Hey guys,

I have a 2001 XE V6 2wd with an automatic. It just clocked over to 60k miles, I bought it in June with 54k on it. I do not have any records of previous maintenance.

I want to change the fluid, I will probably use dezurtrats method of drain/refill drive then drain/refill again...

My question is... I read that they do not have a filter in the trans, but the parts store has one listed in the computer??? I know how to change a tranny filter, does it have one, do I need to change it?

How much fluid is the pan supposed to hold?

What type of fluid is supposed to be used in my transmission? I have read a few people are using Mobil 1, but is it just standard mercon/dexron, or is there some special designation for this tranny? I know my honda requires honda specific tranny fluid, so I figured it was a good Idea to check before I do anything...

I am hoping this will correct a strange vibration between 42-45mph that feels like the converter is not locking up completely or locking and unlocking... it only happens for a second... I am hoping it's just old fluid... Either way at 60k it needs to be swapped out for some fresh fluid...

Thanks...

I'm pretty sure there may be a screen in there but not a filter and IIRC from the service manual it's only serviced (cleaned) if the tranny is rebuilt. Also, I believe the Nissan Matic D fluid used in the Gen ones is compatible with DEXRON IIIT or MERCON.

Thought, it wouldn't hurt to drop the pan and clean out all the shavings if it makes you feel better. I think the screen is accessible from there.

Sure does look like a filter to me though!

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/dezurtrat/Xterra/01_trans_Screen.jpg

yep it only has a strainer... i used a standard atf since i wasn't doing a complete drain... i forgot how much it took (4 qts or something) and there isnt a requirement for the ATF i used castrol import ATF in mine even though i have castrol

I changed the fluid today.

For future reference, the 2001 holds 4qts in the pan, and Mobil one ATF lists on the bottle that it is approved for Nissan Matic D, Matic J, and Matic K, as well as many others...

I bought 8 quarts, drain/refill... drove it about 15-20 miles, drained and refill again... I drained it hot, because I read that you get more of the "junk" out when you do it hot.

The problem I had been having seems to be gone, and it is shifting very smoothly now, it feels like a new car.

Maybe next time I do a double drain at about 90k I will drop the pan and clean it out... I will probably do a drain every second oil change from now on. that's 12000 miles... I'm running royal purple and 6k change intervals.

I'm pretty sure there may be a screen in there but not a filter and IIRC from the service manual it's only serviced (cleaned) if the tranny is rebuilt. Also, I believe the Nissan Matic D fluid used in the Gen ones is compatible with DEXRON IIIT or MERCON.

Thought, it wouldn't hurt to drop the pan and clean out all the shavings if it makes you feel better. I think the screen is accessible from there.

Sure does look like a filter to me though!

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/dezurtrat/Xterra/01_trans_Screen.jpg
Yep, some people call it a screen, I call it a filter. Most auto parts will sell this part with the transmission pan gasket. I replaced the screen (aka filter) at about 60K miles on my old '01 2wd. IIRC, I used Dexron III.

You need to post over here more Ted! You have allot of good knowledge! :)

Don't want to start another thread, so I'll just ask here. Where do you put AT fluid when refilling transmission? Do you just pour it right into that little tube that holds AT liquid level stick? Or is there an actual cap? Thanks.

so is there a need to change the trans pan gasket when u drain and fill it up? or can use the existing gasket?

so is there a need to change the trans pan gasket when u drain and fill it up? or can use the existing gasket?


Not unless you are gunna drop the pan and clean it and change the screen out. Otherwise it has a drain bolt you can use.

So, how do you fill the transmission?

So, how do you fill the transmission?

Through the trans dipstick filler tube. Just be careful not to over fill it. Bad for the tranny!

Good info guys. Thanks for the numbers and the pics. I'm doing mine this Friday...so it's good to have a reference.

Through the trans dipstick filler tube. Just be careful not to over fill it. Bad for the tranny!

Thank you! Aprecciate the help. :)

Not unless you are gunna drop the pan and clean it and change the screen out. Otherwise it has a drain bolt you can use.

thanks i feel retarded, i realized it has a drain bolt but for some reason all i thought about was my old caddy that didnt! duh!!!!! thanks man im gonna have to do this myself.

so what the heck is that goo'y thing inside the pan...its like a square piece of grease or something?? i noticed it in my montana van that i did also anybody know its purpose

I'm guessing it's the magnet that collects the metal shavings from the gears. It will look like that. Take it out and clean it off and clean the whole pan inside.