Nissan Pathfinder (2008 year). Manual - part 605

TM-182

< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >

A/T FLUID

Changing the A/T Fluid (ATF)

INFOID:0000000001282726

CAUTION:

If using the vehicle for towing, the A/T fluid must be replaced as specified. Refer to 

MA-6, "Introduc-

tion of Periodic Maintenance"

.

1.

Drive the vehicle to warm up the A/T fluid to approximately 80

°

 C (176

°

 F).

2.

Stop the engine.

3.

Remove the A/T fluid level gauge.

4.

Drain the A/T fluid from the drain plug hole, then install the drain
plug with a new gasket. Refill the transmission with new A/T
fluid. Always refill with the same volume as the drained A/T fluid.
Use the A/T fluid level gauge to check the A/T fluid level as
shown. Add A/T fluid as necessary.

• To flush out the old A/T fluid from the transmission oil coolers, pour new A/T fluid into the A/T fluid charg-

ing pipe with the engine idling and at the same time drain the old A/T fluid from the auxiliary transmis-
sion oil cooler hose return line.

• When the color of the A/T fluid coming out of the auxiliary transmission oil cooler hose return line is

about the same as the color of the new A/T fluid, flushing out the old A/T fluid is complete. The amount
of new A/T fluid used for flushing should be 30% to 50% of the specified capacity.

CAUTION:

• Use only Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF and do not mix with other fluids.
• Using A/T fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF will cause deterioration in driveability

and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is
not covered by the warranty.

• When filling the transmission with A/T fluid, do not spill the A/T fluid on any heat generating

parts such as the exhaust manifold.

• Do not reuse the drain plug gasket.

5.

Install the A/T fluid level gauge and tighten the A/T fluid level gauge bolt to specification.

6.

Drive the vehicle to warm up the A/T fluid to approximately 80

°

 C (176

°

 F).

7.

Check the fluid level and condition. If the A/T fluid is still dirty,
repeat steps 2 through 6.

8.

Install the A/T fluid level gauge in the A/T fluid charging pipe and install the A/T fluid level gauge bolt.

9.

Tighten the A/T fluid level gauge bolt to specification.

Drain plug

: Refer to 

TM-197, "Removal and 

Installation"

.

LLIA0071E

A/T fluid grade and capacity

: Refer to 

MA-10, "Fluids and Lubricants"

.

A/T fluid level gauge bolt

: Refer to 

TM-224, "2WD : Exploded View"

  

(2WD) or 

TM-228, "4WD : Exploded View"

 

(4WD).

LLIA0071E

A/T FLUID

TM-183

< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >

C

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

A

B

TM

N

O

P

A/T Fluid Cooler Cleaning

INFOID:0000000001282727

Whenever an A/T is repaired, overhauled, or replaced, the A/T fluid cooler mounted in the radiator must be
inspected and cleaned.
Metal debris and friction material, if present, can become trapped in the A/T fluid cooler. This debris can con-
taminate the newly serviced A/T or, in severe cases, can block or restrict the flow of A/T fluid. In either case,
malfunction of the newly serviced A/T may result.
Debris, if present, may build up as A/T fluid enters the cooler inlet. It will be necessary to back flush the cooler
through the cooler outlet in order to flush out any built up debris.

A/T FLUID COOLER CLEANING PROCEDURE

1.

Position a drain pan under the A/T inlet and outlet fluid cooler tube to cooler hose connection.

2.

Put a different color matching mark on each cooler tube to cooler hose connection to aid in assembly.

CAUTION:

Use paint to make the matching mark. Do not damage the tubes or hose.

3.

Disconnect the fluid cooler inlet and outlet rubber hoses from the
steel cooler tubes.
NOTE:
Replace the cooler hoses if rubber material from the hose
remains on the tube fitting.

4.

Drain any A/T fluid from the cooler hose.

5.

