Nissan Matic D ATF = Dexron III?

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panabiker - 03 Aug 2009 00:52 GMT

I decide to replace the ATF for the first time on my 2002 Maxima and
went to a local Nissan dealer to buy some Matic D ATF as specified in
the service manual. The parts guy said he was out of the Matic D but I
could use any Dexron III and save some money. He said they use the
Dexron III when they are out of the Nisssan fluid. Is it true that
Matic D is no different than generic Dexron III? I want to be careful
because I made a mistake on my previous Acura by using Dexron III
rather than the Honda formulated ATF and the tranny never work the
same since.

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codifus - 19 Aug 2009 14:49 GMT

> I decide to replace the ATF for the first time on my 2002 Maxima and
> went to a local Nissan dealer to buy some Matic D ATF as specified in
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> rather than the Honda formulated ATF and the tranny never work the
> same since.

It's perfectly OK. I recently worked on a friend's Honda, and after
working on Nissans for several years I found it rather interesting
that most of the fluids specified for Honda/Acura cars are all Honda
made fluids with no generic equivalent. For example, there's a special
Honda manual tranny fluid, but the manual says you could substitute
10W40 motor oil only temporarily.

With Nissans, they recommend a Nissan fluid and also say you can
substitute a generic without worry of harm to longevity. Dexron III
can be used for the tranny fluid and power steering, Prestone green
for the coolant. Actually, given that replacing water pumps on Nissan
timing chain motors can be a bit expensive, you are best off sticking
with the Nissan coolant.

CD

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