This has been the most informative video as of yet. Three dealerships told me that paper cartridge filter did not exist finally the 4th dealership sold it to me for $16. The honest parts guy said their service department has never changed one before and it is rarely sold because nobody knows it exists. When you buy a $300 Nissan CVT service it is more likely than not this filter is not changed. I took out my girlfriend's old one and it was black like coal and I religiously change the CVT fluid every 40K miles. Also, I took off the pan and an extra half quart came out and the magnets were caked with metal sludge. Great video thanks.
I can't believe 3 dealers actually said it doesn't exist. Its no wonder these transmissions don't have a great track record when Nissan doesn't even properly service them. If Nissan dealers don't even say the filter exists, they certainly don't change it which is just nuts given how easy it is to do. From what I've read Mitsubishi uses the same Jatco transmissions and they have a service schedule for it. I don't even know if Nissan cleans the metal mesh filter and oil pan magnets or not. Glad the video helped.
@@HowToDoStuf how tf is it easy to do! the top bolt on top of that housing away from the radiator is fuckin with me, im having a hard time getting it /: and tips?
@@alexaaz9159 If you remove the air filter inlet that is attached to the radiator, you should be able to get to it from above if not from underneath. I did mention that in the video and that may help you to better get to it. You might also try using a wrench instead of a ratchet. I just don't remember having a particularly difficult time getting to it. Hope this helps
@@thevoigts651 hmm maybe it was a little different in my 2011... i did try taking the intake off, and i thought about a wrench but didnt try it. it doesnt help that i literally cant even see the damn bolt , i gotta do everythinh by feel
I appreciate that. It took me a lot of time to make and edit this video which is why I haven't done more. I made this because there were no videos that covered all of this material. Maybe I can get inspired to make more!
I hope this is helpful to you. I did one other video like it for a Honda FIT using the same basic approach except of course for the filter, pan, etc. being different on the FIT. I'm almost due to do this again on my 2014 Altima again.
I followed this today.-2013 Altima- 80K. Excellent video- really great quality. Notes from my experience to augment: -One of the four screws in the paper filter housing is difficult to reach. Use an open end wrench instead of a socket. You can't torque two of the four due to their tight position. Just have to estimate. -The service manual tightening sequence for the pan gasket graphic is missing a bolt. There are 19, not 18. Don't sweat it, but make sure you check them all in the end again to make sure you didn't miss one. I did everything here PLUS flushed the transmission cooler (from another video- NISSAN P/N (999MP-AM006P)). Make sure you follow directions on the can, but then shoot compressed air thru it to push out any flush residue- this is according to the service manual but not in the video or on the can. Just requires removing the upper hose on the warmer as well as the lower you are already doing for the flush step. I say just, but with the orientation of my hose clamp this was a bugger. Went in from the top with needle nose vise grips to hold the clamp and rotate it. I replaced both the upper and lower hose clamps with screw-type hose clamps so I don't have to go thru the same aggravation in the future. -Wait time on a new strainer filter from ebay and amazon was weeks, so I just cleaned the old one with brake clean and compressed air and reused. -I used AISIN NS3 fluid from Rockauto. $8 per quart, ordered 12. Used 10. AISIN ATFNS3 {#999MPNS300P} Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid; 1 US Quart (946mL). All other parts were NIssan OEM sourced from Amazon and Ebay -Just like he says in the video, started running new fluid out on the flush at about 5 quarts. -Made a crude dipstick from a section of electric fence wire with the last 2 inches pounded flat. Got about the same reading after refill as I had before i started. -Waiting on my dongle- not an android family, so has been difficult to figure out how to get trans temp app since apparently none of the IOS apps support that function. Ended up using my kid's chromebook with google play to order the CVTz50 app and a $22 BAFX OBD from Amazon that folks say will work. We'll see what happens. If it doesn't work out, I will just run for about 20 minutes to get it up to temp and then use the drain plug. Good luck
Really good feedback. I also will be ordering the Aisen NS3 from Rock Auto next time I do this. Hopefully you'll get the temp thing figured out. If I remember right it only took less than 10min for the trans fluid to hit the proper range (temp outside was around 80f I think).
-I got the BAFX today. Worked like a charm. I used the CVTz50 App on Google Chromebook with Google Play. -Here is the video where I picked up the trans cooler flush: ruclips.net/video/7xT8QEMD-lw/видео.html
@@philclark5648 It may be just fine, but I personally don't want to put any chemicals into my trans lines. I'm puzzled however that he goes through the trouble to flush the warmer, but ignored or just doesn't know about the far more important fine paper filter, and chooses not to drop the pan and clean it or the mesh filter.
@@thevoigts651 I thought he did mention those 2 things in the vid. He said he replaced it but you can clean the mesh and he said he replaced the paper filter. He also mentioned cleaning out the pan!
@@occckid123 I looked all through that video and I don't see anything at all mentioned about the filters. He did give a very clear demonstration of cleaning out the cooler.
Using this method to flash the fluid will not damage anything inside the CVT transmission because the transmission will flash itself by the internal oil pump. Using external oil pump and force the fluid to the transmission may cause damage. Thank you for your helpful video 👌
I just used this same basic method on my daughter's Honda FIT and it works so much better than doing multiple drains and refills, plus replacing the paper fine trans filter in the Altima only makes sense.
@@papichulohoy You could damage your transmission if you open your drain plug while the car is running. I think you are actually talking about the plug that you use to check the fluid level, and the fluid level should be checked while the car is idling in park.
@@thevoigts651 Correct, I was refering to the plug on the bottom. Ok you answered my question in your comment. Is there another way to make sure there's enough oil in the transmission?
@@papichulohoy No, unless you make/find some sort of dipstick and check it when you know the level is right via the fluid level plug so you have something to compare against. Many people wish Nissan had just put a good old fashioned trans oil dipstick in the car, but they didn't.
Excellent video, man! You hit all the points and broke it down perfectly. Mallofusa sells an after market dipstick that gives a dry reading with a perfectly filled transmission that’s at operating temp and after you go through the shifting procedure. Hope people using those things see this video. The way you described it is fool proof. Thanks!
I had a few questions. First one is when you are flushing the transmission fluid you drain two courts out then turn car off and only add two more quarts before draining two courts again repeat ing till it comes out clean ? Second question. When check the fluid level bolt you completely remove to see if it's dripping which is good and if not need to add . Thanks for your time and this video !!!
AFTER you have removed the pan and cleaned out everything and refilled the pan, then yes I would say drain/refill 2 quarts at a time as the pan only holds about 4 and you don't want to run it dry (as you could damage the pump) or overfill it. If I remember right it took about 10 quarts before the fluid pumped out clear. Yes, you completely remove the fill bolt with the fluid within the correct temp range and if it drips, then the fluid level is correct. Hope this helps. I'm almost due myself to do this again on my car.
I just did a fluid change on my 2013 juke (ns2 fluid). I could not find the replacement pan filter. I did what our local nissan dealer suggested which was to rinse the original filter with water and my goodness that actually worked flawlessly. The filter looked brand new when I was done rinsing. The magnets were pretty "furry" but I cleaned them up and filled it all back up.
I probably would have used a solvent based cleaner to clean it just instead of water just in case I didn't get all of it out, but as long as the pan filter was completely dried out, I don't see why water would be a problem. +1 for getting it done.
Excellent job sir! I have been doing transmission f l u s h procedure similar to this since 2006, but I have yet to do it on a CVT transmission. great to know it can be done.
Brilliant video! Thanks for your instruction. I have x-trail 2009 2.0 with cvt and is very Similar. Here in Brazil we buy the fluid in Mitsubishi dealer because the ASX car use the same CVT. We pay about 8 USD for each liter (1.05 quart). This tip of the adjusting bolt is fantastic! I Also use the cvtz50 app. Thanks again and greetings from Brazil!
