[JPAT30]

It is time for my 30,000 mile transmission flush. I did some searching through the site and am still trying to figure out which fluid to use. I do tow considerably and would like to upgrade to a better fluid than the factory, if it is possible. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[dubie2003]

People use Matic-S now over the J, other use Mobil1 AFT (I do) and others use Amsoil. Basically just get a synthatic and you should be good.

Just don't external power flush the system or reverse flush it and you should be good to go.

 

[JPAT30]

thanks for the info.

 

[BriDroid]

I'm planning on using the Valvoline MaxLife when I do mine. It meets the Matic-S spec and is a full syn fluid that is cheap at Walmart too.

It also meets the Honda Z1 spec, and I have been using it with great success in my wife's Honda Pilot. It seems to be a great multi-vehicle fluid!

 

[dubie2003]

I'm planning on using the Valvoline MaxLife when I do mine. It meets the Matic-S spec and is a full syn fluid that is cheap at Walmart too.

It also meets the Honda Z1 spec, and I have been using it with great success in my wife's Honda Pilot. It seems to be a great multi-vehicle fluid!

Their website only states that it meets up to J and not S but that shouldn't be an issue since nothing changed in the trans and the fluid was just updated. The J is said to be a dino while the S is a syn.

 

[nismo08frontier]

s replaced j

 

[BriDroid]

Their website only states that it meets up to J and not S but that shouldn't be an issue since nothing changed in the trans and the fluid was just updated. The J is said to be a dino while the S is a syn.

The spec sheet on the website isn't updated then. The 1/2 quart I have at home from my last Pilot drain/fill says Matic S/J. Just look at the bottles before you buy it.

 

[dubie2003]

It is good to see that there are other options out there that are more cost effective. S is around 14 a qt at the dealer, M1 is something like 9 and Amsoil is $$$.

How much is the Valv ML AFT ~?

 

[BriDroid]

It is good to see that there are other options out there that are more cost effective. S is around 14 a qt at the dealer, M1 is something like 9 and Amsoil is $$$.

How much is the Valv ML AFT ~?

You will be happy to know that it's $3.79 a qt here in TX at walmart. They even have it in 4 qt jugs too (not sure on the price of those).

The price is the exact reason that I went with this fluid over the M1. It came highly recommended by others on an popular oil forum.

 

[dubie2003]

You will be happy to know that it's $3.79 a qt here in TX at walmart. They even have it in 4 qt jugs too (not sure on the price of those).

The price is the exact reason that I went with this fluid over the M1. It came highly recommended by others on an popular oil forum.

Dang, that is cheap. Was it bobistheoilguy.com? I am interested in reading up on it in my free time.

 

[BriDroid]

Dang, that is cheap. Was it bobistheoilguy.com? I am interested in reading up on it in my free time.

Yep! Wasn't sure about posting the name here!

Search under Honda Z-1 too, since it's what a lot of people over there are running in their Hondas. Once again, because of price and the crappieness of the Honda OEM fluid!

HERE is the updated, July 2010, spec sheet that states Matic-S and the fact that it is a syn fluid. Those things aren't listed on the website yet.

 

[JPAT30]

Thanks everybody for the feedback. I have to go to WalMart tonight with the misses and I will check out the Havoline when I go. Thanks again.

 

[jjg.214]

I plan on putting Valvoline maxlife dex/merc, it says nissan/infiniti j and s spec on the back, i have a bunch left that i never used in the jeep. So hopefully there wont be any issue.

 

[goody]

<--self proclaimed ignorance.....when you do this, is there a gasket or seal that needs to be replaced, or is it a straight drain and fill?

 

[jjg.214]

<--self proclaimed ignorance.....when you do this, is there a gasket or seal that needs to be replaced, or is it a straight drain and fill?

Its as easy as changing the oil, there is a drain bolt in the transmission pan. you drain it, put the bolt back in, then get a funnel with a thin neck to stick in to the transmission dipstick tube and you refill it through that.

No seals or gaskets required.

 

[dubie2003]

After you do this, can you give use a quick review in a week or so after on how the Valvoline seems to be acting. I'd doubt it will be negative but just in case.

 

[Mylt1]

Its as easy as changing the oil, there is a drain bolt in the transmission pan. you drain it, put the bolt back in, then get a funnel with a thin neck to stick in to the transmission dipstick tube and you refill it through that.

No seals or gaskets required.

you will not get all the old fluid drained this way(if your an auto).

 

[chaz]

there is a screen/filter in there might want to look into that,standard drain/fill and filter,i have a baldwin part #18273
Baldwin Filters | Home

 

[nissanmadness]

After you do this, can you give use a quick review in a week or so after on how the Valvoline seems to be acting. I'd doubt it will be negative but just in case.

I had the flush done a little over a week ago. I can tell you the trans has never shifted better since I bought the truck new in 06. This was done at Crown Nissan using the Valvoline fluid. It meets or exceeds Nissanmatic J and S specs. I'm happy with it.

 

[jjg.214]

you will not get all the old fluid drained this way(if your an auto).

if you do it a few times youll get about half the old stuff out each time. So if you do it about 3 times youll have 87-88% new fluid.

Or you can pull the line off the transmission cooler and put it into a bucket, then start the truck and pour new fluid in as it pushes the old out into the bucket. This way is the only way to get all new fluid in at once without using a machine/power flush which is likely to cause issues. Since its on the truck pumping the fluid it doesnt damage anything this way.

However, it flows at a pretty rapid rate, so i suggest you have a buddy help you incase you have to shut the truck down half way through to let it fill up a bit since the dipstick tube is tiny. This way you arent running all over the place.