Nissan Frontier Transmission Fluid Change

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Transmission fluid I used: amzn.to/3izogGW As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. To donate financially to the channel: www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=5PRRGY4GM2CSE&item_name=To+Support+A+Guy+And+His+Projects%21&currency_code=USD&source=url

[@The_Scriggles]

Dude, found you randomly researching frontiers before I took the plunge and bought one. That said somehow I end up engrossed in your content and more times than not watching to the end. Well thought out, articulate, and solid info. You keep making them and I will keep watching.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Awesome! Thanks for the compliment and thanks for watching :) glad I can help

[@backroadseeker08]

Great video! Just checked on my new (to me) 2018 and saw that the dipstick is bolted down but is indeed present. Perks of a new old truck, as dipsticks of any kind are vanishing in favor of "lifetime fills." I'm sure my truck came from the factory with synthetic fluid.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Congrats on the "new" truck! Yeah they switched to Synthetic (matic s) a long time ago. I have a sentra that is dipsticless and it is very very annoying to me. Not sure what their logic is on bolting down the transmission dipsticks on these trucks, I "lost" that bolt many many years ago lol.

[@daronbantin2126]

Great video, I'm all for family friendly videos. Great info!

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

That's awesome, thank you!

[@carlmilone324]

Thanks for posting! Wish I had the same luck with my '06 Frontier. Had to replace timing chain several years ago. And, had to go in for the radiator fluid leaking into the transmission recall.... Still had to pay quite a bit out of pocket for that...

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching! Man that is no good!

[@TheBeatenPaths]

Impressive, Nissan gives you a drainplug!!! I would have bought that truck for that option alone lol. To heck with antilock brakes and power steering 😅

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Haha! Yeah our chrysler minivan is lacking the drain plug. Certainly gives you a deeper appreciation for them!

[@dodgeramsport01]

So what ford does the same

[@dodgeramsport01]

@@blueslime1980 how is my commit rude?

[@Fedproman]

I hear you. Toyota doesn't. They have "lifetime fluid" what arrogance toward their customers.

[@nkbc5819]

Thanks for the video.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

You bet! Thanks for watching

[@patricknguyenbrewer2618]

Like a pro, nice work

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

I appreciate that, thanks!!

[@tecunumantonatiu4484]

Thank you!

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

You are most welcome, let Mr know how it goes when you tackle it!

[@MultihandZayy]

Looks like you live in buckeye! I’m also from Arizona!

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Hey! I was living in AZ at time of this video yep. Now I'm in SD.

[@mpprocter]

I have a 2010 Frontier and a place I take it for an oil change wants to do a transmission fluid flush. Is a flush necessary? I’ve read that it could be harmful. Thank you for the great video.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

I'm not a mechanic, that said I do drain and fills kinda like engine oil. I don't care for full flushes personally

[@hawasttimelikewater]

Nice video very clear and well done 👍 i have a 2016 sv 4x4 and im looking to do the fluid changes myself. i dont really trust shops or dealers. horror story of not doing it or wrong fluid that type of thing. why i want to learn more n do it my self. 35k on it. what is the mile intervals have you stuck to with all ur fluids?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Typically I don't go over 30k miles without a drain and fill personally

[@hawasttimelikewater]

​@@AGuyandHisProjectssame with the diff and transfer case?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Those I don't do near as much. I think they are normally recommended at around 100k miles.

[@zTribalstylerz]

Thanks!

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

You are most welcome! Let me know how it goes

[@cityslick007]

You could probably use a six inch ratchet extension and get better access to the drain bolt.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

That might be a good idea!

[@skylarclemons9189]

What's the lift kit that you used to get your vehicle up that high?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching! I used Radflow 2.0 coilovers up front with SPC upper control arms. Custom 9 leaf pack in the rear from Alcan. Bilstein 5160 shocks for the rear.

[@supdenfoo]

Love your series on the frontier! What kind of lift do you have installed?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks! I loved the heck out of that truck. The lift was a good mix of stuff. SPC control arms. Radflow coilovers. Alcan rear leaf packs, bilstien rear shocks

[@00dohcsi]

Did you not change the transmission filter? Are you not supposed to? Thanks.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

It is more of a screen than a filter. I would recommend checking it out here and there. I keep up with the fluids enough that it has never really been dirty

[@kennethhuff7158]

I thought these trans were sealed, I've got a 09 4.0 with 80 thousand ,good to know you can change the fluid.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Even most "sealed" transmissions you can still replace the fluid. Just have to get creative sometimes lol

[@jsteez7656]

The reason you change the filter is because it can become clogged and reduce oil pressure which will eventually damage and toast your transmission thankfully the frontier tranny is about bullet proof but I’d recommend changing the filter while your up there

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

These have more of a screen than a filter. If you were to ever manage to clog the screen up you need a new tranny lol, the screen is pretty dang big

[@avhound2]

What are the rocker panel switches for in the frontier? maybe make a video? :) thanks for the video.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thank for watching! They are for various lightbars and such

[@jvazquez7160]

I'm planning to do that to my 2007 frontier i love you video but you didn't show the plug where to fill out with new transmission fluid

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

There is a dipstick for it similar to the oil dipstick. On passenger side and might have a 10mm bolt holding it on. Pull dipstick out and put a funnel in and you are good to go!