Glad you found this helpful for your vehicle. I hadn't even thought about this reaching internationally but duh, this is the internet. Greetings back from Tennessee!
yes. The transmission should be cycled through gears then in park, up to operating temp (trans fluid should be between 35-45c/95-113f), car level, motor running.
One easy way to flush the transmission without removing the oil pan and filter is to drain the fluid and disconnect the line to the radiator then start the vehicle 2 minutes until all fluid is out ,then turn off the car,reconnect the line and fluid plug and finally replenish of new transmission fluid at the level indicated.
Thanks. I don't know off-hand about the temp for the Rogue trans. You would probably have to find a pdf of the service manual to get that value or ask on one of the Nissan forums.
Hold the lever at each position for 5 seconds. Check the fluid at 35°C (95°F) to 45°C (113°F). Lift up the vehicle. Remove the overflow plug and confirm that the CVT fluid is drained from the overflow plug hole.
👍👍 thank you! I just did the fluid change on our 13 Altima, I feel like I should’ve done what you did! Next time lol. Just wanted to say that I used a thermometer which I aimed right at the fluid as it was draining from the overflow, that worked pretty good, I did purchased one of those obd2 scanner, but I had a hell of a time with it 😡, anyway thank you for doing your home work and sharing!!
@@roberto3330 The later Gen Altima like my 2013 already have a radiator mounted cooler. I don't see the benefit unless maybe you are towing, but really towing isn't something this car is designed for in the first place.
Thank you for this great video! Question - would it be better to flush the fluid until clear, and then drop the pan and replace the filters? Otherwise won’t the brand new filters catch a ton of crap due to the old fluid still in there?
Good question. The pan is the source that is feeding the pump and hence the transmission so by dropping and cleaning the pan, filters, and refilling the pan with new fluid, you know you are pushing clean fluid through the trans. Any old fluid that will go through the new paper filter is minimal. You could probably do it either way, and I am sure no CVT trans expert or anything, but I think cleaning the pan and/or replacing the filters first makes more sense to me. I could also use the rationale that do I really want to push clean fluid through dirty filters and a dirty pan?
@@thevoigts651 Thank you for the great response! My thought was flush till clear, drop pan etc, then do another flush. But maybe that is over thinking it and wasting fluid. I need to do this to my wife's car, and your video makes it possible. Thank you again for making this!
@@Verhooft Well more flushing sure isn't going to hurt anything but I would think it's overkill. Realize that just by doing this to your car you are way ahead of the game from what Nissan "recommends".
I don't understand either why Nissan acts like there isn't even a paper fine transmission filter when there clearly is and from what I understood other car brands that use Jatco have it to be changed along with the fluid. I really think a lot of these CVT transmission failures are just due to lack of basic maintenance.
I saw the video everything is good that’s the way I do all my transmission flushes. The only thing I do different is, I use the return line from the radiator to get all the old oil out. That way nothing old stays in the system.
You will need to tell the dealership that you want everything that @How to do stuff showed you. You might be surprised by what it will cost you though so get estimates from more than one dealership. I estimate that to do the CVT fluid change, clean the metal strainer, replace the paper filter, and replace the fluid pan gasket and o-rings will cost you $500 or more for parts and labor. This service is not very difficult to do. The most challenging part is loosening one of the top bolts on the paper filter housing. I used a 10 mm 1/4 drive socket with a 1/4 drive swivel socket and an extension. You cannot see that bolt from underneath the car but you can reach above the housing and feel the bolt head with your fingers. You can save yourself some $$$$$ if you can get a friend or relative to do it for you. In which State do you reside? Just curious.
I can't speak for them, but I seriously doubt a dealer will do this as this is not the officially recommended procedure by Nissan. I would think however that you could get a regular non-dealership mechanic to do this for you. I personally would buy all of the parts and fluid and hand them to the non-dealership mechanic telling them exactly what you want done.
The fill bolt should be open with the car idling and level. The trans fluid needs to be within the specified temp range also. If it barely drips, fluid level is full.
I haven't owned on a maxima so I can't give u any specifics, but the same basic procedure should work with it. You would need to look up the schematics for it to get the appropriate part numbers as I would think it has a different transmission than the Altima.
If your year Altima came with a dipstick, then by all means use it. The 2012 service manual (available online in pdf) should tell you if they use the fill bolt procedure on the 2012, but if there is a dipstick it should be accurate. The problem with my 2014 is there is a dipstick tube but no dipstick. I haven't found a dipstick that I can use with mine to get an accurate reading.
At 8:13 you say '...a couple of more quarts, refill...' Where are you refilling? At 7:53 it looks like two clear hoses, one out of the fluid warmer and one extension into the radiator. Are you refilling into the dipstick hole, or have you attached a funnel to the hose going directly into the radiator input?
Extremely informative!!! Even with the parts number!!!! It's almost impossible to find such full description here on RUclips!!! Question: Do you know what type of CVT you had. It's Jatco but what is part number? Is it JF011E ? Thanks!!! P.S. I'm asking because I want to do the same procedure on Rogue 2015
Thanks. Wittrans.com lists my trans as a REOF10A, but exactly what further Jatco number it is I have yet to find. Wholesale parts vendors have the schematics online so you shouldn't have problems verifying the part numbers for your Rogue.
I jsu performed the service I measured the fluid and got just shy of 4qts out I filled it back up and did the burp proceedure I got aprox 1/2 pint back before the trickle sees like it should have been closer.
I'm afraid I'm a bit lost regarding your comment. A simple pan drain and refill takes about 4 qts. The full pump out flush takes about 10 quarts. I don't know what the "burp" procedure is.
@@thevoigts651 The burp is where the fluid stops fully streaming and turns to a trickle I did not expect to get any fluid back I measured it very carefully as I used to be a heavy duty tech back in the day.
Really good video, very informative. Do you know if this procedure will work on a 2012 3.5 Altima, actually, will the part numbers for the replacements be the same? Thanks very much for taking the time to record and to post.
I'm not sure if the 2012 has the warmer or not, but the lines are going to go through the same route to the cooler on the radiator so pumping out the trans fluid should work the same. You should be able to look up the schematic on Nissan parts deal or other like websites to check the part numbers for your 3.5. The transmission probably is different but still is a Jatco so will still have filters.
Watched several useless videos on this before I found yours. Thanks for such a thorough video! Im assuming you leave the engine running while taking the overflow bolt out?
Thank you. I did the same thing as you and pieced most of this together via forums and a youtube video I linked to. Yes the car should be level, trans fluid within proper temps, and engine running. That is covered in the video.
The Nissan dealer won't replace the paper filter because they say one of the bolts are hard to get to and that they would have to separate the transmission from the motor to get to it. Can you show us how you replaced yours?
I didn't take any video while taking them out, but they weren't very hard to get to from underneath. I used a simple 10mm wrench to get the top bolts. You can also take off the air intake as I showed to reach the top ones from above. The dealer saying they have to separate the motor doesn't even make sense as the paper filter is inside it's housing on the passenger side of the transmission towards the bottom.
THAT IS A BUNCH OF BS!!!! The Stealer is trying to hustle you dude. You can EASILY get to the paper filter by removing the driver side splash guard. It is not hard at all. That stealership is full of it.
The whole point of my making this video is that none of this is listed in the service manual from Nissan. They say you never need to change anything in the transmission except under severe heavy use, yet examples of failed Nissan Jatco transmissions are not hard to find. I don't want to have to replace my transmission if I can help it. My Altima at about 60k shifted way smoother after doing this and still is at just over 80k. I fail to believe a paper filter and fluid never needs to be changed, and drain pan and filter never cleaned. As to whether or not you need to do this is up to you to decide.
