What is the correct procedure for checking the MT fluid level? Hot or cold, running or not, etc. Not enough room in my glovebox for the owner's manual.

 

Park/jack the car so that it is level front/back & side to side, cold is fine and not running. Remove the upper (fill) plug and stick your finger inside. The fluid should be level with the fill hole so you should feel it if you stick your finger in the hole. If you can't feel it, add some until you can feel it. Or better yet, just plan on draining and replacing the fluid.

If you are going to replace the fluid, I'd drive it around for 15 min or so and warm up the fluid so it flows better when you drain it.

 

Sticky in the fluids forum

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=225766