CVT tranny...Do manufacturers have us...

[charbaby]

...all running scared(so to speak)?
When it comes to changing the CVT fluid(or any modern auto transmission such as Toyota 8spd) in terms of

*No dipstick
*Long fluid change procedure
*Needing the fluid at some specific temperature or, monitoring the transmission temp
*Drain & Refill has to be some kind of special procedure or you'll mess up the transmission

I have seen Youtube videos on changing the CVT fluid on Honda Accords & Civics and Nissan Altimas & Sentras, where the owner just does a Drain & Refill. Basicly put back new fluid in the amount of old fluid that was drained from the pan. The owners are maintaining their own transmission and have done these CVT drains on several occasions and claiming NO HARM DONE!

Does anyone have opinions and/or experience in any of these CVT transmission in terms of their own maintenance(Drain/Refill)?

 

[FordBroncoVWJeta]

On the 15 CRV the change is stupidly simple. I've done it twice now. Honda made it easy. Probably even more easy than a traditional Automatic. There is a check bolt too, its almost like doing a manual transmission.

I just hope that the longevity is there.

 

[MRtv]

I have a Nissan Versa Note. I didn't know I would not be able to change my transmission fluid when I bought the car new. After owning it a while I was looking for the dip stick. Finding none I did a internet search for where it might be. That is when I found out I had to go back to the dealer. I will never buy another car with a sealed transmission. I feel I am being punished for the owners who can't be responsible enough to know basic things about maintaining their vehicle like we do here. How does a sealed system get any better care from irresponsible owners than one I can drain and fill to make my vehicle last longer by keeping fresh fluid in it? Now I am forced to go into the dealer and pay them for a job I have done regularly on my cars for decades.

 

[LotI]

Originally Posted by FordBroncoVWJeta
On the 15 CRV the change is stupidly simple. I've done it twice now. Honda made it easy. Probably even more easy than a traditional Automatic. There is a check bolt too, its almost like doing a manual transmission.

I just hope that the longevity is there.

My '14 Accord was easy, most likely because it's the same powertrain. I wish they would make the drain plug washer the same as the engine oil.

The Aisin in my '05 MINI was a little more involved but doable with the factory instructions. Drain old, reinstall "stand pipe"(for lack of a better term) refill and let the excess drain out when the transmission is in a temp range. All you need is a scan tool to access the transmission temp, I used my ScanGuage II.

My '17 Mazda was as easy as my Honda's but again I needed the correct X-guage for the SGII because it needed to be measured at 50C as stated in the instructions and stamped on the dipstick. Same crush washer as the engine which was a nice touch.

My '17 GTI with a manual is a bugger because VW stopped including a fill/level plug(like every manual transmission in the past!). There's a drain plug but no way to verify the fluid level.

 

[Sayjac]

Imo, here's the deal. The vehicle manufacturers that require the procedures you mention don't want the owners/customers doing diy CVT fluid change. Now having one such vehicle recently come into the family extended stable, done some research including several you tubes. For 'some' Nissan vehicles (Altima comes to mind) without dipstick, information seems to indicate it is possible to retro fit a Nissan dipstick into fill/charging tube, using earlier model same trans configuration with a dipstick. You should check out if that is applicable.

Following the procedure you note is necessary on newer models where a total redesign occurred. Current Rogue an example. Also based on that research, seems like using an infrared thermometer an option to a more expensive scanner. That also seen on several youtubes. Would add ymmv. Thankfully should be awhile before actual procedure a serious consideration. But yes, a much more involved procedure now.

Bottom line, to use common cliché, it is what it is.

 

[Kira]

Good to hear the ScanGuage ll is able to give you transmission temp. I own and use one and I do not recall seeing trans temp as a selection.

A listing of other scan tools which have this feature would help us.

Dirty slobs those car makers can be.

 

[Pelican]

I don't think it has anything to do with DIYs, but everything to do with the bottom line for the manufacturer and the dealer.
The manufacturer saves the money of the tube & dipstick and the dealer gets to charge for the service.

Word of caution for the DIY, make SURE that the fluid coming out and the one going in are at the SAME temperature.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I've serviced a 2013 Accord - easy as others have stated.

A 2015 Altima from Hertz with lotsa miles. Fluid was black. Used Valvoline ans replaced what I took out.
Hardest part was removing filler plug; darn thing was tricky and stuck. Use WD-40...
I serviced it again; fluid was better. Used a 2013 dip stick off ebay. Runs like new.

 

[Sayjac]

Originally Posted by JeffKeryk
I've serviced a 2013 Accord - easy as others have stated.

