[ratchet27]

Searching this topic you come up with really old information. Today I drained my auto trans fluid. I've done this for decades on all of my vehicles, e.g. all of our Foresters, my daughter's Corolla and my 2004 5.9L 4x4 Dakota for 10 years, until it rusted away in ole PA, to name a few! Sometimes I lock into an every 30 some K miles or sometimes every 25K. I have never had a trans issue just doing this. I can't recall ever draining less than what is normally reported by other owners. I don't recall what the Dak was but the Foresters have always been 3.5 quarts as is the Corolla. The Frontier is/was supposed to be 4.5q but I only got 3.5 out of it. I made sure the old and new fluid were the same temperature too. No evidence of leaking bye the way! I left it sit for an hour from the last time I ran it before I started the drain, so it wasn't real hot and I did not leave it drip for more than around 15 minutes but I cannot believe I'd have gained a whole quart! Naturally then I needed to check it, which brings me to my question.
Again, the threads are really old. I read that you are supposed to reverse the plug, i.e. the bracket on the plug that the hold down bolt goes thru should be 180° opposite of the mounting bracket when you check it. Is this correct? Nissan conveniently omits any information on how to check it.
I did end up replacing a total of 4 quarts, however, I could not justify putting that half quart in after checking the level. I will check it again tomorrow. Thank you!

 

[yesterdaysradios]

I did mine a couple of years ago and only got 4qts. out. Most report getting between 4-4.5 out doing a drain and fill. You should only put back the same amount you drained out. I did mine cold, don't know if that makes any difference in the amount that drains. I don't recall checking the level, since I put back the same amount that came out. The trans stick should have markings on it. Just read those and don't worry about inserting the stick a certain way. Pull it out and put it back in the same position.

 

[invasion08]

That's why I do the transmission flush, all the fluid gets replaced not only 4qts.

 

[CaptRussia253]

I did mine last summer and only got 3.5 quarts as well. I put 3.5 back in and checked the stick and it was right on.

 

[tumbleweed]

The difference in the amounts drained from different trucks may be due to how much fluid stays in the radiator and that could change from time to time. As to temperature as long as the fluid you put in is the same temperature as what is drained and measured it should end up at the same level.

 

[HeavyDuty]

This post from Skibane graphically shows how to check the fluid properly per the FSM, one side of the stick for hot and the other for cold.

Even 3mm of difference on the stick could render an improper level.

http://www.clubfrontier.org/forums/2694762-post9.html

 

[ratchet27]

This post from Skibane graphically shows how to check the fluid properly per the FSM, one side of the stick for hot and the other for cold.

Even 3mm of difference on the stick could render an improper level.

http://www.clubfrontier.org/forums/2694762-post9.html

Thank you for this HeavyDuty! I'd read it but I thought it was kind of strange. Strange enough that I figured it must be true!
What is interesting is the fact that hot, I was not getting the filled reading until I added the approximate half quart I had left (Actually have an unopened quart too.) after equalizing the fill with the drain. Of course, I'm not sure a measuring device hanging on a cable is exactly rocket science! Thanks again!