How to Refill Transmission Oil in a Nissan Sentra
by Grace Mclain
The transmission fluid in the Nissan Sentra keeps the internal parts lubricated and cool. After a period of time the transmission fluid breaks down and require changing. You can fill the transmission fluid on the Nissan Sentra in just a few minutes. The transmission fluid filling process remains the same for all Sentra models from 1982 to 1994, while all year models after 1994 require a different transmission fluid filling process.
Step 1
Jack the front end of the car up and put the jack stands behind each front tire; Sentras have a designated jack and jack stand area behind each front tire. Next, lower the car onto the jack stands. Inspect to ensure that the car sits evenly and securely on the jack stands.
Step 2
Climb under the car and locate the fill plug on the transmission. The transmission fill plug on Sentras built between 1982 and 1994 is located on the driver side of the transmission about 6 inches from the bottom. The fill plug has a 10mm bolt head. For Nissan Sentra models after 1994, you can add the transmission fluid through the transmission dipstick tube with a funnel.
Step 3
Loosen the fill plug with a ratchet and a 10mm socket. Turn the 10mm bolt head counterclockwise to loosen. Remove the plug from the transmission.
Step 4
Pop the hood of the car. Take the funnel and run the long plastic tube through the driver side engine compartment toward the transmission fill plug. Then crawl back under the car and put the plastic tube inside of the fill hole.
Step 5
Go back up to the front of the car. Start adding transmission fluid through the funnel until the transmission fluid runs out of the fill hole. Once the fluid runs out of the fill hole, the transmission is full. Sentras with an automatic transmission take Dexron-2 automatic transmission fluid, while Sentras with a manual transmission take 75-90 gear oil.
Step 6
Remove the plastic tube from the transmission fill hole. Screw the fill plug back in and tighten it down with the ratchet and 10mm socket. Crank the car and let the engine run for about three minutes. Shift the gears back and forth to get the fluid into all of the necessary areas of the transmission. Then turn the car off.
Step 7
Remove the transmission fill plug again. The fluid should reach the top of the fill hole. If not, add more transmission fluid until it runs out of the hole. Then screw the fill plug back in and tighten it down.
Step 8
Jack the car back up and remove the jack stands. Then jack the car back down.
References
- "Haynes Repair Manual: Transmission Drain and Fill: 1982-1994 Nissan Sentra;" John Haynes; 2000
Tips
- Nissan recommends drain and fill transmission services on all Nissan transmission.
- Fill transmissions on Nissan Sentras made after 1994 from the transmission dipstick tube on the top side of the engine.
Things You'll Need
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Ratchet
- 10mm Socket
- Funnel with long plastic tube
Warnings
- Always wear safety glasses when working around transmission fluid.
Writer Bio
Grace Mclain has been writing professionally since 1998. Her articles have appeared on eHow.com, Answerbag.com and LIVESTRONG.COM, and she specializes in automotive and business topics. McIain has a professional writing certificate from JB Hunt in Little Rock, Ark.
