I need to spend $4000 on a CVT transmission rebuild for my Nissan Rogue, a reader writes. This automobile still has a $6000 balance. The mechanic claims that because I neglected to change the fluid, the transmission failed. How frequently should a CVT transmission have its oil changed?
Our response: Contrary to popular belief, CVT fluid needs to be changed much more frequently. The fluid replacement period for the majority of Nissan vehicles with CVT gearboxes is every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or two years (whichever comes first).
Nissan advises changing the fluid every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or two years for “heavy service operation” (whichever comes first). A severe service is one that generates extremely high operating temperatures. This can involve a lot of towing or heavy lugging, climbing hills, or working in extremely hot weather.
How Often Should CVT Fluid Be Changed? has a list of CVT fluid replacement schedules for additional auto manufacturers.
In This Article...
Nissan advises changing the gearbox fluid?
Depending on the type and model of your car, it is normally advised to get your transmission serviced every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. To find out the precise suggested service schedule for your Nissan, consult your owner’s manual. But bear in mind that this is only a recommended period of service.
Is a CVT fluid change required?
Yes is the quickest response. A CVT’s transmission fluid needs to be inspected, maintained, and occasionally flushed just like that of other automatic transmissions.
What occurs if CVT fluid is not changed?
When you change the fluid in a car, particles and debris are flushed away. These will continue to circulate in the transmission if you never empty the fluid. The transmission may not be harmed by them, but when the miles add up, they actually help the transmission shift correctly.
If you have an older vehicle that hasn’t had its transmission fluid changed as advised, you might want to give it another thought after the fluid gets old and the clutches start to wear out. It’s not a guarantee that changing it because it hasn’t been maintained, but it’s pretty typical that most shops will advise against it if it hasn’t been changed previously.
How much does Nissan’s CVT fluid replacement cost?
Unbelievably, a stepless, continuously variable transmission (CVT) was envisaged by Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century. A Dutch manufacturer later mass produced an automobile with a CVT in the 1950s. what about right now? Should you choose a CVT vehicle? or maybe you’re asking “Do I own a CVT-equipped vehicle? Or perhaps you’re even curious, “A CVT is what?
A CVT is a gearbox that may steplessly transition among an infinite number of gear ratios within a range of maximum and minimum values, according to Wikipedia. Other mechanical transmissions, on the other hand, provide a fixed number of gear ratios. The ability of CVTs to improve engine efficiency throughout a variety of speeds results in better fuel economy, which is one of the factors that make them appealing to automakers.
First of all, there is no excuse for not purchasing a vehicle with a CVT, and owners of such vehicles need not fear. The CVT needs to be properly maintained, which is the most crucial item to remember.
Many automakers create vehicles with CVTs, but they never instruct the consumer on how to maintain the CVT. You may observe that a transmission fluid change or service is not mentioned in many manufacturers’ service recommendations. Even some manufacturers claim the fluid is a “enduring fluid. They are correct in that the transmission fails when the fluid fails. The “If the gearbox is not properly maintained, lifetime fluid can last only as long as 70,000–80,000 miles. Thankfully, this kind of failure is easily avoidable.
The CVT is an extremely precise piece of equipment with a sophisticated electronic valve body. Replacement can cost between $4,000 and $7,000, although the CVT’s lifespan can be significantly increased by changing the fluid every 40,000 to 50,000 miles. The cost of a quart of the transmission fluid used in a CVT ranges from $15 to $30. Four to five quarts can fit in the transmission. Between $70 and $110 can be spent on the labor to change the fluid. If you sum it all up, you can avert a significant issue for anywhere from $120 to $260! I think $260 is a lot better than $4000.
Do you know which vehicles feature a CVT? Here is a link to a list of vehicles with a CVT, which is quite a lengthy list, however I can’t guarantee its accuracy.
How long is the CVT fluid good for?
The CVT fluid will eventually need to be cleaned and replaced, although it may last up to 100,000 miles or more before it needs to be changed.
How is a Nissan CVT transmission maintained?
efficient CVT operation
- Input the throttle steadily.
- Do not let your foot rest on the brake pedal.
- Avoid driving erratically.
- Prepare for any overtakes.
- Neutralize whenever you can.
- When leaving the line, be gentle.
- Get to know your CVT and engine.
- care and maintenance.
What is Nissan’s transmission flush price?
Cost of Nissan Transmission Depending on the car, a new Nissan transmission could cost over $3,500; however, less fancy transmission repairs, such fluid changes and transmission fluid flushes, can sometimes be had for less than $150.
How should a Nissan CVT transmission be maintained?
The CVT in your car needs routine maintenance, much like the engine. The majority of CVT-related long-term issues are related to improper fluid maintenance. Like traditional automatics, the CVT requires routine fluid replenishment to operate effectively.
