How do you check the level? I should do my mil's sentra
At what miles would you do a pan drop and install a new strainer/filter on a Nissan CVT?
- Thread starter sparky123
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If it was me, one pan drop to replace the filter but replace the fluid every 30-60K. 30K if it uses Uber or Doordash use, the most common use case of Nissans around here.
MolaKule
Staff member
On our Nissan 2015 PathFinder I have the fluid changed every six months and it is nearing 130,000 miles without a problem.
Dropping the pan to inspect and clean the magnets is critical in my experience. The magnets are your primary defense against belt wear and they loose effectiveness as they load up.
Clean them every year until they stay "clean", then extend your service to bi/tri annual.
Also, look into monitoring transmission fluid temperatures using the CVTz50 app with a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter like the Veepeak VP11. I've found we can start overheating the fluid on hour+ trips on ambient temperatures over 20C.
Clean them every year until they stay "clean", then extend your service to bi/tri annual.
Also, look into monitoring transmission fluid temperatures using the CVTz50 app with a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter like the Veepeak VP11. I've found we can start overheating the fluid on hour+ trips on ambient temperatures over 20C.
Some people would call that wasteful. I’m not those people. I don’t do it every 6 months but will do it every spring. Nissan re-tuned their cvts starting in 2024 to run hotter. Apparently they’ve decided that condensation was a factor in longevity and wanted to burn it off. Speaking to a seasoned high volume tech, he claims so far so good. I’ll still drain and fill every spring. He also stated that his shop has went to several a month to, one now and again in the last 5yrs.
What model year was that Altima?
Been always interested in Altimas.
Had a '14 which was great, comfortable and got a real 40mpg on the hiway even with normal driving, quicker driving netted 37/38 mpg hypermiling 44 mpg.
Years ago I had a '20 as a rental: got over 50mpg when I was driving it very gently in the desert, just to see what it could do.
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Which filter did you use? I used a beck arnley. And was one of the 4 10mm bolts a complete nightmare to get access too? I lost a 10mm socket somewhere on top of the transmission which later fell out months later during a drive. Scared me to death when it ricocheted off the undercarriage.
I did my 2018 which had probably had 10 drain and fills by 80k with a few doubles thrown in, and it looked nowhere near that. Was this a neglected cvt by chance. I wrestled with that marvel of engineering top bolt for an hour, only to be disappointed that it was in good shape.
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Nissan dealer filter. None of the standard auto part stores had one in stock. (there is a longer tangential story here trying to buy one but another time...)
That small bolt is a pain, all work is done blind and by touch only.
Picture is turned 90°
Zero maintenance provided to this car ever (not mine) front brake pad friction material gone too. How the CVT still works I don't know.
My nephews fiancées was the same. 150k and it was never touched on a 2017. When I pulled the cvt plug I thought I drained the oil. Still runs good to this day. Probes they’re a little tougher than some think!
2015. Dan put 100K on it in just shy of 7 years. Gave it to a needy family in December. It was dirty and needed CV axle work, but was otherwise fine. 190K on the clock. Serviced the oil and trans, and installed new brake components all around. I gave them $200 and told them to get the axle work done. The Mom was estatic. I'm sure they will get years of service out of that long running Altima.
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So glad I’m not alone with the frustration of that maintenance ordeal
I ordered this combo wrench set just in case there’s a next time. lol. Video I watched on this maintenance were What appeared to be Nissan mechanics in Japan and he used that L shaped socket.
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More important than changing the filter is cleaning the pan and magnets. Did you get the pan off?
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I spoke with at least three mechanics regarding this was told by two fleet mechanics not necessary they wouldn't recommend the third was a Nissan mechanic also said no just a fluid flush and external cooler filter is fine.
No. Car is an hour away. The goal was to get it back on the road (brake repair) for the owner who has no money. CVT oil change was bonus from me in time available. Used Rowe CVT NS3 fluid.
Good work and a lucky owner having you looking out for them.
... and now you know at least two/three technicians who are not looking out for the customer.
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