You would probably need to order the parts and fluid and take them to a local mechanic specifying exactly what you want done. A Nissan dealer isn't going to do this.
I'm running off memory here, but I paid about $150 for a case of Nissan NS3 from Ebay, about $10 for the paper filter, $5 for the filter housing o-ring, a couple of bucks for trans drain bolt washers, $15 for a trans gasket, $5 for CVT50 app, and $35 since I replaced the mesh filter instead of cleaning it (which is what I will do next time). I probably missed something but that's what I remember. I also had to buy a 1/4" torque wrench for the trans bolts. Not bad given that Nissan here charges $250 to just drain out the pan and refill 4 quarts. We've acquired a 2012 Altima so I will be doing this flush on it soon.
In the description under "tools needed" you say a torque wrench for 25"ft" lbs torquing of transmission pan drain bolt... Are you sure that's 25 FOOT pounds? That seems like a lot... but 25 inch pounds seems like to little for the drain bolt... I'm going to be doing this procedure soon so I'm just wondering.
25ft lbs is not much torque for a drain bolt. That is pretty much normal for drain bolts with a crush washer. That torque comes from the service manual.
The CVT fluid temp can be read in IOS with ELM327 version 1.5, using OBD Fusion app with the $9.99 enhanced addon (under purchase extras) on my 2013 Nissan Altima.
4 qts is only draining and refilling the drain pan, which is what most people are doing if they do anything. The reason I made this video is to show you how to change the paper filter, mesh pan filter, clean the drain pan, and replace all of the fluid in the transmission. The part numbers for the filters may be different (easy to look up), but Nissan CVTs are all Jatco transmissions and work basically the same way. Its up to you what you want to do.
Idemitsu makes the Nissan CVTF. It is a non-synthetic fluid. Valvoline, Havoline, and Amsoil are good or better than the actual Nissan brand. Before Nissan changed to Idemitsu the previous CVTF manufacture's fluid wasn't meeting specs leading to all the CVT failures.
I researched quite a bit to also find out that the Nissan CVT is Idemitsu. So far I've been able to get good deals on Ebay on Nissan NS-3 by the case cheaper than I can find the Idemitsu branded fluid. I've been hesitant to use any other brand over concerns about viscosity.
For Altima, do all you can to limit/ lower heat, includes minimum coolant-water ratio, 30k change both filters, best cvt fluid, seal the too-leaky cooling plenum, keep radiators clean...I found this to be enough for Mojave hard and hot conditions now 209k.
@هـجر M'3 before you remove the fluid level adjusting bolt you have to make sure the car is level and the trans fluid within the correct temp range. If you didn't do those 2 things, make sure they are correct first and then re-check your fluid level. 3 quarts coming out would be a major overfill as the whole loop only holds 9-10 quarts. Are you sure you took out the adjusting bolt and not the drain pan bolt? The pan holds about 4 quarts.
@هـجر M'3 If you drove for an hour the fluid is certainly going to be well above the correct temp range. I only have to idle my Altima for 5-10 min for it to hit temp. You probably drained too much out. Go by the procedure and you'll get it right.
I don't know exactly either. If I remember right after draining the pan, refilling, and then pushing out the old fluid and refilling, it took me a total of about 10 quarts.
This procedure is significantly different from what is shown in the service manual. Read the service manual procedure shown starting on page TM-83 before you attempt this method.
The service manual of course shows only a simple pan draining and refill which is recommended only under extreme duty conditions (per the owner's manual). There is no mention of changing the fine paper filter, cleaning out the pan, cleaning/replacing the mesh pan filter, or changing out the fluid, which are all reasons that I think have greatly contributed to these transmissions continuing to have issues. Why Nissan ignores basic maintenance on these transmissions is beyond me. Nissan also says to use a charging pipe set to fill when there is a perfectly good dipstick tube. The TM-83 page you mention is very helpful in that it gives you the proper fluid level procedure.
@@HowToDoStuf The standard procedure does change out the CVT fluid. At least 10 quarts of NS3 are required using the standard method (which includes dropping the trans fluid pan and cleaning the metal strainer and replacing the paper filter by the trans fluid cooler for a complete service) which does involve mixing some of the old fluid in with the new and draining out some of the new fluid as well - a necessary evil unfortunately. Most people who will attempt this maintenance will have watched several different videos beforehand - I sure have. I appreciated your excellent video quality as I could see everything clearly. I am aware that it is possible to refill the transaxle through the dipstick tube - Nissan apparently did not want to inform DIY mechanics of this probably because many of them weren't using the correct CVT fluid when replacing it trashing their transmissions and then trying to get Nissan to pay for a replacement.
I really don't know of another good way to determine the fluid temp without it as CVTZ50 is reading the information straight from the transmission sensor. The important thing however is that you are reading the CVT fluid temp correctly. You would just have to find a way to sample the fluid somehow to determine the temp.
Even though it is Nissan approved, I am leery of putting any kind of chemical into the transmission loop. I guess as long as you air hose it all out it should be ok. I might look into this next time I do my flush.
@@thevoigts651 The cooler flush is like brake fluid, it dries very quickly. When I used it, I was able to see lots of dirty stuff coming out of the hose. As you said, you can also use air can and pump air through it afterward, but not necessary
@@valledecauca1087 I can't seem to find the ELM327 revision number of your obadator mini. From the CVT50 website :"Bluetooth or WiFi adapter ELM327 revision 1.5 or lower (functionality might be significantly limited if used with not genuine adapters of revision 2.0+. Communication with CVT requires advanced ELM327 functionality which is often missing in clones v2.0+)"
@@HowToDoStuf which scan tool would you recommend to monitor rhe transmission temp etc. Im swapping a transmission on my 16 altima just had cvt faliure at 110000 miles
How do I get diagram pictures like that I wonder if the $100.00 I spent blue driver obd2 will work for checking transmission fluid this is a really nice video thanks
I got the diagrams mainly on the Nissanpartsdeal.com website I mentioned in the description. The service manual which I was able to find online in pdf format has a lot of diagrams also. As long as your odb2 device is an ELM327 firmware 1.5 compatible it should work with CVT50 to read the fluid sensor temp reading
The transmission fluid flows from the warmer on the engine block to the cooler on the side of the radiator. You can undo this hose at the transmission cooler on the side of the radiator and put it into the drain bucket. I have pictures of this in the video.
As far as the sealed cap. All u do is insert a small flat blade screwdriver into the slot gently then pull up on the cap while holding the screwdriver. It comes right off.
I haven't tried this. You wouldn't loose any fluid that is in the pan to be sure. I'm not sure how much would drain out of the torque converter housing. I would think that not much fluid would.
Just a heads up for everybody... Nissanpartsdeal.com doesn't send the metal stick portion of the when ordering the "Gauge Oil Level 31086-3TA1A". I gave them my VIN for my car and they say no OEM dip stick exist for a 2014 Nissan Altima.
I'm guessing here what you're talking about given that you english is broken up. To check the fluid level, the car needs to be jacked up and level. You need to have the car running and the transmission within the recommended trans fluid temp range as shown in CVT50. You remove the fluid check plug and add fluid or drain until the fluid just drips out of the check hole, then put the check plug back in. That is all there is to getting the fluid level correct. The car does need to be running to make sure fluid is up in the torque converter when you check the level. Yes, if you have the fluid level check plug out and turn off the car, fluid is going to pour out as it drains out of the torque converter, and if you do this, your fluid level will be way too low.
