97 sentra transmission filter bolt not tightening!!! frustrating!!!!

I was changing my tranny fluid and filter last night and to my dissappointment when i went to tighten up one of the last bolts on the filter it will not tighten.(Don't suggest bolts in the wrong spot because i made sure they went back in the same holes and it is the longest bolt so it narows it down to that hole.) It is the one in the middle of the filter on the passengers side. It gets snug but just slips in. Won't tighten. Anyone got an idea? Thanks!!!

Oh yeah it is on the drivers side in the middle not the passenger. I was kinda twisted around under that little car.

The valve body should be removed, before changing
the filter. There is a nut on the bolt You are talking about, That can only installed by removing
the body. My first filter came with instructions
telling of the bolt. kinda sucks

Quirt wrote:

I was changing my tranny fluid and filter last night and to my dissappointment when i went to tighten up one of the last bolts on the filter it will not tighten.(Don't suggest bolts in the wrong spot because i made sure they went back in the same holes and it is the longest bolt so it narows it down to that hole.) It is the one in the middle of the filter on the passengers side. It gets snug but just slips in. Won't tighten. Anyone got an idea? Thanks!!!

I've got the same spinning bolt problem. Where did you get instructions for valve body remove/replacement? They weren't in my Fram filter box.

I just downloaded the complete Nissan shop manual from Tradebit and found instructions. Got wife's car back on the road, phew!!!

I've got the same problem with my 2004 sentra but coudn't get the instruccios you were talking about. Can you tell me how you got them?

Thank you so much MikeO.
I was also able to find the complete instruction explaining how to dissembly CONTROL VALVE ASSEMBLY. It wasn't that hard. Anyone who has the same Not tightening problem, you can find the instruction in "On-vehicle service" part of the Nissan factory service manual. 2003 Sentra. 2003 Altima is also fine. Hope this will be helpful.

i jus change my sista ones and it did the same thing its the long screw. would it mess the transmission up if i run it without puttn it on

tristan wrote:

i jus change my sista ones and it did the same thing its the long screw. would it mess the transmission up if i run it without puttn it on

How is your sister car running? I just left that bolt out when I changed my daughter's transmission filter and it seems to be doing well but I am worried it will ruin something.