Offroad-Express

I just bought a safari, 1990 lwb auto. I'm not that experianced with autos, mine has done a few things to get me worried. It has usually preformed as it should(I think). But when it's cold it seems to change back and forth between top and overdrive. I've done the diagnostic thing that I found on here (thanks) and everything's alright. Is there anything else I should look at, a filter maybe? I've tried to check the fluid level but can't seem to get an accurate reading on the dipstick the oil is smeared about 2" above the hot line. Is this usually the case? Could overfilling be causing the problem?

How are you checking the fluid? Get the car up to temp, then put it from Park, thru reverse, N, D, 2,1 and back to park. Do this slowly so that the trans has time to change into the gear selected. Then turn off and check. Some of the Nissan autos suffered a dodgy valve that a $0.50 resistor from dick smith would fix. We used to do this quite often on Terranos esp.
Have you spoken to your local Nissan/Auto trans shop? They should be able to let you know pretty quickly.

It got pointed out to me by an Auto transmission place that you check the fluid of the auto when its going. So leave the engine going and then check it. Mine was the same about 2 inches above the mark when stopped and right on when going.

Mike

Auto Trans fluid doubles its volume when hot, theres is usually a cold and hot mark......if no mark then check when hot....

Thanks fallas, reading the dipstick while the egine is running made all the difference. It looked ok, I'll have another go tomorrow after I've driven to work and it's daylight.

If you don't know when the fluid was last changed then it's worth doing a filter and fluid change.

You would be suprised what a difference good fluid makes to a trans and how it shifts and performs.

Matt.

Not such a dumb question after all, goes to show, no such thing as a dumb question except maybe for the ones i ask

I always say there are no dumb questions, if you are afraid to ask questions for fear of others judging them everyone misses out

I for one learn a lot from this forum by reading peoples questions.

I’m not an auto fan but it's always handy to know this sort of stuff

Keep the questions coming I say

The only dumb question I have heard is "why didn't I ask earlier, before I broke something"
Luckily it wasn't asked out loud, it was just in my head

DaveM wrote:The only dumb question I have heard is "why didn't I ask earlier, before I broke something"
Luckily it wasn't asked out loud, it was just in my head

Nice one Dave, Just the Kiwi Male way

Old story about asking for directions and using the enclosed instructions.

Yeah Right

I would have to agree ... the only dumb question is the one that is not asked.
Especily on here when there is just so much info waiting for the question to be asked.