Has anyone used a universal fluid in their CVT?

[Nessism1]

Isn’t the oem fluid basically a universal fluid? I mean the oem didn’t blend it

The valve body and control computer are designed based on the characteristics of the OEM fluid. Deviate at your own risk, and don't be surprised if the trans shifts worse after using aftermarket fluid.

 

[Nessism1]

I respectfully disagree. Sure Nissan had some defective transmissions, but telling owners that the fluid was fine at higher mileage based off a consult scan didn’t help. I had an 09 fail at 95k (under ext warranty) and never serviced it because the dealership said my fluid was good. I lived and learned and have had no issues since. The replacement trans is well over 100k and my 18 rogues is approaching the same. I just serviced my soon to nieces 17 Altima with 150k and was never serviced and is going strong. Heat is a cvt fluid killer so swapping out 4qts every 20-30k is a wise decision, but won’t prevent a bad valve body or another internal failure. I’ve gotten to know my Nissan tech pretty well and he says that cvt warranty work is way down the last 5 yrs. We had an 09 Chrysler mini van that I couldn’t get away from fast enough after the replacement trans started slipping at 40k, so things happen. At least Nissan stepped up and owned it.

The transmission control unit logs high temperature events, which Consult can subsequently read. Heat is the main thing that kills transmission fluid. Regarding Nissan and their recommended fluid replacement interval, with most vehicles it's 60k miles, but some others say to just "inspect" the fluid (which means Consult). The fact that transmissions failures have dropped for Nissan in the last 5 years is evidence that the transmissions themselves have improved, since the servicing schedule has not changed much if at all.

 

[michaelluscher]

I put Valvoline CVT fluid in an '07 Sentra with a Jatco RE0F10A CVT

It didn't blow up yet

 

[02zx9r rev2]

The valve body and control computer are designed based on the characteristics of the OEM fluid. Deviate at your own risk, and don't be surprised if the trans shifts worse after using aftermarket fluid.

I’ve always had stick shifts up until my 17 accord sport with cvt. I’ve used Amsoil cvt fluid from 32K miles. Little under 90K miles on car now. Have done two drain and fills so far. Another one coming this spring.

Her 15 Altima cvt I changed over to Castrol transmax cvt around the 50K mile mark. Two d/f so far. Just over 105K miles on car. Both run fine

 

[martinq]

No way. I’ve used eneos and idemitsu and valvoline cvt in Nissans. I used lubegaurd last year in my rogue, which is pretty universal and my trans temps were about 10 degrees higher. I flushed it out and installed Nissan fluid and all is well. I don’t believe you necessarily need oem, but no way I’d use something that’s rated for anything other than a cvt.

I didn't see anyone recommending non-cvt rated fluid?

 

[martinq]

Nissan lost millions in warranty costs, loss of reputation, and sales, because their CVTs were failing so frequently. You are nuts if you think changing the maintenance schedule would have solved the problem.

This is exactly why you should take charge of your own maintenance.

The dealers have incentives that probably don't align with the user/owner. The mfg has incentives that don't necessarily align with either you OR the dealers. Keeping the transmission clean is easy, basic maintenance and should be done ASAP to prevent failure and gain lifespan of the transmission.

We already know that Nissans previous efforts in CVT mfg and maintenance were a complete failure that they would not own up to. At best I would only use their service recommendations as a rough guide towards inadequate maintenance and early failure.

 

[D1dad]

I didn't see anyone recommending non-cvt rated fluid?

Yeah, my bad. I should have said fluid that would also work in non cvts.

 

[martinq]

Yeah, my bad. I should have said fluid that would also work in non cvts.

Yeah, my bad. I should have said fluid that would also work in non cvts.

A CVT fluid is essentially the same as a typical AT fluid except for the belt/chain friction requirement. The components you will find in a typical AT you will also find in a CVT.

 

[ndarkside93]

Castrol transmax works fairly well in the Nissan cvts fwiw

 

[martinq]

Castrol transmax works fairly well in the Nissan cvts fwiw

Yep Transmax or Maxlife would both be good choices. I just picked up some Motomaster CVT fluid on clearance at Canadian Tire. Will be trying that out soon.