Nissan put out a TSB (ITB11-036) which states the S-Matic fluid will get dark pretty quick (within a few thousand miles), so I'd guess everyone's fluid will look like that when changed.

 

kinda funny -tsb for fluid on a maintenance free tranny-

 

Problem solved.. They tech didnt fill it up all the way.

Kind of wondering what Software update they did few years ago.. i complained about harsh downshift.... but i asked if there is an update available but they said no.. i dont think he even checked..

 

I had the latest ITB 027d applied to my 7AT. It doesn't really revmatch downshift in regular D anymore. When it does, it's very light, and only at lower speeds, so there's no noticeable kick in the behind. It'll still downshift in DS mode, though I barely ever use DS mode.

The only issue I'm having with my 7AT is kind of a rubber banding. If I just switch gears, say from 2-3, and then give it a good chunk of gas, the RPM will jump up a tad without downshifting, and stay at the same RPM while my speed increases. It sometimes feels like a CVT. Doesn't happy if I apply normal pedal pressure throughout gears.

Weird.

 

Any fluid can be a "lifetime" fluid, just don't change it and when the tranny dies the fluid lasted it's lifetime. Lifetime fluids are mostly marketing hype and a way for the auto companies to save a few dollars while the vehicle is under warranty.
I have had or known of lots of auto trans cars lasting 200K plus miles without maintenance, but why risk it. I also know of a good many that received their first change at 100k and died shortly after.
Kudos to Flip for changing it early. Only step better would be to have changed the filter too.