CVT fluid is different from ATF.
ATF, or automatic transmission fluid, is used in conventional automatic gearboxes. In that it lowers or prevents friction while cooling the entire transmission unit, ATF performs similarly to synthetic engine oil.
The CVT fluid, however, is unique. Because chain-driven pulleys or rollers in a CVT require friction to operate properly, CVT fluid contains friction modifiers that maintain proper friction while shielding the component from excessive heat.
It’s not a good idea to mix different fluid types since if you use ATF, you risk ruining your CVT. If you accidentally pour CVT fluid into a regular automatic transmission, the same guideline still holds true. Check the owner’s manual if you want to be absolutely certain about the type of CVT fluid to use in your vehicle.
Replace the CVT fluid periodically.
Here’s another justification to refer to your CVT-equipped vehicle’s owner’s manual. Although every car is different, all need regular transmission fluid replacements. The required maintenance period can be found in the owner’s manual. Follow the manual’s instructions if it says to drain and refill the CVT fluid every 50,000 or 100,000 miles. Your CVT will last longer if you do routine fluid changes, and they will also ensure that it runs well on every drive.
Check the transmission dipstick.
The transmission also has a dipstick if the engine does. However, not every vehicle with a CVT has a transmission dipstick. Some vehicles (like some Subaru models) lack a dipstick, necessitating a trip to the mechanic in order to inspect the fluid. To find out if your car has a CVT dipstick and where it is in the engine bay, consult the owner’s manual.
The CVT dipstick makes it simple to determine whether the device has enough fluid. You can determine whether the fluid needs to be replaced using the dipstick. The majority of CVT fluids are reddish. Replace the fluid right away if the oil in the dipstick is dark brown, black, or smells burnt.
Avoid heavy towing.
Avoid towing large weights with your CVT-equipped vehicle unless you have a heavy-duty pickup truck. The transmission is subjected to undue strain when being towed, which could lead to an overheating situation.
Take it easy on the gas pedal.
Although certain sports cars use CVT transmissions (the Honda Civic RS Turbo, for example), the CVT is most frequently seen in inexpensive and fuel-efficient vehicles. Even while you can flog a CVT like a standard automatic, doing so will benefit you in the long term. In addition to saving more gasoline, you are also extending the CVT’s usable lifespan.
Should transmission fluid be changed after 100,000 miles?
Does the transmission fluid need to be changed? Yes is the clear-cut response. However, before this needs to be done, service intervals for new vehicles might be over 100,000 miles.
How much does a CVT transmission service cost?
A CVT transmission typically costs between $3500 and $8000 to repair. The cost of a CVT varies depending on the type and model of the car; Subaru CVTs are more expensive than Nissan and Honda CVTs. If a CVT needs repair, it will cost extra.
How can I tell if my transmission fluid needs to be changed?
Six indicators that your transmission fluid needs to be changed
- transmission fluid that is dirty.
- whining from the transmission.
- shifts slipping
- Cannot shift into reverse.
- slippage in the gears.
- running a hot engine.
- a grinding sound
CVT Transmission Trouble 101
Let’s start by discussing the CVT overview. Continuously Variable Transmission is what it stands for. Once activated, it operates similarly to a conventional automatic transmission, requiring no further intervention from the driver. But the CVT has no gears. It operates with a dual pulley system. A smoother transition between lower and higher speeds as well as improved fuel efficiency are the goals of this more recent transmission. Although this makes sense in theory, there have been some issues with Nissan applications. The problems were typically reported between 2012/2013 and 2018. When Nissan first started utilizing this transmission in 2003 and during the generation of CVTs from 2007 to 2012, there were a few issues. The Murano, Sentra, Altima, Rogue, Versa, and Versa Note are specific models.
Although anything might go wrong for any manufacturer, Nissan’s issue is most likely the result of overheating. Failure to adequately cool the transmission might hasten the deterioration of the transmission. Additionally, for these specific models, the automobile detects heat distress and lowers its RPMs to prevent damage, which naturally affects horsepower. Nissan’s extended warranty may be useful for a while if your vehicle is affected and/or recalled. Transmission coverage was extended for some vehicles from 5 years/60,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles. Nevertheless, the warranty will eventually expire, and you might discover that your car needs, which
Signs to Watch For
You don’t want to spend money on unneeded, expensive repairs if your automobile is in good condition. You also don’t want to disregard emerging problems because they can get worse quickly. How can you tell when it’s time to discuss your Nissan CVT with a qualified technician? A fluid leak can provide a hint. You might have to pay closer attention to see if this is happening. Contrary to the reddish hue of normal transmission fluid, CVT fluid is more translucent and has a slight golden or green tint. Other common symptoms include transmission slippage, a burning smell, power loss, or jerking. Bring your vehicle to Dave’s Ultimate Automotive if you observe them.