I've never really understood our tranny dipstick. There isn't a cold marking like most of the cars I've seen. Only a hot marking and an etched mesh above it. Does anyone know where the tranny fluid level should be at exactly when the fluid is at operating temperature? A or B? And what is the point of the etched mesh?

 

Get a copy of the FSM - these things become a snap.

 

This is from the FSM, hope it helps,

 

Ill have to get this FSM lol thanks guys. My dipstick a little different than the one in Manual no? So the mesh is really for the hot level and the notches are for the reverse cold side?

 

The "cold" range is confusing, and Nissan should drop it. Why give the driver more information than he needs?

 

It doesn't look exactly the same, but functionally the markings still go. A few mm difference in level won't matter that much.

Yes. Actually, notches work the same on both sides

 

Technically, owners aren't supposed to be checking A/T fluid level anyway. That's why the dipstick is bolted close and there are no details in the Owners Manual on it.

 

Ah thanks Dave makes a bit more sense. I think maybe my dipstick looks different because I have an 05? Who knows. Thanks alot bro . And DavidV i agree eitherways to get the most accurate reading the tranny needs to be warm anyway

 

Normally you would use the Cold level when initially filling a transmission. Once you have sufficient fluid in it, then you can run it and drive it to heat it up then check the Hot level.