While I like my dealer, they are quoting ~$500 to do flush/fill on Transmission + 4x4 fluids.

My local oil change place (been going there for years and never have had any problem with them) for less than 1/2 the price:

http://www.foamnwash.com/Oil_Change_Plus.asp

Question is... is there anything special about this service that requires the dealer mechanic to perform? I know a lot of guys here do their own fluid changes...

 

I've heard that some places don't carry Matic J which is what Infiniti uses for transmission flushes. DX3 or something like that, i can't remember the name, is another type of transmission fluid that places use which will void your car's warranty. Some more advanced people can follow up on my post.

 

Use only Nissan Matic J for the transmission or else you void your warranty. The transfer case (I assume is what you mean by 4x4 fluids) uses Nissan Matic D stock, but you can use any dexron III/mercon fluid for the transfer case. I use Redline D4ATF right now in my transfer case. The differentials are a 75W80 or 75W90 gear oil stock, and I'm using Redline 75W90 in both my front and rears right now. Only thing special about the actual service is using a gasket maker on the drain plugs on some of them, other than that can't think of anything.

 

as long as a compatible (same spec's) fluid is used, you do not have to go to a dealer. any competent shop should be able to do the work. there is nothing special, we are talking about simple fluid changes here.

if you trust your shop, go there and save $$$. if in doubt about the fluid that they might use, go to a dealer and buy enough Nissan fluid for the job, and have your shop use that fluid instead of whatever they would use.

 

I spoke to the shop and they have the Nissan Fluids... Think I'll save $300 and get the fluid change done at my shop.

 

The G35 FSM has a pretty elaborate procedure for draining and refilling the automatic. First you drain the tranny pan and then refill. That will replace about 40% of the fluid. Then you remove tranny line exiting tranny cooler below the radiator and start the car and let the fluid drain out until it starts looking like new fluid. This process is to drain the fluid from the torque converter and cooler. During this process you're somehow suppose to be adding fluid. It sounds complicated as hell. Using a machine to cycle all the fluid out is not recommended for whatever reason.

For my car, I will probably warm up the fluid and drain the tranny and refill. Then warm up the fluid again and drain the tranny again. That should be good for about a 70% replacement.

 

For the transmission fluid flush/fill + 4x4 fluid flush/fill the local Nissan dealer was ~$150 less than the Infiniti dealer (which I do not have nearby anyway). Factory spec fluids all around and warranty not compromised.