You did a superb video kind Sir on your video. I agree with everything you said; with one "addition" you need to do. IE: You need to "flush" all the transmission with Nissan "Transmission cooler fluid". You can see this in the video below. ruclips.net/video/qhd39HU-TJE/видео.html The great thing about this procedure is: it forces out the contaminated fluid; rather than waiting on gravity to do the job. And because it force flushes in BOTH directions; it insures ALL the old fluid is gone. Plus; you can see clearly when the old fluid is gone. Again, you did a great job kind Sir. Keep up the good work.
Thank you. Just to be clear, in that video he flushes the transmission cooler, not the transmission. That sounds like a good idea. Flushing the entire transmission is in my opinion a mistake. As for where to find Nissan branded CVT fluid, I ordered mine online. Some dealers do carry it but they are ridiculous in their pricing. I will probably either use the Aisin NS3 from Rock Auto next time I do this (as another person mentioned further down in the comments) or order a case of Nissan NS3 via Ebay. Upon a little research, I found a thread on bobistheoilguy (bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/nissan-ns-3-cvt-fluid.330034/) that says the Nissan CVT fluid is Idemitsu N3 (www.findmymsds.com/nissan/pdfs/99998-CVTNS3-E.PDF).
Elmo Car Guy Sorry LOL!! The bolt to drain the tranny fluid. After, you stick an Allen key and twist. A piece will come out allowing more flow for the fluid to drain.
I'm a bit fuzzy about the Valvoline as in its general description it only mentions NS-2, but in the data sheet which I hadn't looked at it says NS-2 and NS-3 for Nissan.
@@kccodex8931 Thanks for the reply. I work on cars and this was for a customer's car. If I recall correctly, I used a liquid moly oil with the NS3 approvelal and has worked well since then. Thanks for sharing your experience and I hope you put more miles on her!
The complications I see compared to some other transmissions are removing the paper filter and having to go through the picky fluid level procedure. Many transmissions only have a pan filter of some kind, and many have a good old fashioned dipstick to read the fluid level, which would be a definite improvement.
You don’t have to use so called nissan cvt ns3 fluid, you can use cvt fluid that is compatible with Nissan ns3 fluid just read the back of the cvt transmission fluid bottle your buying and it will say compatible with Nissan ns3 cvt fluid. If it doesn’t don’t buy it . Of course don’t buy the cheap stuff. Your welcome
I didn't say you had to use the dealer branded fluid. I said I did so out of caution since at the time I had not found any cvt fluid that said it is ns3 compatible. Another youtuber not long ago made the comment that Rock Auto now carries Aisin NS3 fluid, and I will probably use that the next time I flush.
A lot of this is like killing a fly with a sledgehammer. If there is a lot of crap in this transmission temperature controller you're in trouble. Funny how this is a sealed transmission and you find a lot of different types of residual in it means one thing. You're nursing defective unit to make it last as long as it can. This tyranny is a Renault addition to this car. Nissan increased it's warranty time after a class law suit.
I think all transmissions that are sealed and claim to never need fluid and filter changing are nonsense. Fluids wear and get dirty. I'm not sure where you are getting the Renault thing from as Jatco makes transmissions for a number of car companies. I also would question whether the transmissions on these cars are defective, or if they fail at a higher rate because they are not properly maintained because Nissan in their infinite wisdom says they don't need maintenance. If proper servicing "nurses" this transmission into a long service life, I'm good with that as I plan on hanging on to my paid for Altima.
I am looking at the nissanpartsdeal website at a 2014 maxima, and under powertrain/control valve/filter assembly-oil-CVT there is an Oil Filter Assy-Auto Transmission 31726-1XE0A listed on the schematic. I don't have a Maxima so I don't know exactly where it is. This looks to be a filter that is easily replaceable as it is external and held on by a few bolts. You could disconnect at the filter and do the same thing with the drain container from there to pump out fluid and then refill until clear.
@@thevoigts651 LOL, I have my maxima jacked up per this reply and you are 100% correct. This means it's even easier on the 09-14 Maxima than the 14' Altima 😅. I going to order that filter and drain all the CVT fluid. This Maxima takes 10.8 quarts to refill completely.
@@12MRJERSEY Another youtuber here posted earlier that Rock Auto carries Aisin NS3 cvt fluid. Make sure u clean out the drain pan also before doing the refill/drain thing.
This is the best video by far on RUclips for this procedure.
Yes it is the gold standard. Dollar to a donut this guy is an engineer.
This has been the most informative video as of yet. Three dealerships told me that paper cartridge filter did not exist finally the 4th dealership sold it to me for $16. The honest parts guy said their service department has never changed one before and it is rarely sold because nobody knows it exists. When you buy a $300 Nissan CVT service it is more likely than not this filter is not changed. I took out my girlfriend's old one and it was black like coal and I religiously change the CVT fluid every 40K miles. Also, I took off the pan and an extra half quart came out and the magnets were caked with metal sludge. Great video thanks.
I can't believe 3 dealers actually said it doesn't exist. Its no wonder these transmissions don't have a great track record when Nissan doesn't even properly service them. If Nissan dealers don't even say the filter exists, they certainly don't change it which is just nuts given how easy it is to do. From what I've read Mitsubishi uses the same Jatco transmissions and they have a service schedule for it. I don't even know if Nissan cleans the metal mesh filter and oil pan magnets or not. Glad the video helped.
@@HowToDoStuf how tf is it easy to do! the top bolt on top of that housing away from the radiator is fuckin with me, im having a hard time getting it /: and tips?
@@alexaaz9159 If you remove the air filter inlet that is attached to the radiator, you should be able to get to it from above if not from underneath. I did mention that in the video and that may help you to better get to it. You might also try using a wrench instead of a ratchet. I just don't remember having a particularly difficult time getting to it. Hope this helps
@@thevoigts651 hmm maybe it was a little different in my 2011... i did try taking the intake off, and i thought about a wrench but didnt try it. it doesnt help that i literally cant even see the damn bolt , i gotta do everythinh by feel
@how to do stuff I just realized this is the only video on the channel! You bring much needed quality to youtube how to's please make more!
I appreciate that. It took me a lot of time to make and edit this video which is why I haven't done more. I made this because there were no videos that covered all of this material. Maybe I can get inspired to make more!
By far, it is the best CVT exchange video on RUclips. Thank you!
I hope this is helpful to you. I did one other video like it for a Honda FIT using the same basic approach except of course for the filter, pan, etc. being different on the FIT. I'm almost due to do this again on my 2014 Altima again.
I followed this today.-2013 Altima- 80K. Excellent video- really great quality. Notes from my experience to augment:
-One of the four screws in the paper filter housing is difficult to reach. Use an open end wrench instead of a socket. You can't torque two of the four due to their tight position. Just have to estimate.
-The service manual tightening sequence for the pan gasket graphic is missing a bolt. There are 19, not 18. Don't sweat it, but make sure you check them all in the end again to make sure you didn't miss one.
I did everything here PLUS flushed the transmission cooler (from another video- NISSAN P/N (999MP-AM006P)). Make sure you follow directions on the can, but then shoot compressed air thru it to push out any flush residue- this is according to the service manual but not in the video or on the can. Just requires removing the upper hose on the warmer as well as the lower you are already doing for the flush step. I say just, but with the orientation of my hose clamp this was a bugger. Went in from the top with needle nose vise grips to hold the clamp and rotate it. I replaced both the upper and lower hose clamps with screw-type hose clamps so I don't have to go thru the same aggravation in the future.
-Wait time on a new strainer filter from ebay and amazon was weeks, so I just cleaned the old one with brake clean and compressed air and reused.
-I used AISIN NS3 fluid from Rockauto. $8 per quart, ordered 12. Used 10. AISIN ATFNS3 {#999MPNS300P} Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid; 1 US Quart (946mL). All other parts were NIssan OEM sourced from Amazon and Ebay
-Just like he says in the video, started running new fluid out on the flush at about 5 quarts.
