Changing CVT Fluid - 2012 Jeep Patriot

[Nick1994]

My mom will soon be driving the 2012 Jeep Patriot. It has the 2.0L CVT w/ 60k miles. From my research, in order to replace the CVT fluid, the pan should be dropped, and the filter be changed. That's no problem.

The problem is, there is no dipstick. There is however a dipstick tube, and apparently the dealership uses a scan tool to check the fluid level.

Couldn't I just measure the amount of fluid that came out, and put that amount back in?

Many people also just use the engine oil dipstick, measure the level that is in there, make a scratch mark on the dipstick and fill to that level again. Couldn't I also do that as well? Assuming the vehicle was driven the same distance before and after to make sure the fluid would be the same temperature.

 

[6starprez]

Sure, go ahead. Over a year ago, I changed the CVT fluid with the same powertrain in my daughter's 2011 Dodge Caliber. I did a couple of drain and fills and used the oil dipstick to check. That was also around 60k miles. I'm sure she's over 75K by now.

 

[Robenstein]

If you change a trans filter, it will hold some extra fluid. So you will have to try to compensate for that.

 

[Nick1994]

I've also heard of it having a drain plug on the back, but it might not get it all out. Would it be worth it to just do a drain and refill a few times until 120k, and change the filter in maybe another 60k miles?

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Transmission dipsticks are rarely accurate, anyway. Just replace the same amount that came out.

 

[pbm]

My Chevy Cruze didn't have a dipstick so I just drained it, measured what came out, and replaced it...it ran perfectly.

The only thing I would recommend is to drain it cold ....this was recommended to me and it worked well....

 

[supton]

Probably can by the amount that came out. It assumes that it was properly filled to begin with, but with nothing else to go on, it is what it is.