CVT fluids

[KlubMarcus]

The Castrol is popular here, but just keep in mind it is dyed RED like ATF in case you have a warranty claim.

Valvoline is amber, FYI.

You are right about that.

 

[5thgennissanaltima]

My CVT dipstick on '15 Altima is completely stuck close! I've tried different size flathead screwdrivers to pry open, and even tried accessing from bottom of dipstick but no luck. I don't want to use pliers because I'm concerned broken pieces will fall into the transmission. Is there anything I can try safely?

 

[factorytuned2012]

I had to press the release tab and give a tug with pliers I fought with mine for 20+ minutes. The rubber o-ring gets dry and swells. I’d suggest silicone grease on the o-ring to prevent it from happening again.

 

[5thgennissanaltima]

I have wd-40 silicone so might spray some on the o-ring if I can get the nozzle in there to loosen it. Thanks for the help.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I have wd-40 silicone so might spray some on the o-ring if I can get the nozzle in there to loosen it. Thanks for the help.

Yeah, the plug is stuck. Keep at it. Don't be afraid of carefully using pliers... I also put it back in 180* out.

 

[JTK]

I busted my knuckles removing the "locking" charge tube cap on three of my Nissans. All of them were stuck due to the O-ring being dry. Nothing worse than a dry O-ring.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I busted my knuckles removing the "locking" charge tube cap on three of my Nissans. All of them were stuck due to the O-ring being dry. Nothing worse than a dry O-ring.

So I ain't the only one...

 

[martinq]

So I ain't the only one...

I end up breaking the tab trying to get the dipstick out. Hasn't been a problem over the last four years so I wouldn't be too worried about it. Never had the stick come loose but you could always order a new one.

 

[thetricky]

Good data! I'm curious how some CVT fluid makers (Amsoil, Castrol, Valvoline, Idemitsu....) claim one fluid type they make can cover all requirements? Example Amsoil CVT fluid claims it covers both Nissan NS2 and NS3...

For what it’s worth I’ve been running Amsoil cvt for about 90k miles in my Subaru and it has been good stuff. I even have a black stone report from a splash and fill about 60k into using it that should it held up really well.