Automatic Transmission: Maintenance Nissan Pathfinder III

Checking the A/T Fluid (ATF)

Scheme 156

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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: Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake. Start the engine and move the selector lever through each gear position. Shift the selector lever into the "P" position. Check the A/T fluid level with the engine idling. Remove the A/T fluid level gauge and wipe it clean with a lintfree paper. CAUTION: When wiping the A/T fluid from the A/T fluid level gauge, always use a lint-free paper, not a cloth. see scheme 3: Identifying ATF Fluid Level Mark 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. 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. 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. CAUTION: Do not overfill the transmission with A/T fluid. see scheme 4: Identifying A/T Fluid Level Gauge Install the A/T fluid level gauge and the A/T fluid level gauge bolt. A/T fluid level gauge bolt: Refer to " «COMPONENTS»(ref-272543-S29532662902007112100000) " for (2WD) or " «COMPONENTS»(ref-272543-S39343979192007112100000) " for (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-II to monitor the A/T fluid temperature as follows: see scheme 5: Identifying ATF Fluid Temperature Graph NOTE: The A/T fluid level will be significantly affected by the A/T fluid temperature as shown. Therefore monitor the A/T fluid temperature data using the CONSULT-II. Connect CONSULT-II to data link connector. Select "MAIN SIGNALS" in "DATA MONITOR" mode for "A/T" with CONSULT-II. 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. 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. see scheme 6: Identifying ATF Fluid Level Mark 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. see scheme 7: Identifying A/T Fluid Level Gauge
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 " «TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS FOR SYMPTOMS»(ref-272543-S08516757722007112100000) ". 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 " «COMPONENTS»(ref-272543-S29532662902007112100000) " for (2WD) or " «COMPONENTS»(ref-272543-S39343979192007112100000) " for (4WD).

Changing the A/T Fluid (ATF)

1. Drive the vehicle to warm up the A/T fluid to approximately 80°C (176°F).
2. Stop the engine.
3. Remove the A/T fluid level gauge.
4. Drain the A/T fluid from the drain plug hole, then install the drain plug with a new gasket. Refill the transmission with new A/T fluid. Always refill with the same volume as the drained A/T fluid. Use the A/T fluid level gauge to check the A/T fluid level as shown. Add A/T fluid as necessary. Drain plug: Refer to " «COMPONENTS»(ref-272543-S31367513172007112100000) ". see scheme 8: Identifying ATF Fluid Level Mark To flush out the old A/T fluid from the transmission oil coolers, pour new A/T fluid into the A/T fluid charging pipe with the engine idling and at the same time drain the old A/T fluid from the auxiliary transmission oil cooler hose return line. When the color of the A/T fluid coming out of the auxiliary transmission oil cooler hose return line is about the same as the color of the new A/T fluid, flushing out the old A/T fluid is complete. The amount of new A/T fluid used for flushing should be 30% to 50% of the specified capacity. A/T fluid grade and capacity: Refer to " «FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS»(ref-272544-S39817657192007112100000) ". CAUTION: Use only Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF and do not mix with other fluids. Using A/T fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is not covered by the warranty. When filling the transmission with A/T fluid, do not spill the A/T fluid on any heat generating parts such as the exhaust manifold. Do not reuse the drain plug gasket.
5. Install the A/T fluid level gauge and tighten the A/T fluid level gauge bolt to specification. A/T fluid level gauge bolt: Refer to " «COMPONENTS»(ref-272543-S29532662902007112100000) " for (2WD) or " «COMPONENTS»(ref-272543-S39343979192007112100000) " for (4WD).
6. Drive the vehicle to warm up the A/T fluid to approximately 80°C (176°F).
7. Check the fluid level and condition. If the A/T fluid is still dirty, repeat steps 2 through 6. see scheme 9: Identifying ATF Fluid Level Mark
8. Install the A/T fluid level gauge in the A/T fluid charging pipe and install the A/T fluid level gauge bolt.
9. Tighten the A/T fluid level gauge bolt to specification. A/T fluid level gauge bolt: Refer to " «COMPONENTS»(ref-272543-S29532662902007112100000) " for (2WD) or " «COMPONENTS»(ref-272543-S39343979192007112100000) " for (4WD).

A/T Fluid Cooler Cleaning

Whenever an A/T is repaired, overhauled, or replaced, the A/T fluid cooler mounted in the radiator must be inspected and cleaned.

Metal debris and friction material, if present, can become trapped in the A/T fluid cooler. This debris can contaminate the newly serviced A/T or, in severe cases, can block or restrict the flow of A/T fluid. In either case, malfunction of the newly serviced A/T may result.

Debris, if present, may build up as A/T fluid enters the cooler inlet. It will be necessary to back flush the cooler through the cooler outlet in order to flush out any built up debris.

