Should I replace trasmission fluid and filter? Older car, gears are slow to shift and very rarely stick.

Tiny
PATHFINDER93
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 NISSAN PATHFINDER
  • 175,566 MILES
I have had my 93 Nissan Pathfinder for a little over 6 months now. Most past maintenance is unknown, so I have begun to do routine maintenance in order to start a history. I've recently replaced the oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs and spark plug wires. I've also begun to add Lucas fuel injector cleaner each fill up, because the gas in Atlanta can be spotty at times.

The current issue at hand is whether or not I should replace the automatic transmission fluid and filter or not. Its an older car, so I try to drive it gently, and give the gears time to shift. My wife on the other hand, the primary driver, thinks it should just go from gear to gear as fast as possible. She told me today when she was driving, at one point the gear was really slow to change but eventually shifted. I'm going to take it for a drive in the morning to see if I can duplicate this event or not. But I thought I would ask you guys whether a fluid drain and filter change would be worthwhile, or maybe even have someone take a look at it?

Thanks
Saturday, July 7th, 2012 AT 1:42 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Like your oil, the trans needs fluid changes as well. Neglect it and it will let you down.

Change it and use it as a base line for your servicing.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, July 7th, 2012 AT 1:53 AM
Tiny
PATHFINDER93
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks Roy, I took your advice and replaced the transmission filter and fluids. It seems to be shifting as normal. I did find some metal pieces attached to the magnet, seemed to form two or three rings. One maybe the diameter of a quarter, the other maybe a penny. They were really thin.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, July 8th, 2012 AT 5:20 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Thats normal wear and tear.

Good luck
Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, July 8th, 2012 AT 5:37 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links