzero]

Try searching youtube.com for a how to video.

Otherwise I would search for your answer in the Pathfinder forum.