Scheme 159

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1. Position a drain pan under the A/T inlet and outlet fluid cooler tube to cooler hose connection.
2. Put a different color matching mark on each cooler tube to cooler hose connection to aid in assembly. CAUTION: Use paint to make the matching mark. Do not damage the tubes or hose.
3. Disconnect the fluid cooler inlet and outlet rubber hoses from the steel cooler tubes. NOTE: Replace the cooler hoses if rubber material from the hose remains on the tube fitting. see scheme 10: A/T Fluid Cooler Cleaning Procedure
4. Drain any A/T fluid from the cooler hose.
5. Insert the extension adapter hose of a can of Transmission Cooler Cleaner (Nissan P/N 999MP-AM006) into the cooler outlet hose. CAUTION: Wear safety glasses and rubber gloves when spraying the Transmission Cooler Cleaner. Spray cooler cleaner only with adequate ventilation. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Do not breath vapors or spray mist. (Scheme 156): A/T Fluid Cooler Cleaning Procedure
6. Hold the hose and can as high as possible and spray Transmission Cooler Cleaner in a continuous stream into the cooler outlet hose until fluid flows out of the cooler inlet hose for 5 seconds.
7. Insert the tip of an air gun into the end of the cooler outlet hose. (Scheme 157): A/T Fluid Cooler Cleaning Procedure
8. Wrap a shop rag around the tip of the air gun and the cooler outlet hose.
9. Blow compressed air regulated to 5 - 9 kg/cm 2 (70 - 130 psi) through the cooler outlet hose for 10 seconds to force out any remaining fluid.
10. Repeat steps 5 through 9 three additional times.
11. Position an oil pan under the banjo bolts that connect the fluid cooler tubes to the A/T.
12. Remove the banjo bolts.
13. Flush each steel line from the cooler side back toward the A/T by spraying Transmission Cooler Cleaner in a continuous stream for 5 seconds.
14. Blow compressed air regulated to 5 - 9 kg/cm 2 (70 - 130 psi) through each steel line from the cooler side back toward the A/T for 10 seconds to force out any remaining fluid.
15. Ensure all debris is removed from the steel cooler lines.
16. Ensure all debris is removed from the banjo bolts and fittings.
17. Perform " «A/T FLUID COOLER DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURE»(ref-272543-S04107693422007112100000) ".

At Low Fluid Temperature

When the A/T fluid temperature drops below the prescribed temperature, in order to speed up the action of each friction element, the line pressure is set higher than the normal line pressure characteristic.

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Fluid Leakage and Fluid Level Check

1. Inspect for fluid leakage and check the fluid level. Refer to " «CHANGING THE A/T FLUID (ATF)»(ref-272543-S13248127532007112100000) ".

Fluid Condition Check

Inspect the fluid condition.

FLUID CONDITION CHART

Checking A/T Fluid. Scheme 163

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Scheme 166

1. Inspect the amount of engine oil. Replenish the engine oil if necessary.
2. Drive for about 10 minutes to warm up the vehicle so that the A/T fluid temperature is 50 to 80°C (122 to 176°F). Inspect the amount of ATF. Replenish if necessary. see scheme 58: Checking A/T Fluid And Engine Oil Levels
3. Securely engage the parking brake so that the tires do not turn. see scheme 59: Engaging Parking Brake
4. Engine start, apply foot brake, and place selector lever in "D" position. see scheme 60: Applying Foot Brake
5. While holding down the foot brake, gradually press down the accelerator pedal.
6. Quickly read off the stall speed, then quickly remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. CAUTION: Do not hold down the accelerator pedal for more than 5 seconds during this test. Stall speed: 2,200 - 2,500 rpm
7. Move the selector lever to the "N" position.
8. Cool down the ATF. CAUTION: Run the engine at idle for at least one minute.
9. Repeat steps 5 through 8 with selector lever in "3", "2", "1" and "R" positions.

A/T FLUID TEMPERATURE SENSOR 2

1. Remove A/T fluid temperature sensor 2. Refer to " «A/T FLUID TEMPERATURE SENSOR 2 REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-272543-S28335903072007112100000) ".
2. Check resistance between terminals. TEMPERATURE AND RESISTANCE CHART Name Terminal Temperature °C (°F) Resistance (Approx.) A/T fluid temperature sensor 2 1 - 2 0 (32) 10 kohms 20 (68) 4 kohms 80 (176) 0.5 kohms
3. If NG, replace the A/T fluid temperature sensor 2. Refer to " «A/T FLUID TEMPERATURE SENSOR 2 REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-272543-S28335903072007112100000) ".

A/T Fluid Temperature Sensor

A/T FLUID TEMPERATURE SENSOR SPECIFICATION