Automatic Transmission Servicing: Maintenance Nissan Altima L31

SERVICE INTERVALS

Inspect fluid level every 15,000 miles or 12 months. Change fluid as needed. Under severe operating conditions, change fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months.

CHECKING FLUID LEVELS

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. Before driving, fluid level can be checked at fluid temperatures of 86-122°F (30-50°C) using COLD range on dipstick as follows: Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake. Start engine and move gearshift lever through each gear position. Place gearshift lever in "P" position. Check fluid level with engine idling. Remove dipstick and note reading. If fluid level is at low side of either range, add fluid through fill pipe. Insert dipstick into fill pipe as far as it will go. Remove dipstick and note reading. If reading is at low side of range, add fluid through fill tube. See «RECOMMENDED FLUIDS»(ref-142978-S31275799562002082000000) . Do not overfill.
4. Drive vehicle for about 5 minutes in urban areas.
5. Re-check fluid level at fluid temperatures of 122-176°F (50-80°C) using HOT range on dipstick. Add fluid if necessary. See «RECOMMENDED FLUIDS»(ref-142978-S31275799562002082000000) .
6. Check fluid condition. If fluid is very dark or smells burned, See appropriate DIAGNOSIS article. Flush cooling system after repair of transaxle. If transmission fluid contains frictional material (clutches, bands, etc.), replace radiator and flush cooler line using cleaning solvent and compressed air after repair of transaxle.

RECOMMENDED FLUIDS

All models use Nissan Matic "D", Dexron-III/Mercon ATF or equivalent.

DRAINING & REFILLING

1. Warm transaxle to normal operating temperature. Remove drain plug, and allow fluid to drain. Reinstall drain plug. Tighten drain plug to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-142978-S12580468732002082000000) . Remove dipstick and add (same amount as drained) fluid through fill tube. See «RECOMMENDED FLUIDS»(ref-142978-S31275799562002082000000) .
2. Warm transaxle to normal operating temperature. Shift transaxle through all gears. Move gearshift lever to "P" position. Check fluid level. See «CHECKING FLUID LEVELS»(ref-142978-S14857996682002082000000) . Add fluid as necessary.

OIL COOLER FLUSHING

DO NOT flush transmission oil cooler. If friction material is detected, replace radiator after transaxle repair. Cooler lines must be flushed with cleaning solvent to remove any foreign material.