How to Change the Transmission Fluid on a Nissan Xterra/Frontier

[@howardf6751]

Blast from the Past. I still find your videos very helpful and the Xterra lasts for a long time. Working on my 2011 now. Thanks for posting.

[@Rythecarguy]

My pleasure dude, thanks for watching. Those were the days where I talked even more than I do today 😂

[@diazmike427]

Bro, I swear you have helped me so much with my xterra. Thank you

[@Rythecarguy]

You're welcome, thank YOU for watching. 💪🏻

[@tonyrobinsengphirom9840]

Nice video! I like the text saying the front/rear of the vehicle to help me look for what you’re showing & where. This gives me more confidence going into tomorrow! Thanks!

[@Rythecarguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Newtire]

Even though the drain plug gasket looks ok, I always change it as it is a kind of "crush to seal" washer/gasket and once it's been crushed and in there for umpteen thousand miles, it is alot less flexible and might not seal. Just a cautionary hint. I did this sort of work for 30 + years and know that if anything can go wrong, it eventually will. Great little video and very helpful. Thanks for posting it.

[@Rythecarguy]

You got it! Yea I find myself rolling the dice on those washers a little too much. I do like that when you shop at the actual nissan parts departments they always seem to give you the washers when you buy fluids and such.

[@dham99]

def some of the best DIY content on YT! One tip I'd give thats the same with any platform you're doing a trans fluid or diff fluid flush on.... remove the fill plug first, to make sure it'll come out. Worst case is you drain the fluid, then cant get the fill plug out or strip that one and you cant move the vehicle.

[@Rythecarguy]

Thank you! I have started saying this in my videos when someone mentioned it a while back. I have had the benefit of exceptional clean Florida cars and never had to think about it,

[@dham99]

@@Rythecarguy yes, here in south/central Texas, the vehicles are very clean too. My 2015 P4X is immaculate with only 60k miles but Im doing all the fluids soon (i have fluids left over from my 06 NISMO Frontier). your videos are very inspiring, Im a DIY mechanic myself and i wish more ppl would have the confidence to do their own maintenance after watching your videos and realize its not that bad if you have the right tools!

[@BobLarson-bu8zg]

Hi Ry! Thanks for the video. You might want to mention the use of GL-4 fluid rather than a GL-5. Apparently Nissan had this transmission built with some brass componeants to make it smooth shiffting. GL-5 fluid contains some sulphites that deteriorate brass. So Nissan recommends the use use of GL-4 type manual transmission fluid. Thanks

[@Rythecarguy]

👍🏻

[@MyDyerMaker]

For anyone looking for a good GL-4, Redline MT-90 75W-90 is a good fluid to use. Also, I just changed my diff fluids. I used Valvoline 75W-140 in the rear differ and reused the empty squirt bottle containers of it to put fluids in the tranny, transfer case and front diff. Worked out pretty well.

[@jkutyna]

I agree here. And get the 1 gallon of Redline MT-90 as well as a bottle or two of the smaller size to pour in. Get the 1 gallon size pump and it screws right into the Redline bottle with no issues. Makes the job go MUCH faster than using a smaller pump. I was out from under my Fronty in 5 minutes time.

[@crazyxterralady]

I bought my GL4 from my local Nissan dealership. I was surprised to find they weren't upcharging any more than a quart of Redline would cost me. Paid $22 a quart.

[@kode3]

Great video Ry, my only suggestion is to crack the fill bolt first because if it's seized and the drain is complete then it's bad times.

[@Rythecarguy]

+kode3 great suggestion! We don't think about that kind of stuff down here in FL.

[@_gramcrakka_82]

Another good video. Thanks dude. I'm doing mine tomorrow as well as checking my u joints. I've got major vibration on Accel and deccl and nothing while in neutral above 30 mph.. fun fun. Keep up the good work.

[@noneofmybusiness9895]

That fluid looked mint. I've got 195k km on my automatic, so I'll do it this winter. No shifting issues, but good to maintain. I replaced the rad at 115k km because of the atf mixing with coolant issue - hadn't happened, but good preventative maintenance

[@Rythecarguy]

Hell yea. better safe than sorry.

[@brettholt6277]

I'm in Japan. Clicked on this video, seen the Zukey Lake Tavern shirt. Thought it was kinda cool. Being from that area.

[@Rythecarguy]

Awesome!! I grew up in Pinckney

[@drewjitsu1943]

I grew up in brighton! Working on my 2011 pro 4x Thanks for all your help

[@PuRpL3DrAnKinMYsippy]

Always break the filler plug before draining your transmission...ALWAYS.

[@Rythecarguy]

+Gym Rat Drew .... unless you have a FL car lol. Thats a good tip for northern cars. In FL seized bolts are effectively nonexistent.

