Have just bought 03 vq35DE. Coming up to first transmission oil change
35k (klms). As they aren't sold here in Australia, dealers don't know (or won't tell me) much about them. Anyone know what is the best AT trans oil to put in? I have choice of Nissanmatic type D or J, but don't know the diiff.

 

J.

no questions asked.

 

J-matic trans fluid, nothing else... Unless you want trans problems.

 

my manual says use J for sure. anyone know if there is a trans drain plug? its raining out and i dont want to crawl under there, thanks

 

yup, there is a drain plug. you must use J-matic fluid only available thru Infiniti or Nissan and it takes about 4qts if you're doing a drain and refill. If you're going to do it yourself I suggest getting 8 qts and doing a drain/refill, drive around to get the fluid hot and circulated and then do a second drain/refill. Although this won't exchange all the fluid like a flush it will replace a good chunk of it. When draining the fluid be sure to collect it in a pan so you can measure what comes out, and be sure to put back in the same amount. Thing to consider is that ATF expands when it's hot so measure the fluid when it's cold.

Be prepared for sticker shock, I paid 13 bucks a quart.

 

check my350Z.com there is a whole write up on how to change it and what fluids to use....

 

When the engine is cold how do you determine the atf fluid level on the atf dipsick? Mine always shows up coated with atf a long way up. I wipe it, insert it, and then never get a good indication of the level because it all coated?


Anything wrong with the castrol ATF that says its safe to use with nissan?

Thanks,

~Dv8

 

trans needs to be at normal operating temperature to check the level.

stick with Nissan J-matic to be safe, alternatives may work but why take the chance when it is known that the factory warranty will be void if anything else is used.

 

normal oper temp, engine idling and in park. the dipstick will read really full when the engine is off because the pump isnt running. when the engine is running, the pump runs and the level can be checked. and i would use the nissan J fluid, its not like you have to buy this stuff very often so i wouldnt take a chance