[@BagboyGrubbin]

He did show at 10:33. Not exactly where but it shows what area, not hard to miss

[@Fernanfloo__24]

Did you ever found the dipstick?

[@fleadoggreen9062]

Whats reccomend Ed for the first trans fluid change ? Thanks for the video

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

What do you mean? I'd follow the service manual interval and maintain your drain and fills

[@saintEmory]

30,000 miles

[@carlossaenz4075]

Where on the dip stick is the safe level or where should it be at on the dip stick please show all of us or tell us

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

All dipsticks will have an upper and lower mark, it'll tell you right on it. When you pull it out you'll look to see where the oil sits and if it is between the marks you are good to go

[@twinforce_fusion6560]

Thanks for posting this video. My self I'm very AR with my cars and truck maintenance. Still on the fence on getting a 2020 Frontier with the new 3.8L. But, Canada only sells it with the 4.0L. Do not sure to wait or simply go with the 4.0. I notice you use Nissan fluid, nothing against it, but I switch all my OEM fluids with Amsoil, especially the transmission and gear oils. Wondering what is your opinion on the new 3.8 V6.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching and the comment! Lots and lots of debate when it comes to fluid. I've used conventional, synthetic, name brands, and the stuff for sale at half price and all my vehicles make it to what you might call high mileage with no abnormal issues. To each their own on that one lol. I haven't spent a whole lot of time looking into the 2020's as of yet but my first thought is that I'd give them a go! The only negative Nissan has put out is their CVT's. For a manufacture to only have one pitfall isnt to horrible in my book

[@twinforce_fusion6560]

@@AGuyandHisProjects dear Lord, would never get a CVT. That new mill has a 9 speed Auto

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

@@twinforce_fusion6560 lol I cant say that. I have a 2014 sentra with the CVT. That being said I'm at 135k miles on that with absolutely zero issues so far.

[@kennethhuff7158]

Neighbor's wife Nissan Rouge had 44 thousand, CVT failed and they would not warranty it cost four thousand plus to replace.

[@Boojyman]

Stick with the 4l yeehaw

[@sweetvibez2282]

awesome video! do you check fluid with it running? in park or neutral?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching! I would always recommend checking your owners/service manuals for proper info as myself and many others on here are just DIY guess with no education or professional experience. That being said, I do idling in park after 10 or so minutes of driving at operating temp. I also shift through all the gears before putting it in park for the check.

[@ELEVOPR]

I think your suppose to run car to normal tempaeture, then cycle through all gears, then cycle gears back up to park. Then go out and pull out dipstick, clean it, put dipstick back and and confirm oil level. Hope that helps.

[@Spawn223311]

How often do you change it?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching! I do it every 30k miles.

[@Spawn223311]

@@AGuyandHisProjects nice, I had 30k to 35k in mind haha. Thank you for the video 🤙🏻

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

You bet!

[@ELEVOPR]

Love the tires. I'm in the market for tires, what are those tires? This is my first Pickup truck ever and it's s Crew Cab SE I just bought it from my uncle who is very old, and can't drive anymore, He only had 37k miles on it and it's an 06, he only drove to doctors appointments and food shopping. Thanks for the video, your wife is awesome, picking you up the form funnel. 🤗

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching! These were 285/75/16's BFG KO2's and I loved them! 37k miles on an 06? You have a lot of life left in that truck as long as all the gaskets haven't dried out! I would get the radiator replaced ASAP if you haven't already. The OEM radiators from 05-10 had a tendency to leak internally and mix the coolant and the transmission fluid together. A lot of people blew their transmissions and had to get the transmissions replaced. Couple hundred bucks but well well well worth it!

[@ELEVOPR]

@@AGuyandHisProjects , I had a complex bypass done, to the decent size onboard Radiator Cooler the Frontier already comes with. Hopefully that will do as no mixing should be possible. No super high tempaetures where I'm at.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

@@ELEVOPR Nice, Good luck with the truck dude, it should serve you well for a very long time

[@dawrangla1986]

just changed my ATF in my frontier. Do you just drive it around for a bit and check it on the Hot range?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Yes i do! You dont want it super hot though. 10-15 minutes worth of driving before checking. Check while running and in neutral or park

[@reyjurado5945]

what aluminum radiator do you have installed? did you do the A/T fluid bypass? Thanks for the content!

