Reading CVT Dipstick

[TomNJ]

I just checked the transmission fluid level on my 2008 Nissan Altima CVT and find the reading confusing.

The dipstick has two notches on one edge, which I would normally associate with the high and low fluid levels, but it also has a cross-hatch box on one side which does not line up with the notches. The length of the cross-hatch box is the same as the distance between the two notches, only off-set. The box starts about 1/4" above the top notch and ends half way between the two notches.

My fluid reads just below the top notch, but at the bottom of the cross-hatch box. There are no words on the dipstick to help, like "add" or "low" or "full", and the owner's manual is no help either.

How should I interpret this reading - should I use the notches or the cross-hatch box?

Tom NJ

[ShadowAC]

im not sure but usually transmission is read while the car is on so i would think the hatched marks are for when the car is hot and running and the notches are for if the car is sitting and hasnt been driven... im not sure, just my thinking, maybe call up a dealer?

[TomNJ]

Thanks Shadow, that's exactly what someone else told me as well. Would have been nice if Nissan stated this on the dipstick or in the owner's manual.

TomNJ

[macgiver]

mac here,I went back to the dealer soon after purchase to get their take on this - that I noticed too after figuring out by Googling the unclipping and the "twist" aspect of that dipstick along with the ambiguous markings (anyone can go ask them of course at anytime) along with "engine running ? " prerequisite , and there's also I believe a kind of a narrow temperature range ( they measure with their "Consult" type equipment , a specific say 135 to 150 deg. - translates to a five minute warm-up or just when your temp gauge (if ya' got one) stabilizes at it's normal - settled reading , and not longer). So I believe everyone in questioning , should tap a "trusted" local dealer , doing what I did and if 'n you're a stickler , pick on two for verification, a second opinion !!

[amc49]

I would likely use the cross-hatched area and make sure the trans is hot at the check, engine running.