DIY transmission fluid change?

My 97 Maxima has 67K on it. From reading the posts on this forum, I gather I need to replace the tranny oil. I also read that I should do a complete transmission flush, not just drain and fill. I'm not sure what's involved there.

So is it essential to do a flush? or can I just replace the tranny fluid? If the latter, is this something I can do by myself? Is there a site/post with some instructions on doing this? Thanks in advance,

tuan

To flush, do the following:

1. Remove the plastic cover (on the bottom of the car) on the driver side.
2. Locate the transmission fluid return line; the fluid runs toward the cabin, not away
3. Disconnect the terminal end of the return line
4. Aim it into a milk jug or other such sized container; you'll want something that's pretty enclosed to prevent splash stains
5. Start the car and let it run for 15 seconds then turn it off
6. There will be approximately two quarts of transmission fluid in your container
7. Pour two quarts of new tranny fluid into the car
8. Repeat steps 5-8 until you've gone through about 12-14 quarts of transmission fluid

Simple.

~THT

I have a 97 as well. I changed the tranny oil and filter about 30,000 miles ago. I used the haynes repair manual and it showed me exactly what to do. Make sure you clean off the two magnets inside of the oil pan, mine were filled with metal filings. It was a relief to see all of that come out of my tranny, now the magnets are fresh and ready to catch anymore metal filings. I don't think just flushing it would do that for you!!






p.s. you wouldn't happen to know how to fix the trouble code 440 would you???? Or if anyone could help that would be great!!!

If you choose to drop the pan, you will need the following:

Tranny Pan Gasket 31397-80X01
19mm Tranny Drain Plug 31377-31X06
21 Tranny Pan Bolts 31377-80X09
Tranny "Screen" 31728-80X04

~THT

Are any special tools required to replace the screen? Ordinarilly, I wouldn't think so, but I thought I had read that on another site some time ago. Come to think of it, when I got the screen from the dealer lasat time, there was a big caution note advising against replacing the screen unless you had the right tools and were qualified, blah, blah... Can anyone confirm or deny?

Everything you need to know (http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=149056)

~THT