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A/T FLUID: Checking the A/T Fluid (ATF)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Nissan Armada. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION: If using the vehicle for towing, the A/T fluid must be replaced as specified. Refer to "FOR USA AND CANADA: INTRODUCTION OF PERIODIC MAINTENANCE " (United States and Canada), "FOR MEXICO: INTRODUCTION OF PERIODIC MAINTENANCE " (Mexico).
  1. Before driving, the A/T fluid level can be checked at A/T fluid temperatures of 30° to 50°C (86° to 122°F) using the "COLD" range on the A/T fluid level gauge as follows:
    1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake.
    2. Start the engine and move the shift selector through each gear position. Move the shift selector into the "P" position.
    3. Check the A/T fluid level with the engine idling.
    4. Remove the A/T fluid level gauge and wipe it clean with a lint-free paper.
      CAUTION: When wiping the A/T fluid from the A/T fluid level gauge, always use a lint-free paper, not a cloth.
      Fig 1: Identifying A/T Fluid Level
      G04896915Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    5. Re-insert the A/T fluid level gauge into the A/T fluid charging pipe until the cap contacts the top of the A/T fluid charging pipe as shown below.
      CAUTION: To check A/T fluid level, insert the A/T fluid level gauge until the cap contacts the top of the A/T fluid charging pipe, with the gauge reversed from the normal inserted position.
      Fig 2: Locating Cap Contact Of A/T Fluid Charging Pipe
      G04875797Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    6. Remove the A/T fluid level gauge and note the A/T fluid level. If the A/T fluid level is at low side of range, add A/T fluid to the transmission through the A/T fluid charging pipe.

      A/T fluid grade and capacity: Refer to  "FOR USA AND CANADA: FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS " (United States and Canada),  "FOR MEXICO: FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS " (Mexico). 

      CAUTION: Do not overfill the transmission with A/T fluid.
    7. Install the A/T fluid level gauge and the A/T fluid level gauge bolt.

      A/T fluid level gauge bolt: Refer to  "REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (2WD) " (2WD) or  "REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (4WD) " (4WD). 

  2. Warm up the engine and transmission.
  3. Check for any A/T fluid leaks.
  4. Drive the vehicle to increase the A/T fluid temperature to 80°C (176°F).
  5. Allow the A/T fluid temperature to fall to approximately 65°C (149°F). Use the CONSULT to monitor the A/T fluid temperature as follows:
    Fig 3: A/T Fluid Temperature Range Graph
    G04875796Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    NOTE: The A/T fluid level will be significantly affected by the A/T fluid temperature as shown below. Therefore monitor the A/T fluid temperature data using the CONSULT.
    1. Connect CONSULT to data link connector.
    2. Select "MAIN SIGNALS" in "DATA MONITOR" mode for "A/T" with CONSULT.
    3. Read out the value of "ATF TEMP 1".
  6. Re-check the A/T fluid level at A/T fluid temperatures of approximately 65°C (149°F) using the "HOT" range on the A/T fluid level gauge as shown below. The HOT range is between 50° - 80°C (122° - 176°F).
    CAUTION:
    • When wiping the A/T fluid from the A/T fluid level gauge, always use lint-free paper, not a cloth.
      Fig 4: Identifying A/T Fluid Level
      G04896915Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    • To check the A/T fluid level, insert the A/T fluid level gauge until the cap contacts the top of the A/T fluid charging pipe, with the gauge reversed from the normal inserted position as shown below.
      Fig 5: Locating Cap Contact Of A/T Fluid Charging Pipe
      G04875797Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  7. Check the A/T fluid condition.
    • If the A/T fluid is very dark or has some burned smell, there may be an internal problem with the transmission. Refer to "A/T FLUID COOLER CLEANING ". Flush the transmission cooling system after repairing the transmission.
    • If the A/T fluid contains frictional material (clutches, bands, etc.), replace the radiator and flush the transmission cooler lines using cleaning solvent and compressed air after repairing the transmission.
  8. Install the A/T fluid level gauge in the A/T fluid charging pipe.
  9. Tighten the A/T fluid level gauge bolt to specification.

    A/T fluid level gauge bolt: Refer to  "REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (2WD) " (2WD) or  "REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (4WD) " (4WD).