2011-2014 Nissan Maxima CVT Transmission Replacement

In this video Im going to be replacing the transmission of a 2011 Nissan Maxima . It will be a brief explanation on how to replace the automatic transmission.

[@user-gm1hu5zp8n]

Hi guys.. For all the maxima owners I recommend adding an outside transmission cooling core.. My 2010 had 220000 mi and transmission still very smooth.. All you need is the cooler and changing the fluid every 30k mi.

[@david5291]

Where do I buy that? After market?

[@connorpeterson8307]

link??

[@user-gm1hu5zp8n]

@@connorpeterson8307 I live in Dubai. I don't know where to find it in the US. But I guess any good quality after market cooler will do the job.

[@empressnigeria]

Oh my 12:38 “not a big deal” looks so complicated I’m watching cause I want to no what Nissan is doing to my car this is what their doing oh my I’m just a female trying to understand cvt transmission etc man god bless you for your knowledge and video

[@TheHoustonfightclub]

The transmission just went out on my 2011 Nissan Maxima thank goodness this video came out just in time

[@mysterygarageCA]

Let me know if you have any questions, I’ll be glad to help!

[@ricoswim7896]

How many miles you had on it when it went out I have the same 2011 maxima SV with 98k miles on it. (December 2021).

[@mysterygarageCA]

105k

[@ewoenam9919]

you should put in a more reliable transmission. Im going to put in a 6 speed when mine goes out

[@russellmctizic1500]

Hey where are located at . What state I might want you to work on my car

[@marcosmelgoza8631]

I have a 2014 nissan maxima a p0746 code popped up on both the ecm and tcm , i replaced the valve body flushed the transmission oil twice with a fresh filter too and replaced all 4 VIAS control solenoid valves but they were from the junkyard and replaced both engine variable timing solenoids but some cheap ones , so the problem with the car is it runs alright but after a while when I come to a complete stop and try to accelerate again it jerks crazy and I need to turn it off and wait a while to drive it again and also there’s no check engine light so if u can give me some advice of what it could be ?

[@mysterygarageCA]

Looks like you have a problem with the pressure control solenoid. It could be the solenoid itself or your loosing pressure somewhere in the transmission components. I would test the solenoid and if solenoid is good, then hook up a pressure gage and check the main pressure line? But most likely you might need to replace the trans. Hopefully not!

[@Mik2005]

Thanks for the video man. This helps so much!

[@mysterygarageCA]

No problem!

[@Mik2005]

Would you happen to know the difference between the maxima transmissions that say ako #1 and #2. I ordered a transmission from the same year. Mine is 06/11 #2 and the new one is from a 08/11 #1. @@mysterygarageCA

[@ayodejifagbamila9840]

Quick question. I replaced the transmission and its module from another maxima of same year. However, i can't start the car after replacement from inside. The only way i can start it is from the starter under the hood and i can verify also that the transmission is good. Did you encounter this issue as well?

[@mysterygarageCA]

No, check your starter solenoid or maybe you didn’t connect a ground.

[@elcompa121]

Hi Mystery garage? I just replace the transmission and tcm with a used one not a new one in my 2014 nissan Maxima, it's necessary take it to the dealer for calibration or not? What was your experience at the dealer? Thanks. God bless you!

[@mysterygarageCA]

I didn’t take it to the dealer because it was driving smooth and the rpm stay reasonable depending on speed. To this day the car is driving smooth. I would take it if the transmission is acting up or rpm’s are too high.

[@elcompa121]

Thanks.

[@djchanga2216]

I replaced my transmission with a used one and used the module that came with the transmission 2 days later the abs brake and traction lights came on along with the engine light. The speedometer stopped working too. Took it to a shop and was told they had to move over something inside the old transmission into the new one. The car runs fine just all the lights are the issue any advice?

[@mysterygarageCA]

What are the codes? Early 2011 and late 2011 transmissions are different. Make sure you got the right year and month.

[@djchanga2216]

Thanks for the reply.. im getting p0500 on the scanner . I thought it may be the speed sensors so I replaced all with new ones and the one that goes on top of the transmission.. like I said car runs fine just this bs that’s driving me crazy.. the tranny was off a 5/11 car

[@mysterygarageCA]

@@djchanga2216 I would check the connector and sensor for any damage. Check the wires that go to the sensor. If anything, remove the sensor and inspect it. Some times there is metal shaving stick to it.

[@djchanga2216]

Ok thanks for the advise I will definitely update you once I figure this out .

[@mysterygarageCA]

@@djchanga2216 ok

[@bigboss2378]

I have a 2014 Nissan Altima 2.5. My transmission just went out. What year of the Altima transmission is compatible with the 2014?. I was told 13-18 are the same is that true?

