Hi everyone, first I'd like to say thank you, this is a great site, forum and community, it's already been a great resource for information for me, just as a browser. Anyway, I've done many searches, both on here and nico, read at least two (but probably more) different and conflicting pieces of information and still don't have a clear or convincing answer, so I decided to post this hoping for some help. I have a 2010 G37x the service manual calls for Matic J for the transfer case oil, however I've learned that matic-j has been replaced by matic S, so I had assumed, this being the case, that matic S could be used in the transfer case. Now in my search, I've read people advising against this, but this was for people who's fsm called for Matic D, so I'm not sure it's relevant. I've also read someone say to make sure they use the newer matic S for the transfer case since that's what replaced J. However, then I came across a picture of a Nissan bulletin (it looked like something I imagine Nissan would send to their mechanics to hang in the shop with some general info as a way to advocate and or ensure the use of Nissan brand oils) and this bulletin under the "Matic S" header says "As of this writing, if you order Matic J from your Nissan or infinit dealer, you'll receive Matic S. Don't worry, it's not a mistake. It's safe to use Matic S for automatic transmission applications requiring Matic J. However, in transfer cases you must use the type of fluid specified in the manual." so my question: is there some weight difference btwn J and S that makes S unsuitable for transfer case? Further, does anyone else find it odd that if I were to order Matic J from Nissan (bc that's what the manual specifies) they'd send me Matic S (bc that's what the bulletin states) and in turn i would not be using the oil that the manual specifies for the transfer case (which is exactly what the bulletin goes out of its way to state as an exception). So then what would they suggest I use in order to oblige the manual? In that case would Nissan actually be suggesting the use of another company's Matic J compatible oil or to buy Matic j stock from a third party dealer? That would be extremely hard to believe. Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions?

 

If I were you, I would just use Matic-J fluid for the transfer case. Both the owner's manual and the FSM distinctly call out for Matic-J in the transfer case and Matic-S in the transmission, without substitution! This tells me that as of the time of the publications, they clearly were aware of the newer Matic-S type, so they would have specified it in both applications if that is what they intended.

This actually made me rather curious, so I called a few local dealerships and spoke to both parts and service departments. Apparently, they are currently stocking Matic-J again, as well as the Matic-S, so they must recognize a separate need for both types.

Also, you can find it in a newer looking bottle (not the old vintage Matic-J bottles I remember from 8 years ago) right there on Amazon, under part number 999MP-MTJ00P :

 

thank you vqsmile, I think that's what i'll do. I was also intrigued by this, I just couldn't imagine Nissan or any car manufacturer telling you you must use a specific type of oil and then telling you they no longer make that oil, but if they started making j again, then that makes sense (though that bulletin I quoted was extremely confusing/contradicting). thanks again

 

post script: vqsmile, I'm sorry, but there is no "thank you" button on my browser as I've read there should be. I see a blue "quote", "multi quote", and "quick reply" button, but no "thanks" or "panic".

 

No worries, I don't offer help just to rack up "Thanks" points.