Insert the extension adapter hose of a can of Transmission
Cooler Cleaner (Nissan P/N 999MP-AM006) into the cooler out-
let hose.

CAUTION:

• Wear safety glasses and rubber gloves when spraying the

Transmission Cooler Cleaner.

• Spray cooler cleaner only with adequate ventilation.
• Avoid contact with eyes and skin.
• Do not breath vapors or spray mist.

6.

Hold the hose and can as high as possible and spray Transmis-
sion Cooler Cleaner in a continuous stream into the cooler outlet
hose until fluid flows out of the cooler inlet hose for 5 seconds.

7.

Insert the tip of an air gun into the end of the cooler outlet hose.

8.

Wrap a shop rag around the tip of the air gun and the cooler out-
let hose.

9.

Blow compressed air regulated to 5 - 9 kg/cm

2

 (70 - 130 psi) through the cooler outlet hose for 10 seconds

to force out any remaining fluid.

A/T fluid level gauge bolt

: Refer to 

TM-224, "2WD : Exploded View"

  

(2WD) or 

TM-228, "4WD : Exploded View"

 

(4WD).

SCIA3830E

SCIA3831E

SCIA3832E

TM-184

< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >

A/T FLUID

10. Repeat steps 5 through 9 three additional times.

11. Position an oil pan under the banjo bolts that connect the fluid cooler tubes to the A/T.
12. Remove the banjo bolts.

13. Flush each steel line from the cooler side back toward the A/T by spraying Transmission Cooler Cleaner

in a continuous stream for 5 seconds.

14. Blow compressed air regulated to 5 - 9 kg/cm

2

 (70 - 130 psi) through each steel line from the cooler side

back toward the A/T for 10 seconds to force out any remaining fluid.

15. Ensure all debris is removed from the steel cooler lines.

16. Ensure all debris is removed from the banjo bolts and fittings.

17. Perform "A/T FLUID COOLER DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURE".

A/T FLUID COOLER DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURE

NOTE:
Insufficient cleaning of the cooler inlet hose exterior may lead to inaccurate debris identification.
1.

Position a drain pan under the A/T inlet and outlet fluid cooler tube to cooler hose connection.

2.

Clean the exterior and tip of the cooler inlet hose.

3.

Put a different color matching mark on each cooler tube to cooler hose connection to aid in assembly.

CAUTION:

Use paint to make the matching mark. Do not damage the tubes or hose.

4.

Disconnect the fluid cooler inlet and outlet rubber hoses from the
steel cooler tubes.
NOTE:
Replace the cooler hoses if rubber material from the hose
remains on the tube fitting.

5.

Insert the extension adapter hose of a can of Transmission
Cooler Cleaner (Nissan P/N 999MP-AM006) into the cooler out-
let hose.

CAUTION:

• Wear safety glasses and rubber gloves when spraying the

Transmission Cooler Cleaner.

• Spray cooler cleaner only with adequate ventilation.
• Avoid contact with eyes and skin.
• Do not breath vapors or spray mist.

6.

Hold the hose and can as high as possible and spray Transmis-
sion Cooler Cleaner in a continuous stream into the cooler outlet
hose until fluid flows out of the cooler inlet hose for 5 seconds.

7.

Tie a common white, basket-type coffee filter to the end of the
cooler inlet hose.

SCIA3830E

SCIA3831E

SCIA3833E

A/T FLUID

TM-185

< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >

C

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

A

B

TM

N

O

P

8.

Insert the tip of an air gun into the end of the cooler outlet hose.

9.

Wrap a shop rag around the air gun tip and end of cooler outlet
hose.

10. Blow compressed air regulated to 5 - 9 kg/cm

2

   (70 - 130 psi)

through the cooler outlet hose to force any remaining A/T fluid
into the coffee filter.

11. Remove the coffee filter from the end of the cooler inlet hose.
12. Perform A/T fluid cooler inspection. Refer to 

TM-180, "Checking

the A/T Fluid (ATF)"

.