[@tonyrobinsengphirom9840]

What do you mean break the filler plug?

[@PuRpL3DrAnKinMYsippy]

@@tonyrobinsengphirom9840 If you know, you know...

[@buttfacemcghee]

Tony & Robin Sengphirom - break the plug loose. If you drain without breaking the plug loose and it’s seized, you don’t have a way to fill the transmission because the filler plug won’t come out.

[@chief5981]

@@PuRpL3DrAnKinMYsippy 😆 WTH???

[@jjsv89]

Hi Bro, this video was so helpful, thank you very much!!, i was wondering, if you could make a video about changing differential fluid. Really appreciate that one. Greetings from Costa Rica

[@Rythecarguy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6e4hndqiNR3m8ksi=kFdLqQYf1v4dRlLV

[@News.Media.Nigeria]

Thank you I learned today and changed the fluid on my X

[@Rythecarguy]

Awesome! I hope it went well. 👍🏻

[@BIRDHEAD42]

Great watching these vids! THANKS for the help! and saving $$$

[@Rythecarguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@Kelvin555s]

I used a garden sprayer with a little longer clear hose at the out. Makes job way easy. Just pump to pressure and go away. Or just measure about 4lt in the spray bottle and leave it. Will fill it itself slowly.

[@Mindfield2200]

10:00 - "Now we have a hole,now we have to put something in it" Exactly 😜

[@247smith]

I agree i'm in a northern state and i always make sure of the fill plug first,, but great thorough video,, Question: how important is the last 1/4 of a Qt of fluid? I ask because I'm getting a gallon of redline MT90

[@dustinjames7572]

Great video. Going to replace my transmission fluid for my 2012 manual soon. Quick question. I bought it used with 107,000kms on it and the dealership put in a new clutch before I took possession. Would they have changed the fluid at that time. I am now at 140,000kms and the Mr.Lube guys are saying its time for a transmission fluid change. Are they actually checking the condition of the current fluid or are they just going by manufacturers specs. Dealership is unable to confirm whether or not their guys did the fluid when they put the new clutch in. Not a mechanic so i'm unsure if that would have been a requirement or not. Thanks!

[@Rythecarguy]

Changing the clutch would not require you change the fluid. They may not have done it at all while swapping out the clutch. Honestly, it’s not that bad of a job and I would go ahead and do it if you’re at that mileage. Just for peace of mind.

[@FantasySoul77]

hello. was wondering how you got the engone sooooo clean! lol. but my main question is, would you happen to know where the crankshaft sensor is? i was told it is on the transmission housing close to the engine block. i cant seem to find it anywhere on my xterra.is it on the right or left side of the car? any help would be totally appreciated. i have had this major issue of not being able to start the engine. and i have fixed everything except the sensor.

[@Rythecarguy]

At this point it was still a Florida car lol. I never cleaned it.nots just always that way. Also, here ya go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/imTShmyQg6dgocU

[@FantasySoul77]

@@Rythecarguy ah ok 😁👍 and ty!

[@Rythecarguy]

@@FantasySoul77 you're welcome, have a good day.

[@Razor_36]

Always a good rule of thumb to loosen the fill plug before the drain plug in the event something goes south you won't be stuck with not being able to put fluid back in.

[@Rythecarguy]

Amen! Something you don't think about when you have a FL truck.

[@chris55130]

Was that Amsoil GL-4 only ? I have a 2011 Nissan Frontier with a manual transmission and the owners manual states that I can only use a GL-4 gear oil. No GL-5 or a GL-4 -- GL-5 combo. ( GL-4 ) ONLY..

[@_gramcrakka_82]

I also ran into a video to permanently fix the plastic. All you do is slowly heat with a heat gun and bring the oils to the surface. Then seal with 303 protestant.

[@jsn861]

Ry the car guy thanks for the video! How many liters did it take? As the xt book manual says 4 3/8 qt or 4.18 liters. Please confirm

[@MannyAguilarJr]

I know this is an old comment but the 2 wheel drive is a 4-1/2 quarts(US) fill 3.98 Liters according to the 2005 Xterra manual which is his year of Xterra.

[@lesrinehart933]

The fluid looks good that you removed

[@lesrinehart933]

You have good knowledge and thank you

[@aprilbitner1526]

Hi Ry This is Stormy can you please make a video about the back up relay! THANK YOU FOR EVERTHING

[@luizlopez3705]

I have a manual 2005 xterra, it starts but it won't go into gear, any ideas what could be the problem?

[@MyDyerMaker]

Might need a new clutch

[@mxcollin95]

Great video thanks for explaining that! 👍 By the way, do you have a fix for the way all xterra hoods squeak really badly while driving?

