[analbumcover]

hi all, the fill plug on my 1998 frontier 4x4 manual is completely stuck. Tried welding a nut and turning but nothing.

Are there any other ways to fill the trans? Maybe a sensor or something i can remove and use to fill the tranny?

Thanks

 

[smj999smj]

If you pull the shifter boots (outer and inner), you may be able to fill out through there without actually pulling the shifter out of the way. Since you have no way to check the level, you'll have to drain the trans until empty before installing the drain plug, then pour the capacity amount into the trans as specified by the service manual. Make sure you use GL-4 gear oil. If you use GL-5, make sure it specifically states that it is "safe for yellow metals."

 

[analbumcover]

I will try this in the morning. Shift boots (inner) won't tear if I yank? Any idea how its held down?

Thanks!

 

[analbumcover]

quick update.

This worked. For anyone else attempting to do this, its pretty simple.

Steps:
-Remove shifter knobs (both for transfer case and transmission, righty tighty/lefty loosey)
-Remove 4 screws, two on each side, holding shifter boot/cup holder trim
-Remove boot/trim/cup holder
-Remove two screws holding the dash trim where you insert the key to enable/disable passenger airbag. One screw on each side.
-Remove/pull and set that trim aside, no need to unplug anything.
-There are 7-8 screws around the rubber boot that need to be removed. I had to cut the carpet under the air bag lock trim to be able to reach all the screws and pull the metal back.
-Once all the screws are our, both rubber boots can be pulled back (one is stuck to the metal frame, one isnt).
-At this point, you'll see the transmission gear stick is bolted to the transmission by 4, 12mm bolts.
-Remove all 4 bolts and use mallet/screwdriver to bump the assembly and "unstick" the gear stick from the tranny (should be easy)
-At this point, you can stick a funnel into the hole created from removing the gear stick/lever assembly
-Fill you transmission (4WD takes 4.9 liters of GL-4)

-Reverse to reassemble