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Checking Fluid Levels: Transmission

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Infiniti M45 and 2003 Infiniti M45. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: The transmission fluid level cannot be read accurately if the vehicle has been driven for an extended period at high speeds, or in city traffic in hot weather, or it is being used to pull a trailer. Wait about 30 minutes or until fluid has cooled down before checking fluid level.
  1. Warm up engine.
  2. Check for fluid leakage.
  3. Remove tightening bolt transmission fluid level gauge.
  4. Before driving, fluid level can be checked at fluid temperatures of 86-122°F (30-50°C) using COLD range on dipstick as follows:
    1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake.
    2. Start engine and move gearshift lever through each gear position. Place gearshift lever in "P" position.
    3. Check fluid level with engine idling.
    4. Remove dipstick and wipe clean with lint-free paper.
    5. Insert dipstick into fill pipe as far as it will go.
    6. Remove dipstick and note reading. If reading is at low side of range, add fluid through fill tube. See RECOMMENDED FLUIDS . Do not overfill.
  5. Drive vehicle for about 5 minutes in urban areas.
  6. Recheck fluid level at fluid temperature of approximately 149°F (65°C).
    NOTE: Fluid level will be greatly affected by temperature as shown in figure, see Fig 1. Therefore, be certain to perform operation while checking data with CONSULT-II as follows:
    1. Connect CONSULT-II to data link connector.
    2. Select "MAIN SIGNALS" in "DATA MONITOR" mode for "A/T" with CONSULT-II.
    3. Read out value of "ATF TEMP 1".
    Fig 1: Identifying Fluid Level Differences
    G00321787Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  7. Recheck fluid level at temperatures of approximately 149°F (65°C) using "HOT" range on dipstick.
  8. Check fluid condition. If fluid is very dark or smells burned, see appropriate DIAGNOSIS article. Flush cooling system after repair of transmission. If transmission fluid contains frictional material (clutches, bands, etc.), replace radiator and flush cooler line using cleaning solvent and compressed air after repair of transmission. See RADIATOR.
  9. Install removed transmission dipstick in fill pipe. Tighten dipstick retaining bolt to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
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