Price for changing AT Transmission Fluid
 

So I went to the dealer today to get my TPM sensor replace since one was malfunction. They inspected my car and recommended that I do the AT tranny fluid exchange. They quoted me 229.95 plus tax. My car is at 38k, do I really need it at this point? Also does that price seem right? I'm thinking maybe if I go to a nissan dealer and have it done there, it might be cheaper? Any input?

7AT? What kind of car do you have?

I dont know, according to our manual we have a "maintenance free" transmission which doesnt need service till about 80,000 km's. Which to me doesnt make sense at all, but im no expert. I would just do it, when it come to fluids like oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid ect, its better to be safe then sorry.

Generally recommended 30000-60000 miles, cost $75-$250. Nissan probably would be a good bit cheaper, do my oil changes there. Once the ATF is degraded the transmissions components begin to suffer and it’s rebuild to fix the resulting problems so it’s a worthwhile investment IMO. I’ve read Nissan Matic J is being phased out for Nissan Matic S.

From the 5AT service manual.

A/T FLUID CONDITION CHECK
Check the A/T fluid condition.

Fluid condition| Conceivable Cause | Required Operation

Varnished (viscous varnish state) | Clutch, brake scorched | Replace the ATF and check the A/T main unit and the vehicle for malfunctions (wire harnesses, cooler pipes, etc.)

Milky white or cloudy | Water in the fluid | Replace the ATF and check for places where water is getting in.

Large amount of metal powder mixed in | Unusual wear of sliding parts within A/T | Replace the ATF and check for improper operation of the A/T.

CHANGING ATF

1. Warm up ATF.
2. Stop engine.
3. Drain ATF from drain plug and refill with new ATF. Always refill same volume with drained ATF.
• To replace the ATF, pour in new ATF at the A/T fluid charging pipe with the engine idling and at the same
time drain the old ATF from the radiator cooler hose return side.
• When the color of the ATF coming out is about the same as the color of the new ATF, the replacement is
complete. The amount of new ATF to use should be 30 to 50% increase of the stipulated amount.

CAUTION:
• Use only Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF. Do not mix with other ATF.
• Using ATF other than Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF will cause deterioration in drivability and A/
T durability, and may damage the A/T, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited
warranty.
• When filling ATF, be careful not to scatter heat generating parts such as exhaust.
• Do not reuse drain plug gasket.
4. Run engine at idle speed for 5 minutes.
5. Check A/T fluid level and condition. Refer to TM-214, "Inspection". If ATF is still dirty, repeat step 2.
through 5.
6. Install the removed A/T fluid level gauge into A/T fluid charging pipe.

I just had mine done at a local garage for 199 with BG synthetic ATF. Probably not the cheapest but still much cheaper than what the dealer quoted me. Somewhere around 250 plus labor.

I have a 2008 5AT, from the print out they gave me, it said that they found the fluid to be contaminated. I guess I'll call my friend who is a tech at a Nissan dealer and see how much it would cost me. Hopefully it will be a lil cheaper.

"contaminated" at 38k miles? I dunno, I am no expert but that sounds weird. Did you ask them what "contaminated" means? Did they actually undo the plug to look at the transmission fluid while replacing your TPM sensor (which is completely unrelated to the transmission)?

Not questioning the service interval or potential need...just asking if they are recommending service without having actually inspected and using words like "contaminated" as a scare tactic

+1 /\/\/\ I'm wondering how they inspected your ATF fluid without a dip stick

i know the 7at doesnt have one. is it the same with the 5at? if so better ask them what up wit dat.

Yea maybe I will call them and ask tomorrow. First I thought they would check the dip stick and got a sample of the fluid, but now u guys are telling there is no dip stick at all, I doubt they undo the plug and check it.

The 5AT does have a dip stick.

How do they test for contamination? Is it like plus sign you're contaminated, minus sign you're safe?

I think what they meant by contamination is the tiny metal particles from the gears maybe? I havent got anything back from them yet, isnt it normal anyway to have them? Unless it was exessive, I think they would have let me know if it was.

Anyone had theirs done recently? what price did you pay? Looking for a shop you trust in CA.

I got quoted for $209 at the dealership in Texas