-Made a crude dipstick from a section of electric fence wire with the last 2 inches pounded flat. Got about the same reading after refill as I had before i started.
-Waiting on my dongle- not an android family, so has been difficult to figure out how to get trans temp app since apparently none of the IOS apps support that function. Ended up using my kid's chromebook with google play to order the CVTz50 app and a $22 BAFX OBD from Amazon that folks say will work. We'll see what happens. If it doesn't work out, I will just run for about 20 minutes to get it up to temp and then use the drain plug.
Good luck
Really good feedback. I also will be ordering the Aisen NS3 from Rock Auto next time I do this. Hopefully you'll get the temp thing figured out. If I remember right it only took less than 10min for the trans fluid to hit the proper range (temp outside was around 80f I think).
-I got the BAFX today. Worked like a charm. I used the CVTz50 App on Google Chromebook with Google Play.
-Here is the video where I picked up the trans cooler flush: ruclips.net/video/7xT8QEMD-lw/видео.html
@@philclark5648 It may be just fine, but I personally don't want to put any chemicals into my trans lines. I'm puzzled however that he goes through the trouble to flush the warmer, but ignored or just doesn't know about the far more important fine paper filter, and chooses not to drop the pan and clean it or the mesh filter.
@@thevoigts651 I thought he did mention those 2 things in the vid. He said he replaced it but you can clean the mesh and he said he replaced the paper filter. He also mentioned cleaning out the pan!
@@occckid123 I looked all through that video and I don't see anything at all mentioned about the filters. He did give a very clear demonstration of cleaning out the cooler.
Using this method to flash the fluid will not damage anything inside the CVT transmission because the transmission will flash itself by the internal oil pump.
Using external oil pump and force the fluid to the transmission may cause damage.
Thank you for your helpful video 👌
This is the best video for cvt maintanace very good service video thanks
this the most comprehensive and detailed videos I ve seen on YT. G8 wrk!!!
Great Job best one yet most people out there dont flush they change the fluid twice. Your way is far superior cost effective and thorough Awesome
I just used this same basic method on my daughter's Honda FIT and it works so much better than doing multiple drains and refills, plus replacing the paper fine trans filter in the Altima only makes sense.
I appreciate that. It took me quite a bit of time to edit the video and put this together.
you mentioned at 9:41 to cycle the cvt through each gear...my question is: do you open the drain plug while your car is on?
@@papichulohoy You could damage your transmission if you open your drain plug while the car is running. I think you are actually talking about the plug that you use to check the fluid level, and the fluid level should be checked while the car is idling in park.
@@thevoigts651 Correct, I was refering to the plug on the bottom. Ok you answered my question in your comment. Is there another way to make sure there's enough oil in the transmission?
@@papichulohoy No, unless you make/find some sort of dipstick and check it when you know the level is right via the fluid level plug so you have something to compare against. Many people wish Nissan had just put a good old fashioned trans oil dipstick in the car, but they didn't.
They did mine has one lol
Excellent video, man! You hit all the points and broke it down perfectly. Mallofusa sells an after market dipstick that gives a dry reading with a perfectly filled transmission that’s at operating temp and after you go through the shifting procedure. Hope people using those things see this video. The way you described it is fool proof. Thanks!
I hadn't heard of that dipstick before. I just ordered one via Amazon per the reviews. Glad the video can be a help.
Amazing and detailed video. Great work! Everything was helpful, thanks boss.
Thank you. Glad it helped. I'm about ready to do this again on my Altima as it's been about 40k miles.
I had a few questions. First one is when you are flushing the transmission fluid you drain two courts out then turn car off and only add two more quarts before draining two courts again repeat ing till it comes out clean ? Second question. When check the fluid level bolt you completely remove to see if it's dripping which is good and if not need to add . Thanks for your time and this video !!!
AFTER you have removed the pan and cleaned out everything and refilled the pan, then yes I would say drain/refill 2 quarts at a time as the pan only holds about 4 and you don't want to run it dry (as you could damage the pump) or overfill it. If I remember right it took about 10 quarts before the fluid pumped out clear. Yes, you completely remove the fill bolt with the fluid within the correct temp range and if it drips, then the fluid level is correct. Hope this helps. I'm almost due myself to do this again on my car.
Check out Amsoil CVT transmission fluid. Amsoil stepped up when CVT's were having an problem and made this a version just for CVT's.
I used Amsoil Synthetic CVT Fluid for my Nissan Altima and my wife's Nissan Rogue. Did complete fluid flush with changing paper filters.
Its very thorough but i really would have liked you show us step by step and show us all the tools necessary
Do you leave car running while adjusting fluid level. Thanks
Yes, the car should be level, idling, and the trans fluid needs to be within the specified temperature range.
This guy is amazing wtf take this man to the top
I just did a fluid change on my 2013 juke (ns2 fluid). I could not find the replacement pan filter. I did what our local nissan dealer suggested which was to rinse the original filter with water and my goodness that actually worked flawlessly. The filter looked brand new when I was done rinsing. The magnets were pretty "furry" but I cleaned them up and filled it all back up.
I probably would have used a solvent based cleaner to clean it just instead of water just in case I didn't get all of it out, but as long as the pan filter was completely dried out, I don't see why water would be a problem. +1 for getting it done.
Excellent job sir! I have been doing transmission f l u s h procedure similar to this since 2006, but I have yet to do it on a CVT transmission. great to know it can be done.
Guy
To mop
Brilliant video! Thanks for your instruction. I have x-trail 2009 2.0 with cvt and is very Similar. Here in Brazil we buy the fluid in Mitsubishi dealer because the ASX car use the same CVT. We pay about 8 USD for each liter (1.05 quart). This tip of the adjusting bolt is fantastic! I Also use the cvtz50 app. Thanks again and greetings from Brazil!
Glad you found this helpful for your vehicle. I hadn't even thought about this reaching internationally but duh, this is the internet. Greetings back from Tennessee!
Does the motor need to be running to check the fluid level
yes. The transmission should be cycled through gears then in park, up to operating temp (trans fluid should be between 35-45c/95-113f), car level, motor running.
Nissan also claims fuel additives are not recommended, is that true? I always add fuel additives but would like some insights
Excellent video!
Thank you very much!
One easy way to flush the transmission without removing the oil pan and filter is to drain the fluid and disconnect the line to the radiator then start the vehicle 2 minutes until all fluid is out ,then turn off the car,reconnect the line and fluid plug and finally replenish of new transmission fluid at the level indicated.
Love your video, how much degrees should the CVT temp be at, when checking the CVT fluid on a 2014 Nissan Rogue SV AWD?
Thanks. I don't know off-hand about the temp for the Rogue trans. You would probably have to find a pdf of the service manual to get that value or ask on one of the Nissan forums.
Hold the lever at each position for 5 seconds.
Check the fluid at 35°C (95°F) to 45°C (113°F).
Lift up the vehicle.
Remove the overflow plug and confirm that the CVT fluid is drained from the overflow plug hole.
Hi.. thanks for your video..
Is 2012 model 2500 cc have paper filtter or only mesh fillter..???
👍👍 thank you! I just did the fluid change on our 13 Altima, I feel like I should’ve done what you did! Next time lol. Just wanted to say that I used a thermometer which I aimed right at the fluid as it was draining from the overflow, that worked pretty good, I did purchased one of those obd2 scanner, but I had a hell of a time with it 😡, anyway thank you for doing your home work and sharing!!
I appreciate it. My car still is shifting tremendously better about 8k later after having done this.
What do you think about adding the external cvt cooler on your Altima? Have you heard anything about that?
@@roberto3330 The later Gen Altima like my 2013 already have a radiator mounted cooler. I don't see the benefit unless maybe you are towing, but really towing isn't something this car is designed for in the first place.
