7 Speed Auto Trans Fluid Change

nis350

What is the trans fluid change interval for the Auto 7 speed transmission?

I read that the A7 requires special tool to change the fluid. I have also read some posts that the fluid is lifetime and that's the reason Nissan didn't specify the change interval.

Also read that some dealers don't know about the special procedures.

Thoughts? Thanks.

JWillis72

They claim you never need to change it but I don't get it. My car has 27,000 and I've changed it twice.

JARblue

There is no interval for the 7AT fluid. According to Nissan, that fluid is maintenance-free.

A few people on the forum have had it done by their dealer. Sounds like you read about the dealer that messed up cause they didn't know what they were doing. Unless you're having trouble with your transmission, its probably not worth messing with it.

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JARblue

Might want to note that you track your Z. In which case, changing it twice in 30K miles makes actual sense. For most DD applications, I would say it's not worth the chance of going to a dealer that doesn't know what they're doing and screwing it up. Or at least there's not much point in doing it before 80-100K miles.

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Jordo!

Unless you are tracking it or are coming up on 100K, I wouldn't bother just yet.

If you decide you should change it, there is a fairly specific procedure -- I believe it is detailed in the FSM, which can be downloaded from here --> 2009 370z Service Manual Complete ready to Download!

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JWillis72

Good point, I guess I should have said that.


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SouthArk370Z

"Lifetime" according to Nissan. I had my trans and diff lubes changed at about 20K miles but I tend to go a little overboard on those things. If I had kept the car, I wouldn't have changed again until about 80K/5yrs.

You need to be able to monitor one of the temperature sensors in the transmission to determine when the proper level is reached. This usually requires the CONSULT computer that dealer's have. See FSM for details. Other than that, no special tools are required. I vaguely remember a DIY that didn't require monitoring the sensor but I can't seem to find it.

In my experience, Nissan service departments don't know about regular procedures (eg, tire pressure, battery level, &c). Which is exactly why I no longer drive a Nissan.

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juld0zer

you could probably get away with an IR thermometer pointed at the sump, just account for a few degrees difference and you should be sweet. that's what i'd do but what you do is up to you

nis350

I have read many posts from the z as well as the g37 forums. Many people leaning toward not changing it. Some stated that the trans fluid is very different than motor oil and it can last a long time(?).

I don't track the car and I don't mind paying the $200 to change it, but I am worry that they might screw it up in the process such as introducing contaminants into the trans.

I am sorry, but I don't have much faith with the dealer mechanics as they all try to rush through as many jobs as possible so they'd get paid for 20 hours in a 8 hour day.

Thank you all your responses.

plato

My AT was giving me some serious issues. I got it changed and all the problems went away. YMMV

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JARblue

OP, I think you're smart not to trust the dealer mechanics with that job. If you don't track the car, I would worry about it unless it starts giving you problems or you hit 100K miles and just really want to change it.

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MEZZZER

any one have issues with trans not shifting properly when cold, maybe?
sometimes mine wont downshift when cold seems like. i give it gas and nothing...like it wont get out of its own way but then get back in it like headed back home from lowes the other night and it worked fine then, like aftewr warmed up...idk any thoughts or direct me to proper thread. thanks, G.

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SouthArk370Z

Sounds a lot like low fluid level.

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Jordo!

If it's in regular D mode, the ECU probably tries to spare the clutchpacks too much wear when the AT temps are low (thicker fluid, means too viscous -- actually, flooring it isn't great for the motor either until the oil comes up to temp).

You may also get an occasional "clunky" downshift for similar reasons -- Nissan may have further "refined" the tune on the newer MY's. Additionally, the ECU has a sort of "trim" table for shift points based on your driving patterns when in M mode which can make the car shift a bit oddly in regular auto for a bit.

I think if it seems ok when warmed up, you are probably fine, and if you ever get a tune, you can have the torque tables adjusted for much faster, firmer shifts

If it continues to act clunky, it might be worth seeing if there's a new-ish OEM reflash to adjust the shift characteristics -- there very well may be.

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EZT

I've had two tranny flush and refills at my dealer, cost 189$ each time. Roughly 30k between flush and fill.