Transmission Fluid Type

jptshadow

Member
Car
2011 Infiniti FX35
Name
Shane JP Tseng
Hey, guys, plan to check the transmission fluid sometimes soon. In case I need to add some, would Mobil Synthetic ATF work? Also, anyone know the full fluid capacity for the FX35 RWD? Thanks a bunch!
 
What are you guys talking about? There's no dipstick to check anything on our transmissions... it's a sealed unit.
 
Hmmm...sealed? Then how'd they get the fluid in there in the first place? If you're gonna keep your FX/QX for a long time, you're gonna wanna find a way to change out that transmission fluid, unless these automobile manufacturers have come up with a miracle fluid that never brakes down. :rofl: Talk about snake oil. :rolleyes:
The fluid is good for "the life of the transmission". How long do you want your transmission to last? The manufacturer couldn't care less once it's out of warranty.
I'm pretty sure the g37 crowd has figured this out and how to tackle it.
 
What are you guys talking about? There's no dipstick to check anything on our transmissions... it's a sealed unit.
Respectfully disagree, sir. They say the same thing for the CVT on my 15 Murano. I didn't believe it so I went ahead and drained it and they look dark (24k miles only). I am gonna change them out regardless what they claim it.
 
Respectfully disagree, sir. They say the same thing for the CVT on my 15 Murano. I didn't believe it so I went ahead and drained it and they look dark (24k miles only). I am gonna change them out regardless what they claim it.

You asked for advice and based on both the owners manual and the other threads in which this subject has been discussed on this forum as well as the FX/QX group on FaceBook, the agreement is that the gen 2’s 7speed transmission fluid should not be touched. You can disagree all you want, and the two posters above, based on their profile, have a gen 1 FX, not the gen 2, so their knowledge is based on a different transmission.

As for your Murano, the fluid IS dark. Here’s a photo of Nissan’s CVT fluid straight out of the bottle.

16884d1319352899-diy-change-your-cvt-fluid-cvt-ns2-fluid-flush-1.jpg
 
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You asked for advice and based on both the owners manual and the other threads in which this subject has been discussed on this forum as well as the FX/QX group on FaceBook, the agreement is that the gen 2’s 7speed transmission fluid should not be touched. You can disagree all you want, and the two posters above, based on their profile, have a gen 1 FX, not the gen 2, so their knowledge is based on a different transmission.

As for your Murano, the fluid IS dark. Here’s a photo of Nissan’s CVT fluid straight out of the bottle.

View attachment 602650
Dont listen to infiniti..Transmission fluid SHOULD be changed every 20k to 25k
Who said the fluid is good for the life of the tranny? Dont be dumb! Fluids need to be changed , engine oil, diff oil, brake fluids..So why not the tranny?
 
That's right. Don't listen to the dozens if not hundreds of professional engineers with actual knowledge of the transmission they designed and built. Pfff! What do they know!?

It's your car, do what you want. But when something bad happens to your transmission down the line, be sure to come back and post about it... and make sure to include that you did something you were not supposed to.
 
The best way to settle this dispute is for some to not change it and others change it and I'll place my bet on the one's that change it for the purpose of longevity.
Lifelong trans oil is a much more dangerous a statement than "100k plugs". My plugs were absolute toast at 85k and I got a bump in power and mileage when I tossed those shits.

What the Heck is a Sealed Transmission? -

"What the Heck is a Sealed Transmission?
Over recent decades, the technology in automobiles has grown increasingly complex. Automakers have invented a new era of car maintenance in the name of “making life easier.” Modern car manufacturers have gotten into the swing of creating so-called “life-time” parts, and transmissions are no exception. From SUVs to sports cars, routine transmission maintenance has grown more complicated, and vehicle owners need to know a few things about sealed transmissions.

I know of a guy with a G35 who claims he hasn't changed coolant, trans fluid or power steering fluid for something like 175k miles. You could roll the dice, especially if you live in an area like this guy with no extremes in temps from summer to winter, no hills/mountains to climb, very low dust, decent humidity and not desert dry, etc.

The manufacturer needs their customers to come back to "the company store".

Why Does the Transmission Fluid Need to Be Replaced?
As time goes by, metal shavings from the gears in the transmission will become prominent in the transmission fluid. Historically, automakers recommended the change of transmission fluid every 60,000 miles. However, today’s automakers have gone against this claim for a few reasons. Some of the hypothetical reasons for this change include the following:

Government organizations are pressuring automakers to create better, longer-lasting parts.
Sealed transmissions help to reduce the amount of “bad” transmission fluid being disposed of.
Engineers have been charged with creating equipment to function longer, without necessarily redesigning the basic function.
Additionally, some believe automakers have implemented this change as a means of reducing the potential work for independent mechanics, such as transmission repair shops.

How Does the Fluid Get Replaced?
A sealed transmission does need to have the fluid checked or replaced periodically. Although this may seem like a waste of time, the potential consequences of not having this vital part of a vehicle checked can easily rise into the hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Auto techs can check the fluid of a sealed transmission through an access in the side of the transmission. Some may opt to remove the transmission pan to completely replace the transmission fluid, as well as the gasket.


Can You Check the Transmission Fluid of a Sealed Transmission at Home?
For the do-it-yourself vehicle owners, attempting to replace the transmission fluid in sealed transmission should not be attempted. A minor mistake could lead to permanent damage. Furthermore, some automakers may void repair warranties if an unlicensed mechanic attempts to open the transmission housing.

How Do You Know if Your Sealed Transmission Has Bad Fluid?
Poor transmission fluid quality will usually lead to one of the following signs:

The sound of gears grinding when driving or switching gears.
Delayed engagement of the gears, such as when placing the vehicle in “reverse.”
Delayed shifting of the gears when accelerating, i.e. the engine revs without increasing in speed.
Fewer drivers are keeping their vehicles for extended periods of time.
As automakers become increasingly aware of profit margins and the need to produce longer-lasting vehicles, the “sealed” concept will expand to other parts of the vehicle. One day, vehicle owners may not even have to worry about checking the oil. Until then, vehicle owners need to understand what a sealed transmission is and how to prevent the premature failure of a sealed transmission. If you do not see a transmission fluid dipstick, you probably have a sealed transmission. Above all else remember anything in a vehicle could break, even if the automakers believe it will last forever."

Let's call it "planned obsolescence"

I love this guy. One corny SOB but he's got great energy. I like that he's holding up a bottle of Valvoline Max Life at the end of the vid.
Now, just cause ADHD Scotty says so don't make it so but to me, it's common sense IF you want to keep the car for a long time.
 
That's right. Don't listen to the dozens if not hundreds of professional engineers with actual knowledge of the transmission they designed and built. Pfff! What do they know!?

It's your car, do what you want. But when something bad happens to your transmission down the line, be sure to come back and post about it... and make sure to include that you did something you were not supposed to.

My comments were for the first gen FX transmission..Easy Tiger!
 
+1 to Valvoline Max Life Synthetic.
My 2010 FX35 shifts a lot smoother and more decisively after doing 3x drain and fill. It has 72K miles on it btw.
 
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