2012 Nissan Pathfinder Transfer Case Fluid Change
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ส.ค. 2024
- After conducting some research on the required tools I decided to take on a Transfer Case fluid change in my 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. Overall the job was very easy and only requires about 40 minutes to complete. The cost savings when doing this job as a DIY project over taking it to a dealership for the work is also pretty reasonable.
Tools Required:
- Nissan Matic D ATF (3 L) - amzn.to/35LWMJs
- 2 x Washers (From Nissan Dealer)
- Hand pump - amzn.to/2IQZ8Oj
- 10 mm Hex bit or Allen key - amzn.to/35IZL5A
- Standard socket wrench - amzn.to/38U1DdM
- Torque wrench (preferred) - amzn.to/36V71uz
- High temp thread sealant (optional) - amzn.to/3lNpkrN
- 2 x Washers - From Nissan
- Oil Catch Pan - amzn.to/35H2PPG
- Vinyl mechanic gloves - amzn.to/3mgdZke
- Shop Towels - amzn.to/38SnX7D
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of DIYNorth, DIYNorth cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. DIYNorth assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. DIYNorth recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of DIYNorth, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not DIYNorth.
Good video. Well informed. I suggest leaving the fill plug in place but broken loose for it prevents the fluid from dripping down, then remove it when the fluid starts to drain from the lower drain plug.
Thanks for the recommendation and for watching.
Thanks! Was exactly the same for my 2015 xterra.
Glad it was beneficial.
Please keep posting R51 Nissan maintenance videos!
Will do. I think that I might sell the mazda in the spring and get something else, but Ill hold onto the pathfinder for another year.
@@DIYNorth Thank you. I've owned 2 of the R51s (2006 Off Road and 2011 Silver Edition). I know they're kind of an odd duck in the lineup of modern SUVs, but I love the look of them and the reliability.
Really well-made video. Thank you!
Thanks for the feed back and for checking out the video.
I did the same job plus my serpentine belt replacement, total cost 98.00 for material. No need for a mechanic anyone can do this. I saved 300.00 us dollars.
Solid savings. Enough to easily pay for all the required tools.
I believe that Nissan Matic D is use for transmission NOT for transfer case. I read the manual at page “capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants” and it says both differential gear oil and transfer case oil use the same Nissan Differential Oil Hypoid Super API GL-5 80w-90. Check again you might be put wrong oil in your transfer case!
On page 9-2 of the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder Owners manual it is indicated that "genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF is recommended" for the transfer case. It goes on to note on page 9-3 (amplification 6) that the use of any other fluid will void your new car warranty.
I also have a Haynes online subscription. That manual notes that 2012 and earlier models require NISSAN Matic D ATF for the transfer case. IF, and only IF you have a 2013 or later model, the Haynes manual indicates that you should use API GL 5 SAE 80 W 90. But my vehicle is 2012 and that is the only vehicle that concerns me. I agree that it is transmission fluid, but it isn't even the transmission fluid for this particular vehicle, which actually uses NISSAN Matic S.
Are you driving a 2005 - 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?
DIYNorth I am driving a 2012 Nissan Murano which requires to use API GL5 80W90 gear oil. It’s clear oil not reddish. Thank you for replying
@@tuoitreomaha9096 Yes, I'm not sure why they use ATF. I had to read the recommended fluids table a few times to ensure I was reading it correctly.
@@tuoitreomaha9096 I don't think the Murano has the same drivetrain unfortunately. Some transfer cases will require gear oil and others ATF. ATF is also used for power steering fluid in some applications. The service manual will lay it all out.
Hi, excuse me here you change the transfer case fluid with (matic D) and in other video you change the transmission fluid with (matic S)!?? Please what is the difference between both hydraulic fluid ( D & S) and why you use different hydraulic fluid for the transmission??
So from a Chemical composition stand point I don't know that the technical difference between the two fluids is. The answer to why I used one in the T-Case and one in the Transmission is simple though, the owners manual and the Haynes manual both told me that those are the fluids to use in each application. I wold recommend you go with the owners manual. If you can't get one of these fluids where you are, then a Nissan or Infinity Dealer in your local area could probably tell you what they use as a replacement fluid.
The drain plug faces the front of the vehicle?
Yes
Thanks for the video. I have a Nissan Navara D40 with somewhat similar transfer case I believe. It runs on Nissan matic D ATF, as what the manual says. Recently it developed a slight leak from the front output shaft seal. I have replaced the fluid with Nissan ATF and added some stop leak. Now the leak has stopped but I’m worried that it will come back. I wonder if I can use motor oil either 0w20 or 5w30 instead of ATF as motor oil is thicker and less likely to leak in the future.
I don't really recommend switching fluids around as it becomes a bit of a science experiment. Is there a reason that you don't just get the oil seal replaced or replace it yourself?
@@DIYNorth I don't think I have the ability to replace the seal myself so I went the stop leak way. I guess since it's stopped leaking, I wouldn't do anything to the seal for now.
I have a 2010 Nissan Pathfinder but it is Not 4WD
No need to do the Transfer Case then. One less thing to maintain.