[@bengordon2330]

Hi Colin, my 2010 Xterra did this because the paint wears out on the contact points between the hood and the frame - until my local friendly mechanic sorted it out, I just used the adhesive pads you get from the dollar store to go under chair feet to stop them sliding / scraping the floor on the exposed metal work. :)

[@mxcollin95]

Ben Gordon I’ll try it. Thanks. 👍

[@DYLANKIBLER1]

you can dump it in through the the dips tick tube if you have an automatic tho right?

[@Rythecarguy]

Yes you can.

[@rachelrominger4216]

Any ideas on how to do transmission drop.. so I can take it out and change the brake solenoid which is on other side of transmission.... code P 1759

[@MannyAguilarJr]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqiclZmjnLeal5o

[@Rythecarguy]

Thanks Manny!

[@victorlara3478]

This is the same for 2002 xterra manual?

[@Rythecarguy]

Honestly it’s the same for a lot of manual transmissions out there. Most (that are serviceable) have a drain and full plug. The only difference will be what oil you put in and how much of it.

[@pauloalvarez985]

Great video Ry.. Thank you.. BTW, do you video for transfer case fluid replacement?

[@Rythecarguy]

+Paulo Alvarez only transmission and rear diff.

[@pauloalvarez985]

Oh ok. no problem, got it. thank you..

[@japerezo75]

Excelent video! How often would you recommend to change the MT fluid? Also, how’s your clutch holding? My 2010 will soon reach 100K miles with the original clutch, flywheel and pressure plate so I’m afraid it could go bad anytime...

[@Rythecarguy]

+japerezo75 my clutch feels rock sold. Im pretty impressed. Whoever owned it before me must have driven it nicely. I think the interval on the fluid is 120k . The manual in the glove box should have it.

[@Rythecarguy]

+japerezo75 oh and i say it in the video lol. Yes its 120k

[@randybollinger8147]

My 2010 Frontier XE 4 cylinder 5 speed just turned over 200,000 miles. No clutch issues. Other than brakes, rotors, and a set of spark plugs everything is original. I honestly never had to replace a single bulb in it!

[@jeremycunningham558]

What other fluids can I put in I have a 05 manual aswell but unfortunately can’t afford the synthetic oil?

[@_gramcrakka_82]

Also have you done the boot that covers the linkage on top of the mt? Apparently it gets a cut about every 30k. I'm checking that tomorrow as well.

[@Rythecarguy]

+Christopher Graham No, ill look into that. Thanks!

[@_gramcrakka_82]

I looked last week and mine was fine. So all is well there. However I cleaned the throttle body and now I can't even get it started. I've tried the whole relearn process probably about 30-40 times. Any suggestions? I even unplugged the radio and fan control thinking that was affecting the process.

[@davidweisbruch4869]

Been looking for transmission fluid for a while for the xterra. Owners Manual says 75W/85 GL-4. Anyone know of synthetic gear oils besides what is offered by redline?

[@wellnessotr]

Drats! I have an automatic. But yeah, that pump is bomb for gear oil.

[@Rythecarguy]

Isn't it!?

[@Rythecarguy]

I have a couple autos now, might make a video soon.

[@johansoto518]

what's the name of that oil? Is it good for my 2012 xterra pro4x 6sp manual?

[@johansoto518]

Is that SAE 75W-85?

[@dc5791]

Where did you get the trans fluid pump?

[@Rythecarguy]

Oh just that hand pump? they sell those right at the auto parts store. Harbor freight carried them too.

[@EVViolet5637]

Please help. My 05 Xterra automatic 2WD does not go into gear after transmission fluid and filter change. Has 208k miles, did not have milky transmission fluid when changing and neither in the water radiator reserve. What do you recommend? Suggestions?

[@MannyAguilarJr]

May be too late for you but for someone else. From what I've learned from Scotty kilmer's channel. The old fluid had friction material from the worn interior clutch so it allowed it to still work but when you changed the fluid at that age especially if it's the first time, you removed all the friction material with the fluid and the new fluid no longer has that friction material or enough of it inside the transmission to keep the transmission working. Best bet is using Lucas transmission fix fluid and hope it works, if not the transmission is done. Also never do flushes, just drain and fill with filter change. So if the automatic transmission hasn't been following the manufacturer's recommend fluid change intervals then it's best not to change it at that age. Scotty never mentioned to my knowledge at what milage it's too late to change the fluid for the first time without losing transmission functionality. The automatic transmission of a 2008 Chevrolet Impala is the reason why when I purchased my first vehicle I was looking for a manual transmission vehicle and bought a used 2013 Nissan frontier 5 speed manual in 2020.