A/T FLUID COOLER INSPECTION PROCEDURE

1.

Inspect the coffee filter for debris.

a.

If small metal debris less than 1mm (0.040 in) in size or metal
powder is found in the coffee filter, this is normal. If normal
debris is found, the A/T fluid cooler/radiator can be re-used and
the procedure is ended.

b.

If one or more pieces of debris are found that are over 1mm
(0.040 in) in size and/or peeled clutch facing material is found in
the coffee filter, the fluid cooler is not serviceable. The A/T fluid
cooler/radiator must be replaced and the inspection procedure is
ended. Refer to 

CO-16, "Removal and Installation"

  for

(VQ40DE) 

CO-43, "Removal and Installation"

 for (VK56DE).

A/T FLUID COOLER FINAL INSPECTION

After performing all procedures, ensure that all remaining oil is cleaned from all components.

SCIA3834E

SCIA2967E

SCIA5659E

TM-186

< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >

INSPECTIONS BEFORE TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS

INSPECTIONS BEFORE TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS

Fluid Condition Check

INFOID:0000000001713131

A/T FLUID CHECK

Fluid Leakage and Fluid Level Check 

• Inspect for fluid leakage and check the fluid level. Refer to 

TM-182, "Changing the A/T Fluid (ATF)"

.

Fluid Condition Check

Inspect the fluid condition.

Stall Test

INFOID:0000000001713133

STALL TEST

Stall Test Procedure

1.

Inspect the amount of engine oil. Replenish the engine oil if necessary.

2.

Drive for about 10 minutes to warm up the vehicle so that the A/
T fluid temperature is 50 to 80

°

C (122 to 176

°

F). Inspect the

amount of ATF. Replenish if necessary.

3.

Securely engage the parking brake so that the tires do not turn.

Fluid condition

Conceivable Cause

Required Operation

Varnished (viscous 
varnish state)

Clutch, brake 
scorched

Replace the ATF and check the A/T 
main unit and the vehicle for mal-
functions (wire harnesses, cooler 
pipes, etc.)

Milky white or 
cloudy

Water in the fluid

Replace the ATF and check for plac-
es where water is getting in.

Large amount of 
metal powder mixed 
in

Unusual wear of 
sliding parts within 
A/T

Replace the ATF and check for im-
proper operation of the A/T.

SAT638A

SAT647B

SCIA7463E

INSPECTIONS BEFORE TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS

TM-187

< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >

C

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

A

B

TM

N

O

P

4.

Engine start, apply foot brake, and place selector lever in “D”
position.

5.

While holding down the foot brake, gradually press down the
accelerator pedal.

6.

Quickly read off the stall speed, then quickly remove your foot
from the accelerator pedal.

CAUTION:

Do not hold down the accelerator pedal for more than 5 sec-
onds during this test.

7.

Move the selector lever to the “N” position.

8.

Cool down the ATF.

CAUTION:

Run the engine at idle for at least one minute.

9.

Repeat steps 5 through 8 with selector lever in “R” position.

Judgement of Stall Test

O: Stall speed within standard value position

H: Stall speed higher than standard value

L: Stall speed lower than standard value

Stall test standard value position

Line Pressure Test

INFOID:0000000001713134

LINE PRESSURE TEST

Line Pressure Test Port

Line Pressure Test Procedure

1.

Inspect the amount of engine oil and replenish if necessary.

Stall speed:

2,200 - 2,500 rpm

SAT514G

Selector lever position

Expected problem location

D

R

Stall rotation 

H

O

• Forward brake
• Forward one-way clutch
• 1st one-way clutch
• 3rd one-way clutch

O

H

• Reverse brake 

L

L

• Engine and torque converter one-way clutch

H

H

• Line pressure low

Does not shift-up D position 1 

→

 2

Slipping in 2nd, 3rd, 4th gears

Direct clutch slippage

Does not shift-up D position 2 

→

 3

Slipping in 3rd, 4th, 5th gears

High and low reverse clutch slippage

Does not shift-up D position 3 

→

 4

Slipping in 4th, 5th gears

Input clutch slippage

Does not shift-up D position 4 

→

 5

Slipping in 5th gear

Front brake slippage

SCIA2187E

TM-188

< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >

INSPECTIONS BEFORE TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS

2.

