In 2003, Nissan released a crossover SUV bearing an unconventional body design and name, the Murano. The 2003 Murano had the ability to perform like an SUV while still having the comfort of a car or minivan. The 2003 Murano came standard with a new style of transmission for its time, a constantly variable transmission. The CVT used two pulleys that smoothly opened and closed, changing their diameter, to change the gear ratio instead of shifting gears. Checking the fluid in this new-age transmission in not much different than for a regular transmission.
Drive the Murano in regular stop-and-go traffic for about 10 minutes to warm up the transmission and fluid. Park the vehicle on a level surface, place the transmission in "Park" and open the Murano's hood.
Locate the transmission dipstick -- the black-handled dipstick on the driver's side of the engine compartment. Push the metal locking clamp holding the dipstick in place and pull the dipstick from the transmission dipstick tube.
Wipe the dipstick off with a clean, lint-free cloth. Turn the dipstick 180 degrees and insert it into the dipstick tube until the handle contacts the dipstick tube -- rotating the dipstick allows the tab to prevent the dipstick from seating fully.
Remove the dipstick again and check the fluid level on the transmission dipstick. If the level is between the "Min" and "Max" marks on the dipstick, the level is correct. If the fluid is below the "Min" mark, insert a funnel into the transmission tube and pour Nissan CVT fluid NS-2 in 1/4-quart increments -- check the fluid level after each 1/4 quart. Do not overfill.
Insert the transmission dipstick into the dipstick tube and rotate it so the tab on the dipstick lines up with the metal locking clamp on the dipstick tube. Press the dipstick into the tube until the metal locking tab clamp into place, securing the dipstick in the tube. Close the Murano's hood.
