How do I check the automatic transmission fluid level?

Park on a level surface with the parking brake set, start the engine and move the selector through each gear range ending in 'P', check the level with the engine idling, remove and clean the dipstick with lint-free paper, reinsert it fully, then remove it and read the level — HOT in the shaded area, COLD within the cutout portion.

What are the HOT and COLD temperature ranges for checking A/T fluid?

HOT is 50 to 80°C (122 to 176°F), reached after driving approximately 10 minutes; COLD is 30 to 50°C (86 to 122°F).

How much fluid does the automatic transmission hold?

Oil capacity with torque converter is 6.0 liters (6-3/8 US qt, 5-1/4 Imp qt).

What does dark or burned-smelling A/T fluid indicate?

If the fluid is very dark or smells burned, the frictional material (clutches, band, etc.) may need replacement.

What happens if the transmission fluid is overfilled or underfilled?

Overfilling may blow off the fluid or damage the transaxle; underfilling may cause the clutches to slip and finally damage them.

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Nissan Micra A/T Fluid Level Check, Condition & Change Procedure (MA-19)

Nissan automatic transaxle fluid level and condition check MA-19 with hot and cold dipstick ranges

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Chassis maintenance page for checking automatic transaxle fluid: HOT 50-80C and COLD 30-50C dipstick ranges, fluid-condition (burnt smell/color) check, and 6.0-liter A/T fluid capacity.

AI caption April 2005 · Photo 39 of 412

This is page MA-19 from the 'Chassis and Body Maintenance' section of a factory service manual, covering automatic transmission (A/T) fluid service. The 'Checking A/T Fluid Level' procedure explains that fluid can be checked at HOT temperatures [50-80°C (122-176°F)] after roughly 10 minutes of driving, or at COLD temperatures [30-50°C (86-122°F)]. Five steps are given: park on a level surface with parking brake set, run the engine through each gear ending in 'P', check level at idle, wipe the dipstick with lint-free paper and reinsert fully, then read the level against the hot (shaded) or cold (cutout) range shown in the dipstick diagram (SAT481). Warnings note that overfilling may blow off fluid or damage the transaxle, while underfilling may cause clutch slip and damage. 'Checking A/T Fluid Condition' advises inspecting fluid for contamination — very dark or burned-smelling fluid indicates possible frictional material (clutches, band) replacement — with illustrations SMA107. 'Changing A/T Fluid' begins with oil capacity with torque converter: 6.0 liters (6-3/8 US qt, 5-1/4 Imp qt), and an illustration (SMA503B) shows the drain plug location on the transmission pan. The page's mention of a 'transaxle' suggests a front-wheel-drive vehicle, consistent with the claimed Nissan Micra.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I check the automatic transmission fluid level?: Park on a level surface with the parking brake set, start the engine and move the selector through each gear range ending in 'P', check the level with the engine idling, remove and clean the dipstick with lint-free paper, reinsert it fully, then remove it and read the level — HOT in the shaded area, COLD within the cutout portion.
What are the HOT and COLD temperature ranges for checking A/T fluid?: HOT is 50 to 80°C (122 to 176°F), reached after driving approximately 10 minutes; COLD is 30 to 50°C (86 to 122°F).
How much fluid does the automatic transmission hold?: Oil capacity with torque converter is 6.0 liters (6-3/8 US qt, 5-1/4 Imp qt).
What does dark or burned-smelling A/T fluid indicate?: If the fluid is very dark or smells burned, the frictional material (clutches, band, etc.) may need replacement.
What happens if the transmission fluid is overfilled or underfilled?: Overfilling may blow off the fluid or damage the transaxle; underfilling may cause the clutches to slip and finally damage them.