So today I try to check my fluid level in my trans and when I pry that dipstick off the metal retaining clip flies off and goes into the engine bay.

I can now just take off my dipstick without a problem, just like my oil dipstick...should I be worried about this and the dipstick possibly "shooting up" or something? Also were should the fluid level be on the dipstick...where it says hot or on the bottom? I think I need some more though.

Not sure, but are there 2 different kinds of oils for the trannys in our Max, Matic D and Matic K?

Thanks guys
Dan

 

Different fluids for different trannys. My auto 5 uses Matic K

As for the dipstick...somebody enlighted me. In my previous car I had to put the car in neutral to read, with this car the guy told me to leave it parked. ????

 

Your supposed to leave your car's engine running in neutral or park unless the car's manual states otherwise which usually isnt the case.

Dan I hope thats what you did. You said it's low and that means there might be a leak or next time check your ATF the right way.

 

I think nissan recommends using matic D IIRC.

 

The clip on the A/T dipstick is because Nissan considers checking the A/T fluid to be a 'dealer-only' function. It is to be checked every 15,000 miles, and not replaced unless the fluid is discolored, smells burnt, or otherwise seems very dirty.

The 5 speed auto on the 6th gen uses a very special fluid, and it (or exact equivalent) must be used to maintain the 5 year powertrain warranty.

Per Nissan's specs, the first 'mandatory' replacement of the A/T fluid (asssuming it checks out OK at each 15K check) is at 105,000 miles, but most owners will change before then. I plan to change at 45K. I wouldn't recommend going past 60K without changing. Some ***** even change at 30K. If I drove hard or in tough conditions, I would change at 30K also.

As per the dipstick 'shooting up', I have had that happen in my diesel farm tractors, but not in a car. At least not so far. The clip is simply to denote that Nissan feels it is not necessary for the owner to be checking this. In most cases, they are correct. But we here on the ORG are an exception to everything.

 

That you are my dear friend and advisor! (an exception to everything)

Project, we checked ours, and that is a blast to do with those clips, isn't it?

 

lightontheholl- THANKS MUCH! ya, that does make sense about the "dealer only" thing, but come on now, we can do that ourselves d*** it! :jerkit:

swee-yes it was awesome getting that piece of s*** out! I had to use a key to do so and nearly dropped it into the bay!

thanks guys