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.
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Regarding the CVT fluid change interval
Nissan doesn’t do CVTs so well in ANY of its models, and the cars have a lot of issues with them, as you’ll probably discover. But they are quite inconsistent; some endure for ages while others quickly produce trans. If you need a belt, it’s new trans time; the belt is NOT something you can access.
Nissan probably recommends changing the fluid at 60K miles because many of them start to tear apart at that point. At half that distance or 30K miles, you could be well to change the fluid, but beware—not it’s inexpensive. Use Nissan fluid since the likelihood of problems is so great that you don’t want to skimp there.
There is therefore not much maintenance must be done.
BC2046
Your inquiry really got to me. Additionally, I disagree with Nissan’s approach to CVT maintenance.
The “Service and Maintenance Manual,” which is also in your glove compartment, should at least be mentioned because the Owners Manual is short on information. Although it is depicted on page MA-43 of the ACTUAL Shop / Service manual, the CVT dipstick is not placed in the tube.
According to page 13 of the service and maintenance manual: “Replace the fluid every 60,000 miles OR ask the dealer to use a Consult to look at the fluid deterioration data. Replace the CVT fluid if the deterioration data is greater than 210000.”
On pages 8–13 of the “Owners Manual,” it is stated that replacing or inspecting the CVT fluid “IS” necessary and that you should take your vehicle to a Nissan dealer for repair. There is no indication in the Owners Manual of WHEN that “May” be necessary. It doesn’t, even though it need to mention the Service and Maintenance Manual. Note that the instructions DOES mention engine oil maintenance. Nowhere in the Owners Manual is a CVT fill tube with or without a dipstick described or depicted. (The tube does in fact exist; it merely lacks a fill gauge.)
Conflicting part numbers and locations for the CHARGING PIPE are given in the Nissan Service Manual. See page TM-82, TM-210, or MA-43 of the service manual. Page MA-43 also depicts a CVT level gauge, but according to the Service Manual, there isn’t one installed. — The business has a gauge, according to a Nissan Service Manager, but I wasn’t shown one and wouldn’t rely on that information.
In my opinion, Nissan and other MFRs should have had a dipstick or gauge to help guard against owners overfilling or installing the incorrect CVT fluid. —- You have no way of knowing, however, “IF” your fluid level is low, so it’s possible that you won’t detect that tiny oil leak for years to come. You MUST DEFINITELY use the RIGHT fluid. The CVT fluid used in later Nissan vehicles is different from that used in earlier versions. To ensure that the right fluid is used, you MUST consult the owner’s manual for the model year of your car. Details, including temperatures for replacing the fluid, are provided on page 82 of Section “TM” of the Shop / Service Manual.
I am aware that I will need to replace MY CVT fluid at or before 60K (perhaps at around 40/50K). Although pricey, CVT insurance is, in my opinion, still inexpensive.
Do you really need to change the fluid in your CVT transmission?
Yes is the quickest response. A CVT requires periodic flushing of the transmission fluid in addition to routine maintenance, just like conventional automatic gearboxes.
How often should I change the fluid in my Nissan CVT?
How frequently does my Nissan need to exchange the CVT fluid? Around every 30,000 miles, Chapman Nissan advises changing the continuously variable gearbox fluid.
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. Never exceed the recommended service period for your car, but be aware that you might require maintenance earlier than you anticipate. This may be the case if you frequently travel under adverse conditions or in heavy traffic.
Don’t put off servicing your transmission fluid system. Putting it off could result in more damage or even the need to replace your transmission. Make an appointment with Downey Nissan right away! You can phone our service center to talk with a member of our staff directly or arrange an appointment online. We hope to gain your business in the future!
How can you tell when to replace your CVT fluid?
It’s time to change the transmission fluid if you experience difficulties shifting into gear, difficult shifts or thumps between ratios, slipping or jumping gears, a delay in acceleration, or weird noises like whining or grinding.
Nissan CVT transmission issues, what year?
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
How do you check the fluid level in a Nissan CVT?
To clean the dipstick, use a rag. Re-insert the dipstick into the fluid cavity after that. Removing it once more, check the level. You’ll need to add more transmission fluid if it’s below the “Full” marking.
What occurs if you don’t replace your transmission fluid?
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.
After 100,000 miles, should I change the gearbox fluid?
Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles automatically Most manufacturers advise changing your gearbox fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles if you drive a manual. The range can often be increased to 60,000 to 100,000 miles if you have an automatic. Making an early fluid change has no negative effects.
How long is the CVT fluid good for?
The CVT fluid will eventually need to be cleansed and replenished, however it can sometimes last up to 100,000 miles or more before it degrades.
How may a CVT transmission get damaged?
- When not stopped, shifting.
- Towing More Than Your Car Can Handle.
- Having a transmission fluid shortage.
- Making a Mistake in the Transmission Fluid.
- Not performing Transmission Service.
- Neglecting Transmission Issues
Is the Nissan CVT transmission subject to a recall?
Nissan North America and customers of certain Nissan cars with faulty continuously variable gearboxes have achieved a class action settlement (CVTs).
According to the most recent case, the Japanese carmaker purposely sold cars with faulty CVT transmissions. Nissan entered into a deal to address some accusations of defective transmissions in which it agreed to pay approximately $277 million. The 2022 Nissan CVT settlement covers the following Nissan models:
- 2018-present Nissan Rogue
- Nissan Pathfinder, from 2015 to 2018.
- Infiniti QX60, 2015–2018
In the most recent class action case against Nissan that was settled, it was claimed that a number of the automaker’s vehicles had defective CVTs. According to a number of drivers, their vehicles’ transmission and other lemon problems started in as low as 20,000 miles.
Three distinct class action lawsuits were resolved with Nissan North America in 2020. Similar allegations, namely that the manufacturer knowingly sold automobiles with defective CVT transmission systems, served as the basis for these lawsuits.
All three of the earlier claims, which involved the following Nissan vehicles, resulted in class action settlements.
- Versa 2012-2017 Nissan
- Nissan Versa Note, 2014–2017
- Nissan Sentra, from 2013 to 2017.
- Nissan Altima from 2013 to 2016.
- Nissan Juke, from 2013 to 2017.
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? You might also be wondering, “Do I have a car with a CVT?” — Or perhaps you’re even curious to know what a CVT is.
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. The fluid is also referred to by some manufacturers as a “lifetime” fluid. They are correct in that the transmission fails when the fluid fails. If the transmission is not properly maintained, the “lifetime” fluid may only last for 70,000 to 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.