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Nissan Matic D ATF = Dexron III?

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.

Reply to
panabiker
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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

Reply to
codifus

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