Transmission filter

[Racincc85]

I have a 1999 nissan altima gxe automatic with 112k. I got the car with 90k on it and since then have performed regular maintenace on it. I was talking with a mechanic at the dealer the other day about the transmission fluid change procedure. I asked him if there was a filter that needed to be changed and he said there was a filter in the trans but it did not need to be changed. The trans fluid can simply be drained through the plug on the pan and refilled. What do you guys think of this?

[BullShifter]

That is correct.

[kok328]

I can drain my oil thru the plug hole and refill but, would that be considered a proper oil change? What makes the trans and all it's metal flakes so different?

[JustSayGo]

Drain the ATF at opperating temperature every 30,000 mi. and refill as the manufacture suggests. I think you are only removing about 1/3 of the total fluid capacity to remove half of the sediment from the bottom of the trans. If your trans has synthetic ATF in it, put synthetic back in. If Nissan instructions seem a bit odd, check out Honda A/T service. Same drain and fill at 50,000 mi. except do it three times and drive two miles between each drain and fill.

[BullShifter]

Originally Posted by JustSayGo

If Nissan instructions seem a bit odd, check out Honda A/T service. Same drain and fill at 50,000 mi. except do it three times and drive two miles between each drain and fill.

What Honda calls for that procedure?

[JustSayGo]

One of many places the information is found is in the 2001 Accord owners manual on page 249. "To thoroughly flush the transmission, the technician should drain and refill it with Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic Transmission Fluid), then drive a short distance. Do this three times. Then drain and refill the transmission a final time." Maybe your surprised that a Honda Store Ex Tech could be so unaware of basic Honda procedures. I am not the least bit surprised.

[BullShifter]

I worked for Honda and not one tech did that. If 100% fluid replacement was required they would do it with a flush machine. The only way to flush 100%.

[JustSayGo]

So! You understand my point!

[railball]

If your transmission has not been serviced yet I would do a complete change where they pump in the new fluid as they pump out the old. At the same time change the filter clean the pan. If your car were newer I would put in Amsoil ATF and never service again.I changed my ATF at 7K on my SE-R and shouldn't have to change it again under normal driving.You can get this done at a NAPA service center for about $120.00.

[jccrane]

i understand what you mean, i bought a 2000 altima gxe last week and went to have the transmission flushed yesterday at a local quick-lube. the mechanics there gave me a blank look when i told them i wanted the tranny flushed and the filter changed - "you want to change the filter on a nissan? well, ok, you're the boss" is the response that i got from the manager of the place. i had the procedure done and i can tell a slight difference in how the car changes out gears, but i mainly did it for peace of mind.