How to Check the Automatic Transmission Fluid in a 2006 Nissan Xterra
by Don BowmanThe Nissan Xterra made its debut in May of 1999 for the 2000 model year, and was marketed as a "no-frills" compact SUV. The 2006 Xterra is of the second generation that began with the 2005 model. Powered by a 4.0-liter V-6, it was available with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. Sediment or contamination in automatic transmission fluid is caused by wear in the transmission clutches. This is normal in any transmission, over a period of time. When the transmission fluid turns from a cherry red to a brownish color, the transmission should be flushed.
Step 1
Park the Xterra on level ground. Open the hood and locate the transmission dip stick, on the passenger side by the firewall. It is low and is partially obscured by the main wiring harness. Remove the 10 mm bolt securing the dipstick to the filler tube using a wrench.
Step 2
Lift the harness as necessary and extract the dip stick. Start the engine and allow it to warm up to normal operating temperature.
Step 3
Keep the engine running and insert the dipstick all the way and withdraw it.
Step 4
Fill the transmission as needed with either Nissan Matic "D," Castrol Import Multi-car Transmission Fluid or Amsoil. Look at the dipstick and fill accordingly. Once filled to the full line, sit in the truck and run it through all the gears. Place it back into park. Recheck the transmission fluid level.
Step 5
Insert the dipstick fully, lay the head over to align the hole to secure the dipstick and insert the 10 mm bolt and tighten it.
References
Tips
- Add small amounts of fluid at a time, to avoid overfilling.
- The Xterra holds 10 and 7/8 quarts of transmission fluid total. If a simple transmission fluid change is done by draining the transmission pan, it will drain 4.5 quarts and this is how much should be installed. There is a large 19 mm drain plug on the transmission pan for this purpose.
Things You'll Need
- 10 mm wrench
- Rag
Writer Bio
Don Bowman has been writing for various websites and several online magazines since 2008. He has owned an auto service facility since 1982 and has over 45 years of technical experience as a master ASE tech. Bowman has a business degree from Pennsylvania State University and was an officer in the U.S. Army (aircraft maintenance officer, pilot, six Air Medal awards, two tours Vietnam).
