I know it is basic maintenance. However, when I bought my car I didn't receive a manual at all. Last night I only drained about 3 quarts of oil out of the pan, then later read that it takes 5 quarts of oil? Then saw an oil burning issue with 2005's. How can I tell if I'm burning oil? Because I see no signs of oil burning as of right now. Also, does the engine oil dual as transmission fluid? I noticed after the oil change my shifting was significantly smoother than before, it wasn't catching between 1st and 2nd gear. Any information would be great!

 

What did the dipstick show before the oil change? You should be draining about 5 quarts. I find for this engine that it is easiest to get an accurate reading after the car has been sitting overnight. Start checking the dipstick often and keep a log. Transmission fluid and engine oil are different types of fluid and completely separate.

 

^^^I agree w/ that guy. You should check your car in the morning before you start it up. That way all the oil sit at the bottom from over night. That is the best way to check your oil.

 

I usually lose a quart of oil during normal driving every 5K

no spark plug tube leak or anything.

 

question is.. is your car a 2005+ 6mt

 

Easy way to tell.

Do oil change, go drink a coffee while the oil drains for 10-15 mins. Change filter too

Fill with 5 quarts of oil

After 3000 miles, drain oil and pour into jugs....those 5 quart oil change jugs at autozone are great for this. Usually i save one from the 5 quarts i previously put in. Drain the oil into it and look on the side for measurement.

I burn about 3/4-1 quart per 3500 miles on my '06 with 5AT. According to the TSB...nissan considers this "normal". I however...don't.

And no, engine oil and trans oil are separate.

 

That was my question too, though by your first post I'm guessing it is. If it's an auto, it's not a revup and oil consumption doesn't come into play. Just check it regularly and top up if necessary. If MT, there's a sticky you can read up on to help you figure out what to do.

 

my 05 5AT is short about 1.25Q after 5k, i get about 3.5-3.7 out, figure the oil filter is holding on to .1-.2Q.

 

Good to know I'm not alone. Its been consistent though...which is a good thing

 

I have noticed the smoother shifting after oil changes on all my cars. IMO i believe its because of newer oil. All the things that make the oil black and dirty and broken down do to heat and things of that nature. Smoother shifting is normal.

Second thing the engine and the tranny are seperate but work together. So dirty old oil will def cause the engine to shift hard, not miss shift to totally different things. I had my engine rebuilt before on a different G but the timing was off and the car was not shifting properly felt like the tranny was slipping. I decided to take a chance and replace the engine (got engine for good $$) when the new engine went in it shifted perfect. So moral of the story completely seperate but works together!!!!!!

 

Unless you are running your engine oil 25k miles or something, it's not going to make a difference in how the engine runs or how your tranny shifts. The contaminants in the oil should not affect how the motor runs or trans shifts

 

I agree but after you do a oil change i always notice better shifts but its not a night and day thing. i notice cuz i drive my car all the time!

 

Mine is around .75 - 1qt every 2k

 

Ditto, especially when changing from used conventional oil after 5K miles to fresh synthetic.

 

+1. I'm not sure where these guys are getting this info