A 2015 Altima from Hertz with lotsa miles. Fluid was black. Used Valvoline ans replaced what I took out.
Hardest part was removing filler plug; darn thing was tricky and stuck. Use WD-40...
I serviced it again; fluid was better. Used a 2013 dip stick off ebay. Runs like new.

Yes, member Bottom Feeder has a couple good posts on diy Accord CVT fluid change. Very doable.

As for the 2015 Altima, cool to see it confirmed that an earlier year Altima OEM dipstick can work in newer Altima with none. Also, I've read the charging tube plug quite tricky/difficult to remove. I'm hoping someone will make a youtube on the technique for removing it without breaking it.

 

[FordBroncoVWJeta]

Originally Posted by LotI


My '17 GTI with a manual is a bugger because VW stopped including a fill/level plug(like every manual transmission in the past!). There's a drain plug but no way to verify the fluid level.

Are you sure? I would like to change the transmission fluid in my Jetta, like I did on the older one at some point. I hope thats not the case with mine.

 

[maxdustington]

Originally Posted by Char Baby
*No dipstick
*Long fluid change procedure
*Needing the fluid at some specific temperature or, monitoring the transmission temp
*Drain & Refill has to be some kind of special procedure or you'll mess up the transmission
Auto trans have been like that for years, my 03 has no dipstick and claims you have to monitor the fluid temp when you change it. If you do not run it through the gears before using the check plug for fluid level, it will be underfilled.

A measured drain and fill can defeat most of these anti-D&F measures manufacturers use.

 

[JTK]

Doing a CVT fluid drain/fill on my 2016 Nissan Quest is easier than an engine oil change. I've done it about 4x. No ramps or jacks needed. There is a tube with a removable cap up top for refilling, a drain plug and a level check plug. I always have to lookup the temperature range they recommend the fluid temp be at for level check, but it's basically a matter of having it normal ops temp, with the vehicle idling in park on a reasonably level surface. Fluid should just dribble out of the check plug and you're good.

I would assume that 2014 Nissan Versa posted about above is a similar procedure.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted by Sayjac

As for the 2015 Altima, cool to see it confirmed that an earlier year Altima OEM dipstick can work in newer Altima with none. Also, I've read the charging tube plug quite tricky/difficult to remove. I'm hoping someone will make a youtube on the technique for removing it without breaking it.



That was the hardest part to figure out on my 2016 Nissan Quest. With mine, it seems the o-ring was just stuck to the inside of the tube. I used some silicone grease on it and it slips on/off easily now.

 

[Rand]

drain and fill cold while on ramps with measuring will suffice for most.

If you take out 3.5qts at 60f and put in 3.5qt at 60f.... yep. it will be fine.. unless its something exotic.

 

[Dave1027]

Originally Posted by maxdustington
Originally Posted by Char Baby
*No dipstick
*Long fluid change procedure
*Needing the fluid at some specific temperature or, monitoring the transmission temp
*Drain & Refill has to be some kind of special procedure or you'll mess up the transmission
Auto trans have been like that for years, my 03 has no dipstick and claims you have to monitor the fluid temp when you change it. If you do not run it through the gears before using the check plug for fluid level, it will be underfilled.


+1 and also the procedure sounds worse than it is. Once you do it a couple of times you find it's actually no big deal. Just use your common sense.

 

[JTK]

Considering the fluid level check and add procedure of Toyota's conventional automatics with that plastic straw/riser up the drain port, these CVTs are a walk in the park.

 

[Kestas]

Originally Posted by Rand
drain and fill cold while on ramps with measuring will suffice for most.

If you take out 3.5qts at 60f and put in 3.5qt at 60f.... yep. it will be fine.. unless its something exotic.

Don't forget to account for clingage losses.

 

[tc1446]

If you drive your Honda to shop, they drain the hot CVT fluid, pour 4 quarts (presumably) of cold fluid back in, what is the problem?

 

[The Critic]

There are scanners in the < $400 range that will provide you with the fluid temp info. A good fluid dispenser will cost you about $125. This is the new norm, and the tools can be reused for many different makes. It is worth the investment.

I have posted a few threads on vehicles that I have done:

Subaru CVT:
https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/foru...rtronic-cvt-drain-and-refill#Post4926115

MB 722.9:
https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/foru...-9-transmission-service-tips#Post4595625

Honda CVT:
https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/foru...-overfilled-from-the-factory#Post4767508

 

[StevieC]

There are reliable CVT's, there are really unreliable CVT's. It's about choosing the right one and keeping the fluid clean. There is a user here that just did the 200K mile service on his Civic with 200K on it.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a newer Honda or Toyota with their CVT's.