What ATF for an 03 Altima 2.5L?

[Sayjac]

I'm replacing my radiator and noticed the ATF from the cooler lines is a little dark. The OM calls for Nissan Matic D (naturally), but it also says DexronIII/Mercon or equivalent can be used.

I'm not trying to 'cheap out' here but I would like to use a readily available reasonably priced ATF. The Castrol Import is currently $4.50 a quart on sale at AAP. Just wondering if one of the less expensive Dexron/Mercon's would work just as well? Advance said the total capacity is 9.75 quarts which is another reason I'm looking for something reasonable. OM lists no capacity.

Also, if the number next to the Dexron/Mercon is higher, (4.5,etc.) does that mean it is better and can be used in Dexron III/Mercon's place? Napa has some reasonable priced DexronII/Mercon as does Wally's Super Tech and other numbers like MerconV. I'm not too knowledgable about the numbering of the fluid so any advice would be appreciated.

I plan on draining and then doing a similar to the youtube fluid exchange. Does it matter if the first drain of pan is done while the fluid is cold? Also does anyone know what size the cooler lines are, (not listed on the line)?

TIA.

 

[bepperb]

" The Castrol Import is currently $4.50 a quart on sale at AAP."

Yes.

"if the number next to the Dexron/Mercon is higher, (4.5,etc.) does that mean it is better and can be used in Dexron III/Mercon's place?"

Maybe. I'd stick to something that recommends Matic D. Dexron should be backwards, I don't know why I thought it wasn't.

 

[Dominik]

From my experience the most I was able to drain out of my mom's 2003 2.5L was 6 about litres (6.5 quarts) Used Mobil 1 Castrol Import (twice ) and now MaxLife and once as a flush Shell DEXIII (Motomaster ATF in Canada). Believe or not the best shifts were with Shell.

 

[tig1]

M1 ATF has been an outsatanding fluid for me in Fords for many years.

 

[Sayjac]

Originally Posted By: Dominik
From my experience the most I was able to drain out of my mom's 2003 2.5L was 6 about litres (6.5 quarts) Used Mobil 1 Castrol Import (twice ) and now MaxLife and once as a flush Shell DEXIII (Motomaster ATF in Canada). Believe or not the best shifts were with Shell.
That's what I'm wondering. Is there a big difference between the Castrol/MaxL and the less expensive DexIII/Mercon? It's not like Honda where they say to use Honda Z-1 only, or change back quickly. I have to pick up a res tanks cap (cheap plastic) at the dealer tomorrow, so just for ha ha's I'll check the Nissan ATF price.

If the drain gets out 6.5 qts. that would be about 2/3 capacity, not bad. Perhaps I should have put this on the mech board for some of the other questions, but figured here would be best. It seems the cooler lines are 5/16ths.

Also I guess I meant backward compatible for fluids like Mercon V for DexIII/Mercon, from reading the bottles that does appear to be true. Still wondering iof there is any advantage to picking other than DexIII/Mercon.

Still welcome any more input on the ATF fluid or anything to do with the procedure.

 

[CharBaby]

I have an 04 Altima 2.5 S and I have changed out the ATF using Mobil 1 DEX III/Mercon Syn ATF before it was called/changed to Multi-Vehicle Formula. I was able to drain out 8 qts in my transmission as I only purchaced 5qts, and had to run out and get 3 more. She is not overfull. Transmission works like new. I think that just about any Multi-Vehicle Formula ATF will work fine. Im not sure what I'll try next!

 

[Sayjac]

Checked with my local Nissan dealer, and they want ~$8.20 a qt. for the Nissan Matic D.

Parts guy proceeded to tell me CVT fluid is much worse. I'll pass on the Nissan stuff.

I told him the OM says DexIII/Merc is an acceptable substitute, he said he would like to see that. Showed it to him, and he thanked me because he had not been able to confirm that with anyone.

Right now I'm leaning to Castrol Domestic Multi Vehicle. Seems reasonably priced and meets specs. Not definite yet though.

Parts guy said average drain was was ~5qts. Wonder if you got 8qts., was it because the vehicle was on ramps? Total fill is 9.6 qts.

 

[countryboy9799]

We had an 03 last year and used amsoil with good results. I know you said cheap but that is what I would recommend. I did get a bottle of M1 to use for power steering whine when its 30 below and it was to thick at that temp. I didnt know you could use DEX.

Here is what I did to do a flush, its really easy on this car.
1. Drain warm ATF out of transmission and put new filter on and replace pan.
2. Refill what you drained out plus 2 more qts.
3. Take one of the cooler lines off of the radiator, I think the one on the passenger side works best and put it in an empty jug.
4. Have someone start the car with the brake on and have them shift through the gears while you dump in the remaining 2 qts. or whatever it is.

I was able to get a good flush on our car, sadly we bought a new car 3 months after that so it was a waste for me. Good luck

 

[SLCraig]

Put Napa brand ATF in my fathers' 2K Maxima automatic (specs for Matic-D)

Shifts perfect!

Even at 0F, it goes into gear smoothly, and shifts smoothly. Doesn't hold on to gears for too long, etc.

I'd use it again, it was inexpensive, and apparently works awesome.

Just a drain and fill.

(He was getting lazy shifts, holding onto gears a little too long, etc)