2008 Pathfinder Transmission service

[rch]

Does anyone have any recommendations on changing the transmission fluid...such as just let Nissan do it or is there a "better" fluid out there that you might recommend? Thanks

[deermjd]

Whatever you do be sure to use the Nissan AFT fluid, Matic-S. I just do a drain and refill of the fluid. The drain plug in the bottom of the transmission pan makes this an easy job.

[RacerZX]

Totally agree.

[slavabon]

+1 on drain and fill. I let Nissan do it to make sure the right oil gois in and they keep record of service in case of any issues in the future.

[smj999smj]

I've been using Valvoline Maxlife ATF in my 05 Pathy LE and my friends 08 Pathy SE. It's recommended for use in vehicles that call for use of Nissan Type "D", "J" and "S" and half the price of genuine Nissan Type "S." I've been using it for a year and so far no problems or changes in transmission performance.

[deermjd]

I've been using Valvoline Maxlife ATF in my 05 Pathy LE and my friends 08 Pathy SE. It's recommended for use in vehicles that call for use of Nissan Type "D", "J" and "S" and half the price of genuine Nissan Type "S." I've been using it for a year and so far no problems or changes in transmission performance.

Where did you hear that? Is it recommended by Valvoline, Nissan or some third party? Any tests or comparisons to back up that recommendations? Not trying to discount your experience, I just would like to know who recommended it other than valvoline. Im changing my fluid again in a couple of months and I'll be glad to save some cash as long as it doesn't cost me a new transmission.

[rragpaoa]

Drain and fill only every 30K miles. Amsoil Synthetic Multi-vehicle. No bypass, no problems.

[cesar33]

I'm on my 3rd Pathy. 1997 LE still running with 180k, 2002 LE 125K, and 2006 LE 60K. Doing by-pass surgery on the 06 via hose swap. I never use Nissan tranny fluid, too expensive. NEVER had transmission problems on ANY vehicles, and usually service around 60k. If money isn't an issue, then buy Dealer brand. Valvoline MaxLife rated compatible with Nissan Matic D and J and its less than $20 a gallon. I don't tow so tranny will last 200k, easily.

[cesar33]

Just to give you an idea what 60,000 miles transmission fluid looks like.



Middle is sample after replacing half the fluid. I drained out 2 gallons and put in 2 gallons of Valvoline Maxlife in my 2006 LE. I also did the radiator by-pass and used the long hose to drain fluid from the front end of the tranny. Caution it takes less than 30 seconds to fill up a gallon when you turn on the truck and use the front lines to drain. Will be doing 1 gallon at 30k next time, just bough this one.

[smj999smj]

The "recommended for use" in Nissan Type "D/J/K" applications is on the back of every Valvoline Maxlife bottle. Newer bottles have added the Type "S" designation, as well.