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching! I have the csf racing radiator. Don't have to do the bypass when you change the radiator as the stock radiator was the problem with the earlier 2nd gens.

[@joset.8726]

With the csf radiator, did it fit perfectly or did you have modify anything?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Fit perfectly for me!

[@joset.8726]

@@AGuyandHisProjects I'm thinking of going that route to avoid any future headaches

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

It's a bit pricey, but I did/do not regret the purchase!

[@aircowexpress1260]

Is it the same crush gasket that's used on oil changes?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Mine is yes!

[@aircowexpress1260]

@@AGuyandHisProjects Cool, thank you for the response!

[@fedcopp]

Bro, after you changed the trans fluid, how far did you drive b4 going back home and check the levels?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Just a quick 10-15 minute drive around the neighborhood. The manual tells you to check at normal operating temperature but not when it is overly hot

[@fedcopp]

@@AGuyandHisProjects Got it, thank you sir....

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

@@fedcopp yeppers!

[@SLholli]

I could be wrong, but from the beautiful scenery in your area. Could you happen to live in the Lapaz county area? Also thanks for the video.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching! I am in Florence AZ

[@YaiMarkh4186]

I don’t know why you changed the fluid, but not the filter every time you change the oil you have to change the filter too.

[@insaflimousine8258]

For nissan frontier 2006 ATF needs?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Yes it does indeed

[@oddopops1327]

👍👍😊

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks! You tackling this soon? If so let me know how it goes :)

[@oddopops1327]

@@AGuyandHisProjects 👍😊

[@mb1636]

Air compressor in garage ..wow ! Is this the 1st time change tranny oil @ 225k?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching! I love that air compressor haha! No, I have owned this truck since 70k some miles and had maintained it ever since. I would have to think long and hard about doing the first change at 225k lol

[@masterbaitormachine]

What do you have ziptied on your air intake before the throttle body?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching! That is one of those temporary repairs that has become more so permanent haha! Busted a hose on the road and parts store didn't have one that fit real well. So i took one that was close which was rubbing bad on the plastic corner. So I cut a piece of floormat up to pad it...still works over a year later ;)

[@aisychannelone]

which one is best to use between matic s or matic j?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thabks for watching! If you change it on a regular basis it won't matter much. J is a conventional oil and S is a synthetic. Typically the vote will always be to go synthetic as it is a higher quality longer lifespan oil

[@aisychannelone]

@@AGuyandHisProjects ok... thanks for info...now i know about it.....

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Anytime!

[@mauricemotors8207]

@@AGuyandHisProjects I did some research and believe Nissan Matic ATF is rebranded Castrol transmax for imports.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Good to know! Can buy it a bit cheaper elsewhere then and save the trip to the dealer

[@bayvis456]

So if I buy five quarts I should be good to go on doing the fluid drain and fill job? Thanks

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching! Typically 5 qts should be enough with a wee bit extra. Remember, I am not a mechanic.

[@bayvis456]

@@AGuyandHisProjects Thanks for the quick reply. Just for others reference, I have a 2011 Frontier 4.0 4x4 and it will take more than 5qts to do a drain and fill, not sure the exact amount. Was watching the fluid drain and it was still flowing pretty strong as it approached the 5 qts marker on drain pan so I plugged it back up. Measured out the amount drained and added the same back in fresh fluid. Anyways, thanks for posting this video. Keep it up!

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

@@bayvis456 oh no! Sorry for leading you astray lol. Wonder why yours takes more than mine...thoughts for pondering

[@bayvis456]

@@AGuyandHisProjects I had my front end lifted up so I could slide under the truck, maybe that has something to do with it. Either way- it's all good

[@thomasshelby7507]

@@bayvis456 definitely had something to do with it 😂

[@lilbraveification]

How much of a lift did you put on your frontier. I have 2.5 and was wondering if you have a issue with your cv axle

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

I have about 3 up front and 2.5 in the rear. No issues

[@carlroderick5105]

I have 2010 frontier with only 28K miles (don't drive it very much). Nissan tells me I need to change the trans fluid because of the age not necessarily the mileage .. True?? Said the same about the break fluid.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Brake fluid i 100% agree. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and moisture will deteriorate the braking system and eventually it will become ineffective.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

As far as your transmission fluid goes I would agree as well to a point. I do not know what fluid you have in it right now and I can't speak for every brand/type of oil. The rule if thumb however is your oil "shelf life" is between 4 and 6 years. That being said I do not flush my systems, I just do drain and refills. This means some of the fluid in your system is going to be older. So that is a more difficult call. I would suggest doing a drain and refill with each engine oil change for the next 3 go arounds or so to get some newer fluid in there.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Keep in mind, I am not a certified mechanic. Just a guy who likes to do his own work.

