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CVT Failure/Jiffy Jube

15939 Views 17 Replies 9 Participants Last post by  BluV3R18
Okay ....here is the story in a nutshell. A little over a year ago I had my 2008 Versa SL in Jiffy Lube for an oil change. Not really my first preferance but much more convenient than the dealer and I had alot going on at the time between work and a pregnant wife on bed rest. They informed me that Nissan recomends changing the CVT fluid at 60,000 and I had 62,000, would I like them to change it. I asked several times if it was Nissan approved and they assured me several times absolutely yes. Will it void my warranty? No, absolutely not. In a moment of weakness and convenience I said sure ,go ahead. Well, now about 30,00 miles later my CVT has failed and the service manager at Nissan is saying my warranty is void because I didnt use Nissan fluid. If anybody out there has any advice on how to proceed or any other thoughts, they would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Ron
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No advice here but bummer! Sorry to hear what happened to you. I understand at the time going to one of these places but if i don't go to the dealership (probably won't much any more) than i do my own service especially fluid changes. I've had my bike for over 4 years and never let the dealership (Yamaha) touch my bike. I've done lots of stuff to my bike and refuse to go to the dealership for even the easiest of jobs simply cuz i don't trust most of them. Most of these quick oil changing places have over zealous, incompetent idiots who really don't know what there doing. I've heard horror stories like them forgetting to tighten the drain plug, or putting the wrong oil, fluid in. Then when something happens they usually deny causing the problem. I've checked junk yards online such as www.car-parts.com/ for transmissions and craig's list and they are pretty cheap considering. If you can get an honest shop you trust or friend you can change out your transmission in usually a day. Good luck and sorry to hear this.
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Wow, sorry to hear this happened. I only take my Versa to the dealer for oil changes. Everything else I have learned how to do at home. I have very little mileage on my car, so nothing major has had to be done yet.

My dad took his old minivan to a quick oil change place, $20. They ended up wrecking his glove box because they took out his in cabin filter in an effort to make a quick buck. He said he didn't want it changed, they put it back in, but in the meantime, broke the glove box. It's one reason why I avoid those cheap places.

How much did they say it would cost you to fix? What exactly needs to be replaced? Can you find the parts elsewhere and do it yourself? Or have a reliable mechanic help you out?
IMO, the issue should not be whether Nissan's name is on the tranny fluid, but rather if the CVT requires a higher spec tranny fluid, for example Mercon V synthetic fluid. If Jif Lube used the proper spec oil, and is properly documented, then somebody may be trying to weasel out of a new CVT. If Jiffy used an improper [lower] spec oil, then Jiffy erred.
Do you have your receipt from Jiffy lube? if so maybe have something in writing from Nissan about the wrong fluid they put in nullifying your warranty and bring that to Jiffy Lube and see if they will correct the problem and possibly fix your transmission. If the place won't do anything about it get their corporate phone number and/or address, email and go higher up. Sometimes the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Worth a try.
I can afford to bring the V into Nissan. Not such the case in prior years. With other cars. It's nice to have reciepts from Nissan Service. Keep them all, they'll help you sell the car later on.:woot:
This all just happened so I havent had a chance to locate the original receipt. I think it is in the car which is at the nissan dealer. I stopped by Jiffy Lube to get a copy but all I could get was the vehicle report. i havent said anything to Jiffy yet, still trying figure out what Im going to do. the report I got just says signature service. Drain and fill tranny. I asked again today whether the fluid they use is approved by Nissan and they assured me it is. Wolfs Head synthetic CVT fluid. I cant decide whether Nissan is trying to weasle out of warranty or if Jiffy is just flat out lying. $3,300 parts and labor to change out the CVT. I dont have a copy of the warranty handy, does anyone know if it specifies Nissan CVT fluid or Nissan approved? It would seem to me that Jiffy Lube would be up to their asses in lawsuits if every Nissan CVT they serviced failed 30,000 miles later.
The CVT also had the warranty extended. Here's the CVT info for US owners.

