How do I Change the Transmission Fluid on a 1997 Nissan Pickup Truck?
According to Nissan, the transmission fluid in its 1997 pickup trucks should be changed every two years or 30,000 miles. By performing this regular maintenance, you will keep your Nissan pickup running smoothly. If you neglect such maintenance, you're asking for trouble by way of a failed transmission. You should check the transmission fluid whenever you check the other fluid levels in your pickup. Changing the transmission fluid requires only a few tools and takes about an hour to complete.
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Things You'll Need
- Jack
- Jack stands
- 1/2-inch socket wrench
- Drain pan
- Phillips screwdriver
- Transmission filter
- Funnel
- Transmission fluid
Instructions
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1
Raise the Nissan pickup with a jack and support it with two jack stands. Slide under the vehicle to locate the transmission fluid pan. This is a large metal box surrounded by bolts located in the center of the vehicle, slightly toward the driver's side. Place a large drain pan underneath the transmission pan to catch the fluid as it drains out.
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2
Locate the drain bolt on the pipe in front of the transmission pan. Use a 1/2-inch socket wrench to loosen and remove the drain bolt. Wait 10 to 15 minutes until the fluid drains completely from the transmission.
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3
Remove the bolts surrounding the transmission pan except one. Let the fluid drain into the pan below. When it's finished, hold the pan with one hand and remove the final bolt. Tip the remaining fluid into the drain pan. Remove the rectangular filter from the transmission pan with a Phillips screwdriver. Wash the transmission pan and the bolt to remove residual fluid.
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4
Fasten a new filter on the transmission in place of the old one. Replace the transmission pan and the drain bolt. Raise the pickup above the jack stands. Remove the stands and lower the truck to the ground. Lift the hood and prop it open.
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5
Remove the transmission dipstick. Place a funnel in the dipstick tube and add three quarts of transmission fluid. Reinsert the dipstick. Close the hood.
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