Hello was the tranfer case flush done at the same time as your ATF flush and refill video? What would be the total qt needed.
For the ATF I used nissan matic S. I found that I needed 4 liters for each time I drained the ATF pan. I did it twice so I used 8 liters.
Then I used 3 liters of matic D for the T case.
Quarts and liters are close enough that those numbers can be interchanged.
@@DIYNorth perfect. Just sourced my materials. Will give it a go when all this here. Thank you for being so thorough!!
5:20 at the right hand side of the filled bolt, there is a cap looked like the filter. Do you think we should open it to clean up or change the filter? Thanks
No I don't think you should do that. I've never heard of the 2012 Pathfinder having a T Case fluid filter, but I encourage you to do your own research on the matter.
I just got a 2012 model but it has only 29000 miles on it. Would you recommend changing the transfer case and transmission fluids? I am pretty sure that the previous owner had not done these.
That's really low mileage for a 2012. I drive that much in a year. I would change them just based on the age of the fluid, obviously the mileage isn't the deciding factor here. At the same time I personally wouldn't be concerned with driving it around for a while if you can't get it done immediately.
@@DIYNorth Great. Thank you for the guidance! I think I can change it by myself after watching your video. Very informative.
I have same vehicle Nissan recomend SAE 80W-90 is that correct????
I don't know if SAE 80W-90 is an acceptable substitute for Nissan Matic D in the transfer case. I know that the 2013 and newer models take 80W-90 in the T-Case.
@@DIYNorth would u please send me the information the item number. I want get the same one as your please send the item number
@@DIYNorth would u please tell me the part number of your please thanks 🙏
@@oscarfunez100 999MP-AA100P
I'm having trouble finding my transfer case. It doesn't seem to be in the same location as the Pathfinder in your video. I have a 2012 Pathfinder 2WD and am questioning whether it actually has a transfer case. Any help?
The transfer case is designed to transfer engine power from the rear wheels to the front wheels. If you have a Rear Wheel Drive version of the Pathfinder it shouldn't have a T-Case.
@@DIYNorth Man, I've been driving myself crazy trying to find it haha it never made sense to me that my RWD would have one. Thanks for confirming my suspicion.
Me too i have nissan pathfinder 2012 S not 4 wheel drive model my question is thre is a T Case evenn2 wheel drive? I dont see on your vedeo that my pathfinder have T case?
Was it really necessary to replace the washer?
I try to stick as close to the manuals as possible. I have 100 percent done oil and transmission fluid changes and re used the crush washer and I've had no problems......is it good practice to use the old one again? No, it is not.
@@DIYNorth Thanks. No problem - I bought a box of crush washers when I did the transmission fluid change. I believe they'll work with the transfer case also. I have only 47,000 miles on my 2014 Xterra so I don't need to change the oil in the transfer case yet. I'll have to see what it looks like when I open the fill plug.
@@genericdude6551 I think the Tcase uses a different washer. The engine oil pan and the tranny are the same (copper). But the Tcase uses something else (silver in colour and different size)
Not sure if you vehicle is the same.
Hi did you change the gearbox oil???
I have not yet changed the transmission fluid, but it is on my list of things to do. I hope to get to that sometime in March.
Sorry for the questions but I am very new to my nissan pathfinder r51 amd have no idea what fluid oil change. But if you help me here will me much appreciated. Fluid oil change is it the oil from the gearbox??
@@tokiukamea2079 The recommended fluid for the Transfer Case is Nissan Matic-D Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). I'm not sure if any other ATF would work, but if you have a Nissan dealership in your area I would suggest just going there and getting their Matic-D ATF.
DIYNorth check your manual sir. Nissan manual recommends use Nissan Differential Oil Hypoid Super API GL-5 80w-90, which is gear oil not automatic transmission oil
DIYNorth I believe that the dealership who sold you the fluid is wrong. Please let me know if I’m wrong after you check your Nissan manual
3 liters or 3 quarts?
Liters, I'm in Canada. That said 1 Litre is 1.06 US Quarts so it's functionally the same. Buy 3 and you should be fine.
The transfer case is kind of a troll since it says 2.01 liters of fluid in my service manual. The good news is mine at least takes that Valvoline red jug universal stuff that isn't too expensive, and also I think that same stuff is usable in the power steering, but don't quote me.
@@thermobollocks lol....2.01 L is getting kind of precise when it comes to a diff oil.
@@DIYNorth I think someone in Japan was laughing when they wrote that
The transfer case with these cars are defective.
I haven't heard that before, and have had no issues with mine, but maybe.
@@DIYNorth look it up the jx Infinti an pathfinder are identical an have on going problems with the cvt an transfer case .
@@mephisto1025 For 2012 I think the Pathfinder is more closely related to the Infiniti QX 56. The 2012 is the final year of the traditional SUV version of the Pathfinder with a Body on Frame Design and no CVT. If you look on CarComplaints.com the 2012 has almost no complaints while the 2013 has lots and gets the "Clunker" rating. I have other complaints about the 2012, but the drive train isn't one of them.
@@DIYNorth ok ….fair enough