Scotty I have a 2005 Nissan Altima V6 5 speed Auto. NOT a CVT. 130,000mile
Trans has never given trouble, nor has ever been serviced
I've asked 2 different mechanics if I should change the trans fluid.
One said yes & change the filter
One said don't touch it. New fluid MIGHT loosen up the crud and cause a failure.
I'm thinking of just changing the fluid in the pan & call it a day.
Your opinion, please.
thks
smitty
Although not a Nissan, I changed the fluid in my car and it still drives fine. Change the fluid at your own risk.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUfOdsZLoCs
No one can predict exactly what is going to happen if you change your trans fluid. Of course it's best to change it regularly from the time it is new then you don't have to worry about it, but not everyone does that since manufacturers will claim they use "lifetime" fluid, or the car is purchased used and you don't know the service history.
As a general rule of thumb you do not want to do a flush and if the fluid is burnt and gritty you don't want to change it because the worn friction material suspended in the fluid may be all that's allowing the transmission to work at all.
If the existing fluid is not that bad you can try a partial fluid change of just what's in the pan. That will introduce fresh fluid gradually. Drive it around for a while and if OK repeat the process. If you do 3 partial changes and change the filter that will result in about 90% new fluid.
Last year I changed the transmission fluid in my old '99 Jeep Cherokee with nearly 250K miles using this method. It's been fine, fluid looks great, shifts like a dream. However my old fluid was only a little bit dark and still nice and slick.
As @kesterpaul62 says though ultimately it's your decision to make and is done at your own risk.
