When do i replace CVT fluid?

47787 Views 6 Replies 7 Participants Last post by trick, May 23, 2014

chompy_the_goat

Discussion Starter · May 21, 2014

i have a 2010 versa sedan with 60K miles on it. While looking through the manual for some insight on when i should replace the transmission fluid, it doesn't really say when to do it. It only mentions "inspecting" the fluid and only provides a time table for changing it for when your towing crap around. So how the heck am I supposed to know when it should be changed. In addition, if the warranty on the CVT is 120k miles/10 years. Should i really worry about replacing it if i don't plan to keep it beyond this timeframe?

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rstolz

· #2 · May 21, 2014

The fluid is advertised as a lifetime fluid, which is why you aren't seeing a schedule for changing it.

Technically the fluid should be good forever as long as it isn't contaminated.

The problem is that the fluid WILL become contaminated at some point, it just happens.

Generally you'll hear people say to change trasn fluids somewhere in a range between 30k-100k. It really depends on use and that inspection.

You can open the fill hole and extract a small amount of fluid, and compare it to what new clean fluid looks like. No major difference or particulate? then don't worry about changing it. The fluid is thick, black and glittery? you're way over due.

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Red_Alert

· #3 · May 21, 2014

chompy_the_goat said:
i have a 2010 versa sedan with 60K miles on it. While looking through the manual for some insight on when i should replace the transmission fluid, it doesn't really say when to do it. It only mentions "inspecting" the fluid and only provides a time table for changing it for when your towing crap around. So how the heck am I supposed to know when it should be changed. In addition, if the warranty on the CVT is 120k miles/10 years. Should i really worry about replacing it if i don't plan to keep it beyond this timeframe?

Nissan recommends that CVT fluid be changed at 60,000 miles. Your dealership can run a consult scan and that can tell you the life of the CVT fluid as well.

My Versa is just shy of 44,000 miles. I'm planning on changing mine at 50k.

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07Versa6MT

· #4 · May 21, 2014

Lifetime means warranty lifetime... just as an FYI. It's bullshit basically.

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Kennethbokor

· #5 · May 21, 2014

CVT fluid should be green, like anti freeze. Green is good. Over time it will tureen to brown or black. This is not good. So you need to check the fluid visually thru the dipstick tube. This dipstick is not easy to get off as it has a small tab that locks it in place.

I changed my CVT fluid at 126,000 Kms because it was black and over four years of use.

Yes there is an extended warranty from Nissan on the CVT but check with them to make sure. It's pricey to change as the fluid is $30 per liter up here in Canada and the CVT takes 5-6 liters if I remember. However once every 4-5 years is worth it.

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jas32

· #6 · May 22, 2014

Reviewing the 2014 Nissan Service Maintenance Guide, there is no requirement to replace the CVT fluid for standard or even severe operating conditions. The schedule says "Inspect the CVT Fluid" every 10,000 miles/12 months.

There is however a optional "Premium Maintenance Upgrade" schedule which includes CVT Fluid replacement every 60,000 miles/72 months. I think this is Nissan's way of allowing the dealer to make extra money from it's customers.

Not sure if this 2014 version applies to older models as car companies often times change maintenance intervals from year to year.

Depending on your viewpoint, either it may be a waste of money or good preventive maintenance, like oil changes, there is nothing wrong with changing your CVT fluid more often than required.

On my cars, I always try to follow factory recommended service schedule (regardless of what the dealer tries to sell me). Typically these schedules are well thought out and thoroughly tested by the OEM engineers to assure a good functioning product.

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trick

· #7 · May 23, 2014

My thoughts are it's better to do preventive maintenance than pay for a new transmission. Nothing lasts a lifetime, and lubricant will break down and get contaminated. Sure the fluid is costly, but still way cheaper than a transmission or new car.

So many owners post problems with these CVT's and I can't help but think the "lifetime" fluid is a contributor. Doing a DIY flush is pretty easy even for a novice. It just takes patience and diligence. As for cost, Valvoline makes a full synthetic NS-2 & NS-3 rated fluid for $9 per quart. http://www.valvoline.com/pdf/cvt_fluid.pdf If you are still under warranty, then I suggest sticking with the Nissan brand just so they can't try to get out of warranty repairs.

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