Parts for your 2006 Nissan Maxima-Transmission filter

2006 Nissan Maxima transmission filter: fitted and serviceable

Technical references confirm the 2006 Nissan Maxima (A34, 3.5 V6) with the RE5F22A 5‑speed automatic uses an internal transmission oil strainer (often called a transmission filter). The Nissan Factory Service Manual for the A34 (AT section) illustrates the oil pan, magnets and the oil strainer mounted beneath the valve body. Nissan’s FAST electronic parts catalogue lists the strainer assembly and pan gasket for this model, and Jatco service literature for the RE5F22A details the strainer’s role in protecting the pump, solenoids and valve body. So yes—this model does have a filter, and it’s serviced with the pan removed rather than being an external, spin‑on unit.

On a 2006 Maxima, the transmission filter’s job is to catch clutch material, metal fines and general debris so the hydraulic circuits, solenoids and the pump get clean fluid. It’s a fine metal mesh “strainer”, not a paper cartridge, so it’s robust but can still load up over time if the fluid is neglected or the transmission has been working hard in hot Aussie or Kiwi conditions.

Nissan’s factory maintenance schedules don’t mandate routine strainer replacement, it’s typically replaced if contamination is found or during overhaul. For sensible preventative care in Australia and New Zealand, many workshops recommend a drain‑and‑fill of the ATF every 60,000–80,000 km, and a pan‑off service with magnet clean and strainer inspection around the 100,000–120,000 km mark, or sooner if there are shift quality issues. If the pan’s already off and there’s noticeable debris, fitting a new strainer and pan gasket is cheap insurance.

During service, use the correct ATF: Nissan Matic S (or Matic J where specified by VIN), don’t mix fluid types. A routine drain typically takes about 4 litres, while a full refill is around 8–9 litres. Clean the pan and magnets thoroughly, keep lint and dirt well away, and torque the pan bolts evenly. After refilling, check level with the fluid hot, on level ground, cycling through all gears before rechecking.

Tell‑tale signs the strainer may be restricted include delayed engagement when selecting Drive/Reverse, flare shifts, slipping, or pump whine after longer drives. Any of these warrant a pan inspection and fresh fluid. Vehicles that tow, sit in traffic on hot days, or see hilly commutes will benefit from shorter intervals.

• Recommended practice: ATF drain‑and‑fill every 60,000–80,000 km
• Pan‑off inspection and magnet clean at 100,000–120,000 km, replace strainer if debris is present
• Use Nissan Matic S (or Matic J as specified), don’t overfill

Does a 2006 Nissan Maxima have a replaceable transmission filter?
Yes. It uses an internal oil strainer inside the transmission, accessible once the sump pan is removed. It’s not an external spin‑on canister. Most shops inspect or replace it during a pan‑off service if debris is found.

How often should the transmission filter be changed?
There’s no fixed interval in the factory schedule. In ANZ conditions, consider a pan‑off inspection around 100,000–120,000 km. Replace the strainer if there’s visible contamination or if you’re chasing shift problems. Keep up regular ATF drain‑and‑fills every 60,000–80,000 km.

What transmission fluid should be used, and how much is needed?
Use Nissan Matic S (or Matic J where specified for your VIN). A standard drain‑and‑fill is about 4 litres, a full refill is roughly 8–9 litres. Always set fluid level hot, on level ground, after cycling through the gears.