To service, or not to service, that is the question

[Kingtal0n]

If you just acquired a 16 year old KA24DE Automatic transmission with about 50,000 miles, you would think that the trans fluid has never been changed. Currently, it shifts perfectly, perhaps a little too perfectly.

So, on one hand, it is due for service. Pop the plug and re-fill, at the least.

On the other hand, that might be an enormous mistake.

Basically, to service or not to service, that is the question :D
Join the fun... any opinion welcome (even trolls)

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Drain out a tiny bit of fluid from the cooler lines, if it still looks red and doesn't smell burnt, leave it

If you find shifts are lagging a bit or engagement is notably abrupt, THEN do a flush and filter, until then don't touch it

[Mikester]

Seriously? Dude- drive it till it pops.

[Kingtal0n]

Drain out a tiny bit of fluid from the cooler lines, if it still looks red and doesn't smell burnt, leave it

If you find shifts are lagging a bit or engagement is notably abrupt, THEN do a flush and filter, until then don't touch it

The fluids colour is SPECTACULAR. It looks brand new, In fact I want to drink it- it smells that good. Shifting is ROCK solid, I mean like I have never felt a 240 shift like this before. 1-2 feels like it has a shift kit almost.


Seriously? Dude- drive it till it pops.

Well, I'd like it to last +150,000 miles. Nissan recommends a filter/fluid at some point, amirite? It's got to be due. Especially after 16 years of sitting.

Opinion appreciated. I do heartily agree 99% of the time with these throw away units- why bother servicing them. But part of me still wants to keep things "maintained" ya know?

So far the score is 2 : 0 For NO SERVICE !!

[jr_ss]

It's 16years old, is it going to hurt you or your pocket to put some fresh fluid in there? I highly doubt it. Take it to Nissan and have them evac and fill with new. I vote for matienence and I'm surprised mister stickler for OEM had to ask this question. Could this be a troll thread? Me thinks so.

[blkvrtswp]

I vote leave it. Unless you see something wrong. I had an auto trans fail right after service at least twice in my life, and I suspect the OP had too.

[Kingtal0n]

It's 16years old, is it going to hurt you or your pocket to put some fresh fluid in there? I highly doubt it. Take it to Nissan and have them evac and fill with new. I vote for matienence and I'm surprised mister stickler for OEM had to ask this question. Could this be a troll thread? Me thinks so.

Thanks for your input! Let me ask, what is this "evac" you speak of? Whats the difference between me just popping the plug and pouring in new fluid? I have never been a mechanic so I am not sure what you mean. Perhaps you are referring to the left over fluid in the converter and clutch packs and pistons? I have assembled an automatic before and I know fluid hides all over the place.


I vote leave it. Unless you see something wrong. I had an auto trans fail right after service at least twice in my life, and I suspect the OP had too.

Yes! It's never happened to me personally, but I know it happens often, and that is exactly why this thread exists. I am on the fence about "dont touch it" and "service it". If there was no drain plug on the pan I would leave it for sure- but because of ease of access... I was considering it.

Maybe Ill drain and replace only half of the fluid :D

[jr_ss]

When you pull the plug you're only draining what is immediately in the pan. With the "evac" or aka flush you remove all the old fluid in the converter, cooler and valve body, etc. This way you have all new fluid, vs half new and half used. I'm sure you get the idea.

Thanks for your input! Let me ask, what is this "evac" you speak of? Whats the difference between me just popping the plug and pouring in new fluid? I have never been a mechanic so I am not sure what you mean. Perhaps you are referring to the left over fluid in the converter and clutch packs and pistons? I have assembled an automatic before and I know fluid hides all over the place.