Just picked up a Caribbean Blue 03 G35 6MT and Brembo's with only 36,000 miles yet my paranoia will not let me enjoy the car. The car has never been winter driven, has never been modded at all and is in original condition with OEM clutch.

Been reading the info pertaining to the manual trans and the notchy shifting under certain cold conditions. I seem to be having this issue. Of course during my test drive under hot conditions I did not notice anything. Got the car inspected by Infiniti and they cleared both the clutch and gearbox, not that the tech would have noticed since he drove the car warm as well. I understand the 03-05 had the weakest of the manuals and this is making me uneasy not knowing if this tiny notchiness is causing long term damage.

I'll be changing the trans fluid soon, the manual says to use "API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85". GM and Dodge sell the same weight and spec oil as OEM fill in Vipers and other synchro transmisions, GM Part No. U.S. 12346190, in Canada 10953477 and Dodge dealers, part number 04874459. It is actually synthetic Castrol Syntorq, a highly regarded fluid, in the bottle.

Has anyone used this fluid before? Who here had/has the problem I'm talking about and what fluid did you use to cure this issue if you did at all?

 

Man, I have no idea what you're talking about, but please post pics. That's a rare color, and with B-Bos, and 36k? Sheeeiiit, lets see it!

 

How much did you pay for it? 2003-2004 transmission are known to have issues once you rack on some miles. CD009 which was used around mid 2005 cured all the issues with previous versions. When the transmission is cold you will have a hard time getting into some of the gears. As it warms up you shouldn't have any hard chunky notchy shifts. I would replace the fluid with OEM fluid and call it a day.

 

Did the Matic S change not fix this issue? That issue with finding a gear is a FLUID issue. I've not ever experienced issues with cold weather performance on the auto, and neither has my friend with Matic-S in his '04!

 

Here you go...

 

Paint is still great, toyo proxes tires (nice). Welcome to the platform OP!

 

...

 

I also think it is a fluid issue, hence why I ask what type of fluid is everyone using and what worked and what didn't work.

Also would anyone have any idea what is in the OEM bottle and who makes it? Owners manual does not say to use OEM just 'API GL-4 75W-85'.

 

He dun haz te manwell.

 

Ehhh are you talking about the DIfferential?

 

No, I`m talking about the manual transmission. I thought it was pretty clear in the OP or am I missing some sarcasm. lol

 

Great looking coupe! The Nissan dealership in your area (cold climate) should be able to give you the answers you're looking for! If you have a garage to keep that beautiful coupe in that alone will help how she drives in cold weather. Again, Welcome and Enjoy the Ride...Gary

 

Honestly, I have the same exact car (except its an 04 and ivory pearl) and I have never had any tranny probs. Just drive the car, my man. I JUST changed the original fluid at 130k too.

 

Probably not something to brag about.

 

Thanks Gary! I'm trying to enjoy it but this issue is making me antsy. Had no plans to buy this car, it just happened to be available and too nice too pass up so I bought it. Not quite sure why actually. Lots of amazing info here but too much info makes one me nervous as I don't want this ending up being a money pit. I do have a garage and a daily driver, as I would not have bought it otherwise since I plan to store it for the winter. The dealer here just says go OEM. Just looking for feedback on what you guys are running and if anyone has used the Castrol SyntorqLT (low temperature).