[@30smsuperstrat]

@@AGuyandHisProjects totally agree with not flushing. Had a transmission tech share with me in casual conversation that flushing transmissions can actually cause more issues. He said that every transmission will have fluid that seers to the surfaces. When you flush, that stuff can come off and then plug up passageways in the transmission. His opinion was to just drain and fill according to manufacturers schedule, and change filter as needed.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

@@30smsuperstrat thanks for sharing! Yep, the manual for my wife's Odyssey specifically requests you don't flush. Their "flush" consists of three drain and fills in succession.

[@carlossaenz4075]

Plus u do not say that u check ur oil level with the truck running after u took out for a spin

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

On this specific truck yes, you want to check the level while on level ground, after warming it up but not super hot, in park, while running.

[@carlossaenz4075]

Take a pic and show where it should be at guy

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

@@carlossaenz4075 quick Google search should give you what you are looking for partner.

[@carlossaenz4075]

@@AGuyandHisProjectssorry but nope it did not

[@carlossaenz4075]

@@AGuyandHisProjects Really !!!! U check ur tram oil level awhile its running.

[@goati4286]

How many qts do you use

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching! 6 quarts will be enough to have a little left over

[@Catman1798]

Would you say the Nissan Frontier is an easy vehicle to do your own maintenance like tranny change coolant etc. compared to newer vehicles out there with sealed transmissions etc? I’m assuming the 2019 Nissan Frontier is still like yours? I’m looking for a vehicle that’s either easy to maintain myself or not much to maintain like an EV. So far EVs are not winning my vote from my research, so I might just go this way with gas vehicles again. Bottom line: I really want something long lasting for years or decades to come and at least easy for ME to work on. Dealership service centers are expensive I’m finding out with my current vehicle. And my car is far from easy to maintain myself from what I can see. Except for oil changes. I have a 2015 Jeep renegade. It doesnt look like I can change the tranny fluid myself even the coolant as well. Sucks.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Of the vehicles I have owned yes, the 2nd gen frontier is one of the easier vehicles to perform your own regular maintenance. Some will complain about the oil filter being a pain to get to...but for me, it is no biggie. Transmission drain plug and fill port are both easily accessible and the radiator also has easy access for both draining and filling. The biggest access issue I have come across has been the spark plugs...but then again you really only have to replace those once every 100k miles so not that big of a deal. The fuel pump/filter is located in the tank itself, but then again, one guy can replace it in under a few hours by himself. I do not know how much has changed with the newer years, but I do not believe much has. Most of the changes they seem to make are on the interior and not the mechanics of the truck from what I've seen/heard. Would I recommend this truck? Absolutely, at 228k miles it has never once let me down! Thanks for watching!

[@Catman1798]

A Guy and His Projects Thank you for your opinion

[@charlyKantu]

you only used 5 qts?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching! If you do a full flush you would need much more fluid. Just doing a drain and fill though you will not be able to get 100% of the fluid out

[@debneter]

Is the crush gasket the same one as on the engine oil plug? Wondering if you can use for both purposes. I've got a 2005 LE with 140 thousand on it 60 on second tranny. Thanks.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching! Yes it is the same size. I go to the dealer and buy a few ten packs every here and there as the work on truck oil/transmission as well as my Sentras oil/transmission plugs

[@AK-ky3ou]

You’d still own this beast?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

I actually sold this one as I needed more room for the family, driving an 04 f250 powerstroje right now. That said my wife approved me to go buy a project truck and I'm looking for another frontier because I loved the heck out of this one!

[@moonolyth]

Hah! the oil drain plug is not like running PVC pipes in & out of an aquriume, I Can't smell the difference between pinching a seal plate as an ini or outy... Now if your running threads between a wall-like-bulkhead definitely a right and wrong way and you'll understand in short order why.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching!

[@Spigola1-351]

Nice work! Do you know if these transmissions are CVT? I have a 2009 Pathfinder and want to change my trans fluid. Thanks.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching! The frontiers are not CVT

[@mauricemotors8207]

2009 pathy has the same RE50 trans as the frontier

[@dantevanniekerk]

225 000 miles, that's about 360000kms? My 2013 Nav has 374000kms on, never opened the motor, no work on the turbo or anything... also, still have the original clutch since I bought it new... (let's compare) 😊

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching, that's awesome that it is still running great!

[@BUFFALOJOESMOVING]

Dude enough of the commercials 😒

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

KZbin picks those

[@YaiMarkh4186]

I don’t know why you changed the fluid, but not the filter every time you change the oil you have to change the filter too.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

I'd be willing to bet i explain that somewhere in the video haha. I way over maintenanced that thing so I believe it was just fine. If your fluid is old or worn, yeah, change fluid. I dumped a couple quarts out on a regular basis all the time just for the fun of it, wasn't worried about filters every time.