Drive the car for about 10 minutes to warm it up so that the ATF reaches in range of 50 to 80

°

C (122 to

176

°

F), then inspect the amount of ATF and replenish if necessary.

NOTE:
The automatic fluid temperature rises in range of 50 to 80

°

C (122 to 176

°

F) during 10 minutes of

driving.

3.

After warming up remove the oil pressure detection plug and
install the oil pressure gauge [ST2505S001(J-34301-C)].

CAUTION:

When using the oil pressure gauge, be sure to use the O-
ring attached to the oil pressure detection plug.

4.

Securely engage the parking brake so that the tires do not turn.

5.

Start the engine, then measure the line pressure at both idle and
the stall speed.

CAUTION:

• Keep the brake pedal pressed all the way down during

measurement.

•  When measuring the line pressure at the stall speed, refer

to "STALL TEST".

6.

After the measurements are complete, install the oil pressure
detection plug and tighten to the regulation torque below.

CAUTION:

•  Do not reuse the O-ring.
• Apply ATF to O-ring.

Line Pressure

Judgement of Line Pressure Test

SCIA5309E

SCIA7463E

:7.3 N·m (0.74 kg-m, 65 in-lb)

SAT493G

Engine speed

Line pressure [kPa (kg/cm

2

, psi)]

“R” position

“D” position

At idle speed

425-465 (4.3 - 4.7, 62 - 67)

379 - 428 (3.9 - 4.4, 55 - 62)

At stall speed

1,605 - 1,905 (16.4 - 19.9, 233 - 283)

1,310 - 1,500 (13.4 - 15.3, 190 - 218)

INSPECTIONS BEFORE TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS

TM-189

< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >

C

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

A

B

TM

N

O

P

Judgement Possible 

cause

Idle speed

Low for all positions 
(P, R, N, D)

Possible causes include malfunctions in the pressure supply system and low oil pump output.
For example
• Oil pump wear
• Pressure regulator valve or plug sticking or spring fatigue
• Oil strainer 

⇒

 oil pump 

⇒

 pressure regulator valve passage oil leak

• Engine idle speed too low

Only low for a spe-
cific position

Possible causes include an oil pressure leak in a passage or device related to the position after 
the pressure is distributed by the manual valve.

High

Possible causes include a sensor malfunction or malfunction in the line pressure adjustment func-
tion.
For example
• Accelerator pedal position signal malfunction
• ATF temperature sensor malfunction
• Line pressure solenoid malfunction (sticking in “OFF” state, filter clog, cut line)
• Pressure regulator valve or plug sticking

Stall speed

Oil pressure does 
not rise higher than 
the oil pressure for 
idle.

Possible causes include a sensor malfunction or malfunction in the pressure adjustment function.
For example
• Accelerator pedal position signal malfunction
• TCM breakdown
• Line pressure solenoid malfunction (shorting, sticking in“ ON” state)
• Pressure regulator valve or plug sticking
• Pilot valve sticking or pilot filter clogged

The pressure rises, 
but does not enter 
the standard posi-
tion.

Possible causes include malfunctions in the pressure supply system and malfunction in the pres-
sure adjustment function.
 For example
• Accelerator pedal position signal malfunction
• Line pressure solenoid malfunction (sticking, filter clog)
• Pressure regulator valve or plug sticking
• Pilot valve sticking or pilot filter clogged

Only low for a spe-
cific position

Possible causes include an oil pressure leak in a passage or device related to the position after 
the pressure is distributed by the manual valve.