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).
Severe service can be described as operation that generates extremely hot operating temperatures, such as frequent towing or heavy-hauling, hill-climbing, or operation in extremely hot weather. Nissan recommends changing the fluid at 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or two years (whichever comes first).
How Often Should CVT Fluid Be Changed? has a list of CVT fluid replacement schedules for additional auto manufacturers.
In This Article...
If your car is operating, do you check the CVT fluid?
Similar to the oil dipstick, the transmission fluid dipstick measures the amount of transmission fluid in your car as opposed to the oil dipstick which measures the amount of engine oil. Remember that a lot of transmission issues are brought on by low fluid levels. If the fluid level is low, there probably is a leak, which needs to be located and fixed straight away by a professional. Precautions should be taken to avoid overfilling the reservoir if you need to add more fluid. It is possible for transmission fluid to foam if it is overfilled, which will increase pressure inside the transmission and force fluid out of a vent or a seal. This can cause instability and slippage.
- Lift the hood once you’ve parked your automobile on a level surface.
- Leave your car in park as you turn it on, and let the engine to warm up for a few minutes. Heat causes transmission fluid to expand, thus it must be running normally to get correct results. When the engine is cold and the fluid is examined, you risk getting inaccurate reports that the fluid level is low. As you check the level, let the engine continue to run. Notably, Honda is the only manufacturer to advise stopping the engine before checking the level.
- Find the dipstick. It is conveniently labeled for access and can have a red, pink, or yellow-colored handle. It is frequently located close to the oil dipstick in front-wheel drive automobiles and close to the rear of the engine for rear-wheel drive engines.
- The dipstick should be removed, cleaned with a fresh rag, and then reinserted into the reservoir. To establish whether the fluid is “full” or “low,” remove the dipstick once more and look for the indicators on the stick. Close the hood and replace the dipstick if the fluid is full. Take your car as soon as possible to an auto center for a fill-up if the fluid level is low.
Has a 2018 Nissan Rogue has a dipstick for the transmission?
Locate the dipstick for the transmission, which is typically brightly colored and located behind the engine. While removing the dipstick, take care not to drop or spill any liquid. Like when checking the engine oil, wipe out the dipstick with a clean rag.
A gearbox dipstick is there on a 2015 Nissan Rogue?
It can be quite challenging to do because manual gearboxes frequently lack a dipstick to check your fluid levels.
What occurs if the transmission fluid level is low?
Your automobile won’t produce as much hydraulic pressure when your transmission fluid is low, which can cause gear slippage. A common symptom of gear slippage is improper acceleration. Your car may run at high RPMs while traveling slowly if your transmission fluid level is low.
How is a Nissan CVT transmission filled?
Warm up the CVT fluid by driving the car.
- Cut the overflow plug off.
- Incorporate the overflow plug hole with the charging pipe shut-off coupler.
- Connect the charging pipe with the CVT Fill Pump changer hose.
- Fill the CVT fluid to a level of around 0.5 liters (1/2 lmp qt) after opening the charging pipe shut-off valve.
How much does CVT fluid cost to replace?
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 durable are CVT transmissions?
The lifespan of a CVT transmission is the same as that of a conventional automatic transmission, and they are built to last the entire life of the car. The lifespan of a normal CVT is at least 100,000 kilometers. Some vehicles, like the Toyota Prius, frequently have a lifespan of far over 300,000 kilometers. Some brands, like other automotive parts, last longer than others when maintained properly.
How is the fluid in a Nissan CVT checked?
2. Check that the operating temperature of the CVT fluid is between 170 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit using a scan instrument (77C-82C).
3. Put the transmission in reverse and hold it there for five seconds.
4. Put the transmission in DRIVE and hold it there for five seconds.
5. Put the gearshift in reverse and wait five seconds.
Put the transmission in PARK position.
7. Place special tool J-52611 (CVT Charge Pipe Cap Release) where indicated in Figure 3.
NOTE: The tool seen in Figures 3 and 4 is identical to the one in Figure 2, albeit having a somewhat different appearance.
8. Squeeze the tool in the direction of the cap, then nudge the cap up (see Figure 3). While squeezing, the locking tab on the cap is released. In Figure 4, pay attention to the space between the cap and charge pipe.
9. Take away device J-52611 from the cap (see Figure 5).
10. Pull on the charging pipe cap to remove it. The CVT fluid level can now be checked using the tool CVT Oil Level Quick Check Gauge (J-51155). Tool J-51155 has a handle with two positions: red and blue (see Figure 6and 7). For the appropriate position for a specific vehicle, see Table A.
11. Place tool J-51155 into the pipe with the car in PARK and the engine running. Use the proper handle position, of course (refer to Table A and Figure 8).
What occurs if the transmission dipstick in your car is missing?
The company doesn’t anticipate checking the ATF level or condition because the transmission is sealed and doesn’t have a dipstick or a service interval, but there are procedures in place just in case. Special tools and techniques will be needed to examine and adjust ATF if you notice an ATF leak or encounter transmission issues.
Typically, this entails raising the car while keeping it level, running the engine and transmission until the ATF reaches a predetermined temperature range, setting the transmission up for the check with a scan tool, and then withdrawing the check plug until the ATF stops escaping. A pump with unique hose fittings is typically needed in order to add ATF through a particular port.
It is not advised to try to monitor or alter the ATF fluid level yourself if your car has a sealed transmission. A shop lift, specialized equipment, and rigorous protocol compliance are needed for the aforementioned process. At your nearby NAPA AutoCare Center, you can get your sealed transmission expertly serviced.
Visit NAPA Online to view the full selection of chemical products or visit one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare shops for regular servicing and repairs. Visit your neighborhood NAPA AUTO PARTS store to speak with a qualified specialist for more details about automatic transmission fluid.
Why does a dipstick not always come with automatic transmissions?
That is a great question. They decided against using dipsticks because they don’t want anyone but themselves and the dealership tampering with transmissions. That happened to certain autos a few decades ago. These contemporary autos make the process of changing the fluid an extremely time-consuming, complicated one from beginning to end. You must insert the unique adapters that they have. Some of them need scan computers to read the data and what’s within before they can update it. The “lifetime” fluid, according to several of these companies, is this new fluid.
The majority of modern synthetic fluids have a lengthy lifespan, yet all fluids eventually become soiled and degrade. If you have one that is particularly difficult to change, you are better off paying a mechanic to do it. I would recommend changing it at least every 80,000 to 100,000 miles.
Due of the extensive equipment required, certain cars would be too difficult for do-it-yourselfers. The skilled mechanics already possess that. Any trustworthy mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, may do a transmission fluid service for you if you just give them a call.