Parts for your 1998 Nissan Primera-Transmission filter

1998 Nissan Primera transmission filter — is it actually a thing?

Short answer: a conventional, serviceable transmission filter isn’t really a thing on a 1998 Nissan Primera. That’s based on Nissan’s own technical literature for the P11 (1998) range. The Factory Service Manual (FSM) shows three different transaxles for this model year: the 5‑speed manual, the 4‑speed Jatco automatic (RE4F03B), and, in some markets, Nissan’s early CVT (often referenced as RE0F06A/N‑CVT). None of these uses a replaceable, schedule‑service “filter” like you’d see on some other autos.

Here’s what the manuals and parts catalogues call out:

• Manual gearbox: no filter at all. It’s splash‑lubricated and relies on correct GL‑4 oil and a magnetic drain plug to catch wear particles. The FSM’s MT section lists no filter service item.
• RE4F03B 4‑speed auto: it has a fine‑mesh oil strainer inside the transmission pan, not a spin‑on or external filter. In the AT section, Nissan treats it as an internal part inspected when the pan is off, there’s no periodic replacement in the maintenance schedule.
• Early CVT (RE0F06A/N‑CVT): uses internal screens and, on some variants, an auxiliary cooler element, but again there’s no scheduled filter replacement in the CVT/TM section—only specified CVT fluid servicing.

So for anyone searching “1998 Nissan Primera transmission filter”, the practical takeaway is: there isn’t a routine filter to buy or swap at service time. What does matter is fluid and cleanliness. On the RE4F03B auto, a sensible bit of care during servicing is to drop the pan, clean magnets, check for debris, fit a new pan gasket, and only replace the internal strainer if it’s damaged or you’re seeing evidence of clutch material that warrants deeper work. For CVT cars, stick religiously to the correct Nissan CVT fluid spec for that generation (commonly NS‑1) and keep the cooler and lines clean and unkinked. Manual boxes just need the right GL‑4 oil at the recommended interval—no additives, no guessing.

Technical basis: Nissan Primera P11 Factory Service Manual (1998) Maintenance (MA), Manual Transmission (MT), Automatic Transaxle (AT — RE4F03B) “Oil Strainer”, and CVT/TM sections list no periodic filter replacement. Jatco documentation and aftermarket catalogues also describe the RE4F03B part as an internal “oil strainer”, not a service‑item filter.

• Does a 1998 Nissan Primera have a serviceable transmission filter?
  For most, no. Manuals have none. The RE4F03B auto uses an internal strainer inside the pan, and Nissan doesn’t schedule it for routine replacement. CVT variants don’t have a traditional, replaceable filter either.
• When would you replace the RE4F03B auto’s strainer?
  Usually only during a pan‑off service if it’s damaged, restricted with debris, or the transmission is being repaired or overhauled. Otherwise, focus on fresh ATF, a clean pan and magnets, and a new gasket.
• What fluid should a 1998 Primera use, and how often?
  Manuals: the correct GL‑4 gear oil at the interval in the FSM/owner’s handbook. RE4F03B autos: the specified Nissan ATF (or approved equivalent) with periodic drain‑and‑refill or pan service. CVT models: Nissan NS‑1 (period‑correct) and no filter change—just stick to fluid condition and interval.