Found this info online at Nissan:

CVT Program Details
Dear Nissan Owner:
On behalf of everyone at Nissan, we would like to thank you for choosing to drive a Nissan. One of the many technologically-advanced features of your vehicle is the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), an innovative transmission that offers smooth, seamless shifting, while tailoring the vehicle's output to your driving style.
While Nissan is proud to offer this technology on many of our models, a small percentage of owners of early models equipped with CVTs have expressed concerns about the cost of repair of their transmissions after the warranty expires. We take these comments about the cost of vehicle ownership seriously. We strive to provide an exceptional ownership experience and are implementing a thorough Customer Satisfaction Program to address this topic.
First, to provide you with additional assurance regarding your overall cost of ownership we have doubled the warranty period for the Continuously Variable Transmission in your Nissan. The existing powertrain warranty coverage of 5 years/60,000 miles will be extended at no cost to you, for CVT repairs, replacements or related towing, to 10 years/120,000 miles, whichever comes first.
This extension is effective immediately and requires no action on your part. The remainder of your powertrain warranty coverage for components other than the transmission remains unchanged, at 5 years/60,000 miles, and your basic warranty coverage also remains unchanged. All other warranty terms, limitations and conditions otherwise apply. This extended transmission warranty is also fully transferable to future owners of your vehicle.
Second, Nissan will reimburse customers who have previously paid to repair or replace their CVT, if the repairs would have been covered within the new extended warranty period. Even if you no longer own your Nissan we will reimburse you for past CVT repairs that would have been covered under this extension of the warranty.
Further, in the unlikely event that your vehicle's transmission should need repair beyond the extended warranty period we are working to decrease the cost of repair and have already reduced the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of a replacement CVT. In addition, we continuously strive to enhance our products, and have made ongoing improvements to our CVTs over the years.
Nissan is taking these actions to demonstrate our confidence in the CVT technology and to show our commitment to stand behind our products.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
The extended warranty coverage for CVT repair or replacement is effective immediately.
If you seek coverage for a repair under this extended warranty you will need to bring your vehicle to an authorized Nissan dealer. The factory-trained technical staff at the Nissan dealer will have the diagnostic tools and knowledge to provide you with the appropriate service and submit your warranty claim. If you have additional questions regarding this program, contact Nissan Consumer Affairs at 800-647-7261 for assistance.
At Nissan we and our dealers work daily to deliver an outstanding ownership experience that will earn your confidence and trust. We are committed to doing the right thing for our customers and look forward to a long relationship that you find satisfying and rewarding. Thank you for choosing Nissan.
Sincerely,
Kevin Martin
Vice President Total Customer Satisfaction

This Consumer Reimbursement Program ended on 07/31/2010. For questions or concerns please contact Nissan Consumer Affairs at 1800NISSAN1 (1-800-647-7261).
They do provide a phone number. I'd give them a call. For all the info regarding the CVT warranty visit here: NissanAssist.com

And they provide info on the fluid!

