V35 Auto - Slow Shift R-D & Identify Fluid Type

[GeeDog]

My 2003 V35 Coupe has a noticeable delay when shifting from Reverse to Drive - wait, wait, wait, ok I'm ready now:). It doesn't always do this, but often enough to be a pain. Is this "normal", or should I be worried? Shifting during normal driving seems fine.

Also is there an easy way to ID the trans fluid? The fluid in mine doesn't look burnt or dirty, nor does it smell burnt. It is a light brown / honey colour, not red as I would expect from "normal" (Dexron) trans fluid. I believe it was replaced around 4,000 km ago, but I don't really trust that. What colour is the Nissan Matic J fluid, and the Nulon Synthetic?

Thanks

[scotty nm35]

It's red of course, just like any trans fluid. It would be nearly impossible to ID what is currently in your sump but it can go brown quickly.

I wonder if the shift linkage needs adjustment, or the switch on the valve body... What state are you in?

[sonicii]

i thought it was red, but some fluids are a different colour.. the NS-2 fluid for the maxima CVT is yellow/brownish colour out of the bottle.

[GeeDog]

Scotty - I'm in SA. The fluid isn't a dark brown, more a light honey colour, almost clear. Looking at the colour I doubt that it was ever red. Are you saying that both the Nissan & Nulon fluids are red when new?

Edited October 5, 2012 by GeeDod

[scotty nm35]

As far as I know, I have never used the matic J, only the Nulon recently but every auto fluid on the shelf I have used was red. CVT would obviously be different.

I doubt the fluid is causing the delay into reverse, more likely something blocked in the valve body.