Thank you for this great video! Question - would it be better to flush the fluid until clear, and then drop the pan and replace the filters? Otherwise won’t the brand new filters catch a ton of crap due to the old fluid still in there?
Good question. The pan is the source that is feeding the pump and hence the transmission so by dropping and cleaning the pan, filters, and refilling the pan with new fluid, you know you are pushing clean fluid through the trans. Any old fluid that will go through the new paper filter is minimal. You could probably do it either way, and I am sure no CVT trans expert or anything, but I think cleaning the pan and/or replacing the filters first makes more sense to me. I could also use the rationale that do I really want to push clean fluid through dirty filters and a dirty pan?
@@thevoigts651 Thank you for the great response! My thought was flush till clear, drop pan etc, then do another flush. But maybe that is over thinking it and wasting fluid. I need to do this to my wife's car, and your video makes it possible. Thank you again for making this!
@@Verhooft Well more flushing sure isn't going to hurt anything but I would think it's overkill. Realize that just by doing this to your car you are way ahead of the game from what Nissan "recommends".
@@thevoigts651 Its surprising how little they "think" needs to be done to these. Lifetime fluid?? Yeah right.
I don't understand either why Nissan acts like there isn't even a paper fine transmission filter when there clearly is and from what I understood other car brands that use Jatco have it to be changed along with the fluid. I really think a lot of these CVT transmission failures are just due to lack of basic maintenance.
do you check fluid with car running
Yes. The car needs to be idling.
I saw the video everything is good that’s the way I do all my transmission flushes. The only thing I do different is, I use the return line from the radiator to get all the old oil out. That way nothing old stays in the system.
That's basically the same thing I'm doing. I just use the trans heater hose. It flushes through the entire loop.
hello a question, What is the return line from above or below?? thanks
Hola, cual es la línea de regreso de arriba o de abajo, ?? Gracias
If I request this service from the dealer, will they perform it? I am not capable of doing this repair.
You will need to tell the dealership that you want everything that @How to do stuff showed you. You might be surprised by what it will cost you though so get estimates from more than one dealership. I estimate that to do the CVT fluid change, clean the metal strainer, replace the paper filter, and replace the fluid pan gasket and o-rings will cost you $500 or more for parts and labor. This service is not very difficult to do. The most challenging part is loosening one of the top bolts on the paper filter housing. I used a 10 mm 1/4 drive socket with a 1/4 drive swivel socket and an extension. You cannot see that bolt from underneath the car but you can reach above the housing and feel the bolt head with your fingers. You can save yourself some $$$$$ if you can get a friend or relative to do it for you. In which State do you reside? Just curious.
I can't speak for them, but I seriously doubt a dealer will do this as this is not the officially recommended procedure by Nissan. I would think however that you could get a regular non-dealership mechanic to do this for you. I personally would buy all of the parts and fluid and hand them to the non-dealership mechanic telling them exactly what you want done.
Nice job duder...A help to all...
Do you open the weep hole screw while running or shut the car off first?
The fill bolt should be open with the car idling and level. The trans fluid needs to be within the specified temp range also. If it barely drips, fluid level is full.
Great descriptive video. Is this procedure the same for a 2014 maxima?
Thanks
I haven't owned on a maxima so I can't give u any specifics, but the same basic procedure should work with it. You would need to look up the schematics for it to get the appropriate part numbers as I would think it has a different transmission than the Altima.
I have a 12 altima 2.5 thst has a cvt dipstick. Can i just use that to check the level?
If your year Altima came with a dipstick, then by all means use it. The 2012 service manual (available online in pdf) should tell you if they use the fill bolt procedure on the 2012, but if there is a dipstick it should be accurate. The problem with my 2014 is there is a dipstick tube but no dipstick. I haven't found a dipstick that I can use with mine to get an accurate reading.
At 8:13 you say '...a couple of more quarts, refill...' Where are you refilling? At 7:53 it looks like two clear hoses, one out of the fluid warmer and one extension into the radiator.
Are you refilling into the dipstick hole, or have you attached a funnel to the hose going directly into the radiator input?
I'm refilling into the dipstick hole.
Extremely informative!!! Even with the parts number!!!! It's almost impossible to find such full description here on RUclips!!!
Question: Do you know what type of CVT you had. It's Jatco but what is part number? Is it JF011E ? Thanks!!!
P.S. I'm asking because I want to do the same procedure on Rogue 2015
Thanks. Wittrans.com lists my trans as a REOF10A, but exactly what further Jatco number it is I have yet to find. Wholesale parts vendors have the schematics online so you shouldn't have problems verifying the part numbers for your Rogue.
I jsu performed the service I measured the fluid and got just shy of 4qts out I filled it back up and did the burp proceedure I got aprox 1/2 pint back before the trickle sees like it should have been closer.
I'm afraid I'm a bit lost regarding your comment. A simple pan drain and refill takes about 4 qts. The full pump out flush takes about 10 quarts. I don't know what the "burp" procedure is.
@@thevoigts651 The burp is where the fluid stops fully streaming and turns to a trickle I did not expect to get any fluid back I measured it very carefully as I used to be a heavy duty tech back in the day.
Really good video, very informative. Do you know if this procedure will work on a 2012 3.5 Altima, actually, will the part numbers for the replacements be the same? Thanks very much for taking the time to record and to post.
I'm not sure if the 2012 has the warmer or not, but the lines are going to go through the same route to the cooler on the radiator so pumping out the trans fluid should work the same. You should be able to look up the schematic on Nissan parts deal or other like websites to check the part numbers for your 3.5. The transmission probably is different but still is a Jatco so will still have filters.
At 4:27 in your video there is a open pipe facing forward, at the very bottom. Please tell me what that is for. Thank you
If I'm not mistaken that is the evaporator coil condensation drain pipe for the AC.
Watched several useless videos on this before I found yours. Thanks for such a thorough video! Im assuming you leave the engine running while taking the overflow bolt out?
Thank you. I did the same thing as you and pieced most of this together via forums and a youtube video I linked to. Yes the car should be level, trans fluid within proper temps, and engine running. That is covered in the video.
The Nissan dealer won't replace the paper filter because they say one of the bolts are hard to get to and that they would have to separate the transmission from the motor to get to it. Can you show us how you replaced yours?
I didn't take any video while taking them out, but they weren't very hard to get to from underneath. I used a simple 10mm wrench to get the top bolts. You can also take off the air intake as I showed to reach the top ones from above. The dealer saying they have to separate the motor doesn't even make sense as the paper filter is inside it's housing on the passenger side of the transmission towards the bottom.
THAT IS A BUNCH OF BS!!!! The Stealer is trying to hustle you dude. You can EASILY get to the paper filter by removing the driver side splash guard. It is not hard at all. That stealership is full of it.
Thanks for this. Great video.
I cannot find anything in the manual for needing to change the transmission filter or the paper one. Is it necessary?
The whole point of my making this video is that none of this is listed in the service manual from Nissan. They say you never need to change anything in the transmission except under severe heavy use, yet examples of failed Nissan Jatco transmissions are not hard to find. I don't want to have to replace my transmission if I can help it. My Altima at about 60k shifted way smoother after doing this and still is at just over 80k. I fail to believe a paper filter and fluid never needs to be changed, and drain pan and filter never cleaned. As to whether or not you need to do this is up to you to decide.
Any idea who will do this type of work in your local area?
You would probably need to order the parts and fluid and take them to a local mechanic specifying exactly what you want done. A Nissan dealer isn't going to do this.
@@HowToDoStuf Thank you for the suggestion. Yes you are absolutely right. No one will touch it.
When you unscrew the drain bolt, is the engine running and the fluid refill cap taken off?
