How Should Original ATF Look After 66k?

[The Critic]

I just serviced the automatic transmission on a 2005 Infiniti G35.

I am puzzled on whether this transmission had been serviced at the 30k service. All of the maintenance was previously done at the dealer, but I don't know if the "premium schedule" 30k service was performed.

Before the service, the fluid was the color of NEW engine oil. I drained the pan and refilled with about 3.8 quarts of Nissan Matic-S. The unit holds 11 quarts, so only 35% of the fluid was replaced.

Since the fluid was amber before I serviced the transmission (and is now light red), I think that the transmission had been serviced before. Also, the drain plug was barely tight, which I think may be a sign that the plug has been removed before. Original fluid after 66k on a hard-driven, performance sedan should have looked worse, right?

What do you guys think?

 

[unDummy]

UOA will give you the answer. Looks don't mean much until its too late.

 

[Whitewolf]

Why not give me a call.

Whitewolf

 

[K20FA5]

Not sure about the color thing. I checked the ATF in my Frontier (Matic S from the factory) the other day just for something to do LOL.

It was as clear as water. No dye in it at all? I asked around on the Nissan forums, and this seems to be the trend on the "newer" Nissans. I guess they want to know if you've touched the transmission? Heck, my dipstick is even bolted down.

 

[JDD]

Transmission fluid color tells only part of the story. Some types seem to have have lighter, less long lasting dyes than others. Other ATFs like Toyota Type IV/Mobil 3309 in most AW trans' turn gray relatively quickly. And Aisin transmissions are overall pretty reliable.