2007 Nissan Xterra Flushing ATF

NISSAN2007

MEMBER
2007 NISSAN XTERRA
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
46,000 MILES

I convinced myself that I could change the ATF and filter in my 2007 Nissan Xterra. However, I was informed by the Nissan service department that they have a machine that flushes (and back flushes to clean the strainer) the ATF through the radiator cooling lines and bypasses draining the pan and replacing the filter. I understand that this method removes all fluid (about 11qts) and replaces the old fluid with fresh fluid. Just draining the pan and replacing filter removes approximately 4 to 5 qts. The cost of flushing ranges from $200 to $250 at dealers in my area. The fluid runs about $10/qt from Nissan parts dept. Is there a manual procedure that I can follow for flushing that accomplishes the same result as the service departments machine? Also would it be worth it for me to do it myself considering additional fluid will be necessary to aid in removing fluid from the torque converter?

5 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Hello
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Usually flushing an auto transmission will stir up the gunk on bottom of pan and clog up valves. This will cause troubles, instead of preventing them. I suggest a simple do it yourself change. In my opinion, garages that try to convence you into letting them flush your transmission are simply mechanics that hope to make more money off of you.

If you decide you DO still want to have it flushed, then the only way to do so is at a garage or your dealer. They have to use a machine with special pumps and such to do the procedure.

Again, I suggest just changing the filter and fluid.

Hope this helps
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Sunday, December 21st, 2008 AT 1:53 AM

NISSAN2007

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3 POSTS

What about the remaining fluid (>50%) in the radiator and the torque converter

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Sunday, December 21st, 2008 AT 2:10 AM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

You do not need to get all of the fluid. You are getting about half. You can drain the torque converter by turning the engine on for about three seconds or LESS. No more than that. This is not required. If you replenish the additives by replacing 50% of the fluid, you are further ahead.

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Sunday, December 21st, 2008 AT 2:28 AM

NISSAN2007

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3 POSTS

If I decide to turn the ignitiion, should the pan be intalled with old filter to catch fluid from torgure converter? How much additional fluid will I collect by turning the ignition less than 3 sec?

Instead of turning the engine after draining the pan, what do you think about disconnecting the oil cooler hose exiting the radiator and refilling the fluid while engine runs to flush out remaining coolant before puting on new filter? Of course, I would put new coolant drained from pan back into system after replacing the fiiter.

What do you think about using Castrol ATF fluid instead of Matic J fluid? It is much cheaper and Castro say it is equivalent.

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Sunday, December 21st, 2008 AT 11:30 AM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Yes, leave old filter in while doing this. I am not exactly sure of how much fluid.

Either way will work. Just remember, if you flush out the fluid completely then chances are that you are also getting the fluid that mainly just sits there at the bottom, which accumulates grime over time. This means that while the fluid travels through the system, so does the grime. Unfortunately the grime doesn't all leave, it sits in parts of the system that can damage your vehicle in the long run.

I always recommend using the dealer's specified fluids. I have used Castrol in the past and never had issues with it. Same for other, so it is your call. I believe the only difference in pricing is that the cheaper one will burn up a little faster than the other.