No, do not run the engine when the drain plug is unplugged
What is the price that you paid for this procedure good to know thanks
I'm running off memory here, but I paid about $150 for a case of Nissan NS3 from Ebay, about $10 for the paper filter, $5 for the filter housing o-ring, a couple of bucks for trans drain bolt washers, $15 for a trans gasket, $5 for CVT50 app, and $35 since I replaced the mesh filter instead of cleaning it (which is what I will do next time). I probably missed something but that's what I remember. I also had to buy a 1/4" torque wrench for the trans bolts. Not bad given that Nissan here charges $250 to just drain out the pan and refill 4 quarts. We've acquired a 2012 Altima so I will be doing this flush on it soon.
aisin has ns3 available at rock auto $7 a qt plus shipping, i bought a case of 12, have plenty to chg whenever i want now
That's good to know. That's way less than buying Nissan branded fluid.
In the description under "tools needed" you say a torque wrench for 25"ft" lbs torquing of transmission pan drain bolt... Are you sure that's 25 FOOT pounds? That seems like a lot... but 25 inch pounds seems like to little for the drain bolt... I'm going to be doing this procedure soon so I'm just wondering.
25ft lbs is not much torque for a drain bolt. That is pretty much normal for drain bolts with a crush washer. That torque comes from the service manual.
@@thevoigts651 Cool thanks.
The oil drain plug on my pathfinder is 25 ft lbs too. I wouldnt gand tughten on that much, but thats the spec.
The CVT fluid temp can be read in IOS with ELM327 version 1.5, using OBD Fusion app with the $9.99 enhanced addon (under purchase extras) on my 2013 Nissan Altima.
I don't have IOS so this is good info to put out there. Thanks!
Does this method also applies to the 2016? Do I really need 10 quarts? Because some other people here on YT use only 4 quarts.
4 qts is only draining and refilling the drain pan, which is what most people are doing if they do anything. The reason I made this video is to show you how to change the paper filter, mesh pan filter, clean the drain pan, and replace all of the fluid in the transmission. The part numbers for the filters may be different (easy to look up), but Nissan CVTs are all Jatco transmissions and work basically the same way. Its up to you what you want to do.
Idemitsu makes the Nissan CVTF. It is a non-synthetic fluid. Valvoline, Havoline, and Amsoil are good or better than the actual Nissan brand. Before Nissan changed to Idemitsu the previous CVTF manufacture's fluid wasn't meeting specs leading to all the CVT failures.
I researched quite a bit to also find out that the Nissan CVT is Idemitsu. So far I've been able to get good deals on Ebay on Nissan NS-3 by the case cheaper than I can find the Idemitsu branded fluid. I've been hesitant to use any other brand over concerns about viscosity.
Is there a torque specification for the bolts on the paper filter housing? Thanks!
Not that I can find
Should I let all the fluid come out of the drain bolt until it stops before I put the bolt back?
No. You just let the fluid come out until it just drips. If there is a stream, let drain until it just drips.
@@thevoigts651 thank you!
For Altima, do all you can to limit/ lower heat, includes minimum coolant-water ratio, 30k change both filters, best cvt fluid, seal the too-leaky cooling plenum, keep radiators clean...I found this to be enough for Mojave hard and hot conditions now 209k.
209k is great, especially in those conditions
@هـجر M'3 before you remove the fluid level adjusting bolt you have to make sure the car is level and the trans fluid within the correct temp range. If you didn't do those 2 things, make sure they are correct first and then re-check your fluid level. 3 quarts coming out would be a major overfill as the whole loop only holds 9-10 quarts. Are you sure you took out the adjusting bolt and not the drain pan bolt? The pan holds about 4 quarts.
@هـجر M'3 If you drove for an hour the fluid is certainly going to be well above the correct temp range. I only have to idle my Altima for 5-10 min for it to hit temp. You probably drained too much out. Go by the procedure and you'll get it right.
If you remove the paper filter at the torque converter housing ( one with 4 bolts ) without draining fluid will fluid pour out.
Gracias bro excellente video
30 nissan salesman disliked this video lol
When you say ignition on do you mean start the car? Or just put the ignition I'm the on position?
You have to start the car in order for the transmission oil pump to begin pumping into the waste container.
@@HowToDoStuf I'm talking about when adjusting the fluid level with the OBDII scanner.
@@TheDwilliams1000 When you are checking the fluid level, the car should be running and the trans fluid has to be at the specified temp.
Do you by chance know how much fluid this transmission holds? I can't find it anywhere online and it's not in the manual.
I don't know exactly either. If I remember right after draining the pan, refilling, and then pushing out the old fluid and refilling, it took me a total of about 10 quarts.
Excellent!!!
This procedure is significantly different from what is shown in the service manual. Read the service manual procedure shown starting on page TM-83 before you attempt this method.
The service manual of course shows only a simple pan draining and refill which is recommended only under extreme duty conditions (per the owner's manual). There is no mention of changing the fine paper filter, cleaning out the pan, cleaning/replacing the mesh pan filter, or changing out the fluid, which are all reasons that I think have greatly contributed to these transmissions continuing to have issues. Why Nissan ignores basic maintenance on these transmissions is beyond me. Nissan also says to use a charging pipe set to fill when there is a perfectly good dipstick tube. The TM-83 page you mention is very helpful in that it gives you the proper fluid level procedure.
@@HowToDoStuf The standard procedure does change out the CVT fluid. At least 10 quarts of NS3 are required using the standard method (which includes dropping the trans fluid pan and cleaning the metal strainer and replacing the paper filter by the trans fluid cooler for a complete service) which does involve mixing some of the old fluid in with the new and draining out some of the new fluid as well - a necessary evil unfortunately. Most people who will attempt this maintenance will have watched several different videos beforehand - I sure have. I appreciated your excellent video quality as I could see everything clearly. I am aware that it is possible to refill the transaxle through the dipstick tube - Nissan apparently did not want to inform DIY mechanics of this probably because many of them weren't using the correct CVT fluid when replacing it trashing their transmissions and then trying to get Nissan to pay for a replacement.
Is it a must to have the cvtz50 app, I have iOS,
I really don't know of another good way to determine the fluid temp without it as CVTZ50 is reading the information straight from the transmission sensor. The important thing however is that you are reading the CVT fluid temp correctly. You would just have to find a way to sample the fluid somehow to determine the temp.
I would also add a transmission cooler flush, this will get all the debris out of the collant line. Nissan sells those cans for cheap
Even though it is Nissan approved, I am leery of putting any kind of chemical into the transmission loop. I guess as long as you air hose it all out it should be ok. I might look into this next time I do my flush.
@@thevoigts651 The cooler flush is like brake fluid, it dries very quickly. When I used it, I was able to see lots of dirty stuff coming out of the hose. As you said, you can also use air can and pump air through it afterward, but not necessary
70 inch pounds?
Does that scan tool work for a 2016 altima
CVT50 works on all Nissan transmissions AFAIK. That is what is was designed for
@@thevoigts651 thanks
@@thevoigts651 would the obadator mini work with that cvt50 app
@@valledecauca1087 I can't seem to find the ELM327 revision number of your obadator mini. From the CVT50 website :"Bluetooth or WiFi adapter ELM327 revision 1.5 or lower (functionality might be significantly limited if used with not genuine adapters of revision 2.0+. Communication with CVT requires advanced ELM327 functionality which is often missing in clones v2.0+)"
@@HowToDoStuf which scan tool would you recommend to monitor rhe transmission temp etc. Im swapping a transmission on my 16 altima just had cvt faliure at 110000 miles
How do I get diagram pictures like that I wonder if the $100.00 I spent blue driver obd2 will work for checking transmission fluid this is a really nice video thanks
I got the diagrams mainly on the Nissanpartsdeal.com website I mentioned in the description. The service manual which I was able to find online in pdf format has a lot of diagrams also. As long as your odb2 device is an ELM327 firmware 1.5 compatible it should work with CVT50 to read the fluid sensor temp reading
@@thevoigts651 ok thank you I appreciate you
@@2pacnasgame Glad to be of help.