[@Tech-Kat]

I wish my transmission looked that clean lol need a bit of an undercarriage wash down there xD

[@Rythecarguy]

Heard, I wish my titan looked as clean as my Xterrra. When I work on the Titan I get a face full of oil and sand.

[@BLs_Lj]

Thanks you brother I’m also having a Nissan xt. It a auto and I hope it might willing to do the same ways. . 👍🤝

[@josiahcampos7303]

Does this work with a 2003 manual? I’ve heard to only drain half the oil is that true?

[@Rythecarguy]

It should be nearly the same process. Most manual transmission fluid changes are the same process. Just the fluid type and quantities are different.

[@crysisqueen7114]

Do you change the filter too

[@Rythecarguy]

No filter in a manual.

[@zoeblant2319]

Thank you for the nice video

[@jkutyna]

As others have stated, don't remove the drain plug till you've removed the fill plug in case it's seized and you get stuck with a transmission that has no fluid in it and no way to fill it. Also, never destroy your vehicle by putting AMSoil in it. There's a reason the us govt, the military, every hospital, data center, and prison/jail in the USA is strictly prohibited from allowing AMSoil in their emergency generators. If I could give one piece of advice here however, it is to go with the 1 gallon size pump and just get a gallon size of MT fluid. I have both the small size pump used in the video as well as the 1 gallon size and the larger pump takes you less than 5 minutes under the vehicle and it's full. The small pump will have you under there for much longer.

[@stephenpipkin9312]

So only difference in auto and manual is how you put transmission fluid in?

[@Rythecarguy]

+Stephen Pipkin well in an auto you might have a transmission filter. Something to consider.

[@MannyAguilarJr]

In automatic transmission fluid changes the old fluid has friction material from the internal clutch wearing which keeps the transmission working as it ages. So if you change the fluid too late by not following the manufacturer's recommended intervals with the new fluid that doesn't have that friction material it may make your transmission inoperable. There's another comment from the same year you commented on here for a transmission with 208,000 miles and it seems now inoperable meaning he needs a new/swap transmission or a manufacturer rebuilt transmission. All this info I've learned from the Scotty kilmer channel.

[@ernestogabriela4276]

Good job tnks

[@yqma1964]

great video! Thank you....

[@viscious82]

Nice video. Thanks.

[@Rythecarguy]

Of course, thank you.

[@yqma1964]

replacing transmission fluid in my manual is 50K. Did I hear it right to replace it in 120K?

[@Rythecarguy]

120 would be for manual transmissions. I don't know about automatics.

[@ReneSalvador]

why not pour the transmission fluid through the dipstick tube?

[@Rythecarguy]

Manual transmissions do not have dipstick tubes.

[@whensandwhys7561]

Ry the car guy I bought an automatic 05' xterra. Asked the Nissan guy where it was located for dipstick...he wouldn't tell me.

[@DRTMaverick]

Would take forever to pour down the dipstick tube. You want to use the fill plug.

[@fade7755]

Well done

[@Rythecarguy]

Thanks!

[@paulneumann7739]

**Request** couldn't PM message you so tried here. For showing transmission 1) cooler bypass and 2) adding additional transmission cooler*** 3) topping up trans fluid

[@alexthequestions]

Great video! I would only add that pumping it under the car is a bitch! Get yourself a longer hose so u can pump sitting up the first 4qts. Just 2x check your hose doesn't pop out but should be good. Thanks for your videos, really great!

[@Gwaplord3957]

Inch lbs or foot lbs?

[@MannyAguilarJr]

Foot pounds

[@jesualdo2000]

Thank you, just add "Frontier" to you title. You will get more hits.

[@Rythecarguy]

Done and done. Thanks.

[@scottsomkhit544]

Same as changing a Nissan Frontier

[@Rythecarguy]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@lesrinehart933]

Pennzoil Valvoline and others are full synthetic as well this Amsoil is no better and costs three times as much. No thanks

[@BeatsFromChicago]

how about we take off automatic transmission on your title and waste people's time when you don't even title your video correctly

[@Rythecarguy]

What are you bitching about? My title and description do not say automatic anywhere. Also, I tell you the the car is a manual in the first minute of the video. Quit crying and leave if you don’t like it.

[@thataintsandthatskittylitt2577]

beatsfromchicago that’s hilarious that you watched the video waiting to find out how to change the transmission fluid to ur automatic. Which is exactly what I did. U took the words outa my head

[@zinnakatt8312]

Doubly hilarious! Ry states at 1:10 that this video is for MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. Words are hard for some people or are you just mad your vehicle isn't a stick? That is a valid reason, it would suck to have an Xterra with an automatic.

[@MannyAguilarJr]

I think he was referring to the "#auto" but they don't understand auto is also short for automobile

[@Rythecarguy]

@@zinnakatt8312 THANK YOU.