So I took my car in for service this past week. Also had them check on the ITB for the 7AT transmission update. When I looked at the inspection sheet it showed the transmission and engine cooling system where marked red or "in need of immediate attention". I called and asked them what the deal was because no one said anything when I picked up my car, and he said that they were due for a flush.

$350 for trans flush and $189 for coolant flush. First off these prices seem pretty high. Second, the car is a 2011 with 35,500 miles. Isn't it a little soon for this? I just bought it about a month ago, it was previously owned by a member here who took care of it very well

 

Check your service and maintenance guide in the same place where the owners manual is, that will answer that question, I'm not sure.

As for the pricing, depending on where you live (ie. MA higher cost of living then TX) Those prices seem pretty spot on to me. Maybe $10-$20 bucks higher then normal. I'm a at a Nissan dealer and the coolant flush in like 160 but you're going to an Infiniti dealer everything costs more. You could go to a Nissan dealer, same products, not as nice dealership or amenities (no free snacks like my Infiniti dealer) but maybe less expensive service prices.

 

go to a nissan dealer they will charge you like half those prices

 

Without looking it up the tranny flush isn't until like 60k miles I believe.

 

Why go to dealer at all? I have no idea about AT flushes since I'm 6mt, but even if you do actually need a coolant flush, which I highly suspect you do not, that could be done at an independent service centre for much less. Or wait for your dealer to have a special n flushes. I'm in Canada where everything costs more and a flush special at the dealer is close to $120. At an independent closer to $90.

Did the dealer test the alkalinity of the coolant? Id like to know how they can quantify "immediate attention required".

Most likely the dealer is trying the ol upsell tactic, which works on many ignorant owners. Good for you to come here and ask before shelling out. Only do what the manufacturer requires, not what the dealer recommends. This will maintain the factory warranty since it is the manufacturer who pays for warranty service. Everything else is dealer upsell.

 

thanks for the input guys, I will hold off on those items

 

I call BS as soon as they say tranny flush on the 7AT that soon into its life.

 

It has been my experience that auto transmissions should be flushed at about 30k. That depends on many things, but I have always used that as a rule of thumb. Some manufacturers say "lifetime" which makes little sense. Transmission fluid, like any oil breaks down over time. Synthetic lasts longer.

Pay attention to the transmission, if the shifts are crisp and it does not "hunt" for gears, you are probably OK. But as the mileage begins to build the trans fluid could turn to varnish and could damage sensitive components. My opinion is that spending a reasonable amount for a flush is better than having to spend several thousand for a new (rebuilt) transmission.

Good luck

 

Also keep in mind that most service advisors work on commission...