Do you which hose will pump out the old fluid and which hose is the return hose?
The transmission fluid flows from the warmer on the engine block to the cooler on the side of the radiator. You can undo this hose at the transmission cooler on the side of the radiator and put it into the drain bucket. I have pictures of this in the video.
Where is the link of the other video
ruclips.net/video/AVaKRRyrQT0/видео.html
As far as the sealed cap. All u do is insert a small flat blade screwdriver into the slot gently then pull up on the cap while holding the screwdriver. It comes right off.
I haven't tried this. You wouldn't loose any fluid that is in the pan to be sure. I'm not sure how much would drain out of the torque converter housing. I would think that not much fluid would.
@@HowToDoStuf
I think he's talking about the fill tube...?
Just a heads up for everybody... Nissanpartsdeal.com doesn't send the metal stick portion of the when ordering the "Gauge Oil Level 31086-3TA1A". I gave them my VIN for my car and they say no OEM dip stick exist for a 2014 Nissan Altima.
awesome... thanks :-)
I tried this dripping with it on nothing scratch my head I out back in what I took out turn the car off then it pour out
I'm guessing here what you're talking about given that you english is broken up. To check the fluid level, the car needs to be jacked up and level. You need to have the car running and the transmission within the recommended trans fluid temp range as shown in CVT50. You remove the fluid check plug and add fluid or drain until the fluid just drips out of the check hole, then put the check plug back in. That is all there is to getting the fluid level correct. The car does need to be running to make sure fluid is up in the torque converter when you check the level. Yes, if you have the fluid level check plug out and turn off the car, fluid is going to pour out as it drains out of the torque converter, and if you do this, your fluid level will be way too low.
You did a superb video kind Sir on your video. I agree with everything you said; with one "addition" you need to do. IE: You need to "flush" all the transmission with Nissan "Transmission cooler fluid". You can see this in the video below.
ruclips.net/video/qhd39HU-TJE/видео.html
The great thing about this procedure is: it forces out the contaminated fluid; rather than waiting on gravity to do the job. And because it force flushes in BOTH directions; it insures ALL the old fluid is gone. Plus; you can see clearly when the old fluid is gone.
Again, you did a great job kind Sir. Keep up the good work.
Thank you. Just to be clear, in that video he flushes the transmission cooler, not the transmission. That sounds like a good idea. Flushing the entire transmission is in my opinion a mistake. As for where to find Nissan branded CVT fluid, I ordered mine online. Some dealers do carry it but they are ridiculous in their pricing. I will probably either use the Aisin NS3 from Rock Auto next time I do this (as another person mentioned further down in the comments) or order a case of Nissan NS3 via Ebay.
Upon a little research, I found a thread on bobistheoilguy (bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/nissan-ns-3-cvt-fluid.330034/) that says the Nissan CVT fluid is Idemitsu N3 (www.findmymsds.com/nissan/pdfs/99998-CVTNS3-E.PDF).
You missed the part where after you take the bolt off there is another part inside you have to use an Allen key to take out. Makes it flow faster.
What bolt and which part are you referring to?
Elmo Car Guy Sorry LOL!! The bolt to drain the tranny fluid. After, you stick an Allen key and twist. A piece will come out allowing more flow for the fluid to drain.
@@anon4041 There is only a simple drain bolt in the drain pan.
@@thevoigts651 Hmm, maybe it is different for the 2013.
@@anon4041 I wouldn't know as I've got a 2014.
I use Lucas cvt fluid
I've never seen Lucas CVT fluid. I've played it safe and used genuine Nissan fluid. I've heard a number of people recommend Amsoil.
@@HowToDoStuf Amsoil & Lucas are both absolutely best you can get your hands on
Valvoline is same fluid bro. Look at the data sheet
I'm a bit fuzzy about the Valvoline as in its general description it only mentions NS-2, but in the data sheet which I hadn't looked at it says NS-2 and NS-3 for Nissan.
Elmo Car Guy yes it does.
Same specs. Valvoline has red dye, Nissan has green dye.
@@MotoFlows Have you used the valvoline cvt fluid? Any issues? Thanks.
@@kccodex8931 Thanks for the reply. I work on cars and this was for a customer's car. If I recall correctly, I used a liquid moly oil with the NS3 approvelal and has worked well since then. Thanks for sharing your experience and I hope you put more miles on her!
Nissan trans flush is more complicated than Honda and Toyota imo.
The complications I see compared to some other transmissions are removing the paper filter and having to go through the picky fluid level procedure. Many transmissions only have a pan filter of some kind, and many have a good old fashioned dipstick to read the fluid level, which would be a definite improvement.
You don’t have to use so called nissan cvt ns3 fluid, you can use cvt fluid that is compatible with Nissan ns3 fluid just read the back of the cvt transmission fluid bottle your buying and it will say compatible with Nissan ns3 cvt fluid. If it doesn’t don’t buy it . Of course don’t buy the cheap stuff. Your welcome
I didn't say you had to use the dealer branded fluid. I said I did so out of caution since at the time I had not found any cvt fluid that said it is ns3 compatible. Another youtuber not long ago made the comment that Rock Auto now carries Aisin NS3 fluid, and I will probably use that the next time I flush.
@@thevoigts651 Well, it seems I will be using the non Nissan brand NS-3 spec fluid then.
A lot of this is like killing a fly with a sledgehammer. If there is a lot of crap in this transmission temperature controller you're in trouble. Funny how this is a sealed transmission and you find a lot of different types of residual in it means one thing. You're nursing defective unit to make it last as long as it can. This tyranny is a Renault addition to this car. Nissan increased it's warranty time after a class law suit.
I think all transmissions that are sealed and claim to never need fluid and filter changing are nonsense. Fluids wear and get dirty. I'm not sure where you are getting the Renault thing from as Jatco makes transmissions for a number of car companies. I also would question whether the transmissions on these cars are defective, or if they fail at a higher rate because they are not properly maintained because Nissan in their infinite wisdom says they don't need maintenance. If proper servicing "nurses" this transmission into a long service life, I'm good with that as I plan on hanging on to my paid for Altima.
This does not apply for 2009-2014 Maxima
I am looking at the nissanpartsdeal website at a 2014 maxima, and under powertrain/control valve/filter assembly-oil-CVT there is an Oil Filter Assy-Auto Transmission
31726-1XE0A listed on the schematic. I don't have a Maxima so I don't know exactly where it is. This looks to be a filter that is easily replaceable as it is external and held on by a few bolts. You could disconnect at the filter and do the same thing with the drain container from there to pump out fluid and then refill until clear.
@@thevoigts651 LOL, I have my maxima jacked up per this reply and you are 100% correct. This means it's even easier on the 09-14 Maxima than the 14' Altima 😅. I going to order that filter and drain all the CVT fluid. This Maxima takes 10.8 quarts to refill completely.
@@12MRJERSEY Another youtuber here posted earlier that Rock Auto carries Aisin NS3 cvt fluid. Make sure u clean out the drain pan also before doing the refill/drain thing.
@@thevoigts651 I'm using Amsoil CVT that goes beyond NS1,2 and 3. And by the way 2009-2014 Maximas uses NS2. Thanks for the info 👍🏼😅
Do you have to completely remove the fluid level bolt in order to let drain until it drips?
Yes. Car should be level, engine running, fluid within the correct temp range, and drain bolt out until fluid drips.