Will spare everyone the long story why, but recently had the Automatic Transmission Fluid drained and replaced. The morning after driving the Pathfinder home, I checked the ATF level with the dip stick. The Cold reading was way too high!

Drove to a place that had a ramp, for easy access underneath, about 20 minutes away. Therefore, the fluid was hot when I arrived. Drained out two quarts of fluid (figured it was better to drain out more, and then add back slowly, rather keep draining bit by bit).

Ended up putting back in just under one quart, before the level read proper on the Hot markings. So (I assumed) one quart too much had been poured in.

Tonight, I've been googling ATF overfilling and possible damage. I read on one site (not Nissan related) that the ATF level should be checked while the vehicle is running. I went out and did that a few minutes ago, and when I pulled out the dip stick, it WAS DRY! Turned off the Pathfinder, did another reading, and now red fluid is in the proper zone.

Would someone please clarify, on a Nissan Pathfinder, does one check the ATF level with the vehicle running, or turned off? Since the stick has a reading for Cold, I assumed the level was to be checked with the engine off....

Thanks in advance!!!

I think it tells you in the owners manual. I think it says drive around for about 5 minutes until the engine is warmed up (in the normal operating range) then park the car on a level surface and set the parking brake. Next, shift the selector lever through each gear and then ending at "P", check the fluid with the engine idling, take out the dipstick and it should be above the letters "HOT" but below the top mark on the stick.

Hope this helps