Please help 2013 LEAF

[GerryAZ]

I wish I could post the photos because you would see how much metal sticks to the magnetic plugs under normal use. I will try again later.

[LeftieBiker]

Yes, it's normal for the first 5-10k miles or so, as the gears 'wear in' against each other. In fact, that's the main reason the magnetic plug is there - to catch the metal flakes from break-in.

[goldbrick]

I've never opened my Leaf's transmission but on other cars I've had, the magnet collected very small particles. The material was almost like a paste even though it could form into long shapes like the OP's picture. Wen rubbed between your fingers it was very fine. I still think any particles on the magnet large enough to be 'chunky' or felt with your fingers indicate there is a problem inside.

That said, of course the best approach is to change the fluid and see how it goes. It won't fail suddenly and even if it's making whining noises it could still run for quite a while, although if there are unusual noises that is another sign that something is wrong.

[GerryAZ]

I wish I could post my photos (maybe the problem will get resolved soon) because the photos of the plugs (both drain and fill) from my 2015 at about 60,000 miles look about the same as the OP's. I was finally able to look at the link the OP posted on my computer and compare my photos to those side by side on the high-resolution computer screen. Therefore, I again recommend a fluid change before expensive repair work that is probably not needed.

[LeftieBiker]

It's easy to use Imgur to post photos on the Web, but if you want to email them to me, I can add links in a separate post, or in one of your existing posts, tonight. Leftie<REMOVE THIS>biker@gmail.com.

[LeftieBiker]

Here are the photos that Gerry wanted you to see. I could have inserted the links into his post, but I really, really don't like to edit other people's posts - too much risk of changing or deleting them.

[alozzy]

Merlot, or Rose?

[GerryAZ]

Merlot, or Rose?

I needed some containers to clearly show the old vs. new and a package of inexpensive wine glasses were the cheapest I could find that day (did not want to use glasses from the kitchen). I admit, it did look like two glasses of wine sitting on the workbench. Thanks to LeftieBiker for posting them--as you can see, the drain plugs have similar amounts of metallic debris to the ones from the original poster's car.

[goldbrick]

The first job of any wine is to be red.

[GerryAZ]

Don't drink the wine!