2007 Nissan Altima 3.5 CVT dipstick question.

[00pathyse]

Hello, I'm looking for some info on the dipstick for 07 CVT with 3.5 v6. There is two notches about a half inch apart and then some hatch marks that overlap the higher notch and above. The hatch marks are also about a half inch. My understanding is that the hatch marks are used for checking CVT fluid hot and engine running. But what are the two notches below that used for? There is no mention of it in the Service manual. Thanks

[VStar650CL]

The notches are for cold measure, the hatches are for warm (both with engine running). "Warm" on an '09A is defined as 122~176F. With CVT's in general, "cold" should only be used as a "ballpark" check to make sure you're not seriously low.

[00pathyse]

Thanks for the reply! I just changed my fluid and with engine running cold, the level is below the bottom notch (just registering on the bottom of the dipstick) should I fill to the bottom notch then? Thanks again.

[VStar650CL]

No, when you're using the stick to gauge the exact fill level you should always do it warm. Cold measurements may or may not be accurate and shouldn't be relied on. If you want to quickly warm the transmission, put the car in gear, hold the brake, and raise the RPM to 1200~1500 for about 2 minutes. That's a low grade "torque converter stall" and will warm the fluid very quickly from hydraulic resistance in the converter. However, because only the converter and front pump are spinning, it's harmless to the belt and valve body.

[00pathyse]

Thanks very much for your advice. Much appreciated. I'll try that. Last summer, when checking the fluid when it was quite hot it looked like it was over the hatch marks. So when I changed it this time I put in about a quarter quart less to start with. Is there a specific area on the hatch marks (min or max) and running temp (122 or 176) that would be the sweet spot? As in should I check it at 122 and look for the min hatch marks? Or am I just being paranoid. Thanks.

[VStar650CL]

The main thing with all belt CVT's is not to overfill. Except for the Sentra/Versa tran-nies which are 2-speed bastardizations, none of Nissan's CVT's care about being under by as much as a quart. Being over by even a pint is an eventual death sentence. So while ideally you'd want the level exactly at the full mark when measured exactly at 176F, in practice that would be pretty OCD and completely unnecessary. Get it reasonably warm and put it someplace between the hashes.

[00pathyse]

Thank you sir, you are a gentleman and a scholar. Very much appreciated, have a great weekend.

[VStar650CL]

You too!