http://www.nissanassist.com/web/documents/NPSB_09_059_FINAL.pdf
Wow, thank you very much . I will check those sights out. Yeah I think my next step is to call Nissan.and see where they stand on this. All I have so far is the service manager at the dealership.
Wow, thank you very much . I will check those sights out. Yeah I think my next step is to call Nissan.and see where they stand on this. All I have so far is the service manager at the dealership.
Yep ... First find out exactly what fluid they used. Then go from there. Keep us posted on what happens.
Im sorry for what happened. But I would have the service manager sign his name on a paper stating that the CVT fluid that they changed is ok with Nissan. If he refuses to sign it, then go to corp. After finding out the info from jiffy, contact nissan corp. and explain the problem, and how you have proof stating that it is ok in Nissan CVT. If neither one agrees to fix it, well you can get a tranny from a junkyard or ebay and have it shipped to a tranny place, or go to court. Most likely if jiffy says there fluid is ok, Nissan will have NO CHOICE but to replace your tranny if this is taken to court.
Im sorry for what happened. But I would have the service manager sign his name on a paper stating that the CVT fluid that they changed is ok with Nissan. If he refuses to sign it, then go to corp. After finding out the info from jiffy, contact nissan corp. and explain the problem, and how you have proof stating that it is ok in Nissan CVT. If neither one agrees to fix it, well you can get a tranny from a junkyard or ebay and have it shipped to a tranny place, or go to court. Most likely if jiffy says there fluid is ok, Nissan will have NO CHOICE but to replace your tranny if this is taken to court.
It's unfortunate but the fluid bulletin posted by Nissan states what fluid to use, and if the correct fluid is not used, it does state they won't cover any of the repairs. His first step should definitely be to contact Jiffy and get a receipt of exactly what they did, and what fluids they used.
Go after jiffy lube. If they put it in- they are liable.
Thanks for all the advice and well wishes. Im on my way to the Nissan dealership to speak with the service manager and get a sample of the fluid that was in there. I have already opened a file with Nissan consumer affairs. I should find out Monday what their stand is. I am also going to stop by Jiffy and show them a copy of the Nissan service bulletin which mandates only Nissan CVT fluid ns-2 is to be used. I want to know why they were not aware of it. It was put out in Nov. 2009, they serviced my car in March2010
Illl keep you posted on the outcome.
If I were placing a bet, I'd say they filled it with plain old transmission fluid.
If I were placing a bet, I'd say they filled it with plain old transmission fluid.
I agree. I have a feeling jiffy is gonna have to replace your tranny. Cause I think u said another name earilier that was not ns2. I wish u luck, and hope u win this. Be strong!!!!
Just got back from visiting my V at the dealer. The service manager is pretty unwilling to budge. Got a sample of fluid from the car, it clearly isnt Nissan CVT NS 2. Went to Jiffy Lube and spoke to the assistant manager. Got a copy of original receipt which only says CVT fluid not what kind. He took me in the back to show me what they use. It is Wolfs Head super universal atf fluid. He also showed me on his computer what comes up when you punch in Nissan Versa. USE ONLY NISSAN GENUINE CVT NS2 FLUID USE OF OTHER FLUIDS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO INTERNAL TRANSMISSION PARTS. I explained the situation to him at that point. He said they have never had a problem with that fluid before, I beleive they have been extremely lucky thus far. I did a little research on Wols Heads website and in the application chart it clearly lists Nissan CVT NS1 and NS2. I will be returning to Jiffy Lube to speak with the manager on Monday. I also copied down the name address and phone number of who actuallly owns that Jiffy Lube. New Jersey Lubricants LLC. Located in Maryland strangely enough. Anyway,thats where Im at. Thanks again for the suggestions and opinions. If there are any lawyers on the board some free legal advice would be greatly appreciated as well. Have a great weekend.
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wow that sucks man... so sorry to hear that.

Jiffy lube would have to replace your transmission.
ask them if they're going to fix your transmission or not.
if not, tell them you're filing a complaint with the BBB and then you have to sue them and that's the sucky part :cussing because they will claim their fluid is okay with Nissan also sue them for cout cost and attorney fees ect... Hopefully it won't be like that.
check your local BBB office

BBB strongly encourages consumers to first attempt to resolve complaints directly with the company, however BBB will not reject a complaint if a consumer has not taken this step. All complaints are processed by local BBBs, most often the BBB where the company is located. Historically, over 70% of complaints filed through BBB are resolved. In some cases, BBB mediation or arbitration may be offered to assist in resolution.

Your complaint will be forwarded to the company within two business days. The company will be asked to respond within 14 days, and if a response is not received, a second request will be made. You will be notified of the company's response when we receive it (or notified that we received no response). Complaints are usually closed within 30 calendar days.

BBB reserves the right not to process complaints containing abusive or foul language.
United States and Canada BBB Consumer and Business Reviews, Reports, Ratings, Complaints and Accredited Business Listings

Hope that helps
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