[@mysterygarageCA]

I’m not sure about the Altima

[@virgilgreene2099]

Did you had to tilt the engine towards the driver side to remove the transmission?

[@mysterygarageCA]

No

[@Kamari0618]

So if my 2014 maxima can’t go into gear that means the transmission is done ? I fixed the radiator and a day later drove to the bank and when I went back to the car I couldn’t move 😢 what does this mean

[@mysterygarageCA]

Check your fluid make sure is not low but if it’s fine then most likely is your trans.

[@user-rr9fp3ol5u]

Where are you hooking to hold the motor on the transmission side i see your strap running down but can't see exactly it is where you are hooked and i can't seem to find anything right there i would trust to hook it on. Only thing i see is the coolant line.

[@mysterygarageCA]

Looks like the thermostat housing

[@user-rr9fp3ol5u]

@@mysterygarageCA I thought so too just wanted to verify it was sturdy enough before attempting it myself that is about the only thing in that area to hook to anyways. Thanks for the quick reply.

[@user-rr9fp3ol5u]

@@mysterygarageCA I also plan to use a bottle jack under the engine block with a 2x4 most of the time the only time I will be depending on the strap will be when removing the cradle and reinstalling the cradle. I am rebuilding mine instead of replacing so it will be a few weeks it'll need supported better than a strap so that's the only other thing I came up with.

[@mysterygarageCA]

@@user-rr9fp3ol5u ok, when removing mounts, use long extension and do it from top is a lot easier. For the front motor/trans mount. And be safe if doing it on the floor.

[@user-rr9fp3ol5u]

@@mysterygarageCA Thanks man appreciate it. I am doing it on the floor I have 6 Jack stands and wheel blocks. Also have a split jack connector to bring down cradle and a transmission jack big enough for it. I'll definitely have a second person over when dropping it out. Thanks for the tips if you think of any more let me know I'll be checking in on this as I go.

[@davon4761]

Can a 09 maxima CVT transmission go into a 2012 maxima? Or what’s the year can i use?

[@mysterygarageCA]

No

[@mysterygarageCA]

2011 I believe it has to be manufactured from July and up is compatible, from June or may fits 2010, 2009 and so on

[@mafiaboydq9890]

how many quarts of trans fluid you need for the refill ?

[@mysterygarageCA]

Don’t remember correctly but should be 4 or 5. You usually check the level. Once is on the full mark, drive it for 30min and check it again.

[@saintdominic1]

Do you remember how much fluid you put back in it after the install? About to do this job today

[@mysterygarageCA]

I don’t remember but you have to top it off after your done, drive it for a good thirty min and check it again

[@macknumber9]

Would it be easier to pull the motor first and then pull the transmission out the top? Or do it the way you did it? I only ask cuz I dont have a lift

[@mysterygarageCA]

I would do it the way I did it

[@Alex_6251]

is the cvt transmission of a maxima 2008 compatible for a maxima 2010? since I can't find your year

[@mysterygarageCA]

2009-April 2011 are the same2008 is different. You’ll find one on eBay.

[@macknumber9]

What about a 2012?

[@mysterygarageCA]

@@macknumber9 same thing

[@macknumber9]

@@mysterygarageCA do you think it's possible to do this without a lift? I found the 2012 Maxima with 160,000 miles for only 1500 cuz it's got a bad transmission I think I can make a lot of money if I can handle doing this transmission swap

[@mysterygarageCA]

@@macknumber9 it is but it’s a lot more physical work to do it on the floor.

[@Krazykevin76]

Nice video. I might be doing this job soon. 2014 Maxima and I was getting the P0746 Pressure Solenoid A stuck code. I decided to replace the valve body since the the solenoid kit was 100 bucks. After replacing the valve body with a rebuilt one the transmisson works better but now have the P0746 code along with P0868 (Fluid pressure low). Before the valve body change, the car would go into limp mode almost instantly. Check engine light would come on. Now, I haven't got the check engine light on but I do have the two codes. When I put the car into gear and ease of the brake it shutters. If I get to rolling and ease on the brake it does the same thing. Once I'm up to speed it seems like the transmission is fine. The only thing noticable at speed is big time hesitation if you hit the accelerator. If you ease into it it's not noticeable, but getting on it slows down, big lull, and then it takes off as if nothing was wrong. While stopped, if you smash the accelerator, the car will not increase in RPM it will just barely move. Again, ease into it and off you go. Any suggestions? I've seen a few videos that mention it could be a flow control valve on the transmission pump? Thanks for any help

[@mysterygarageCA]

I would just replace the whole transmission. Your having the same problem everybody else is having. When you loose pressure some components are not synchronized and computers detects that so it doesn’t work properly. Like I said before, I would just rebuild or replace the trans. After I replaced mine haven’t had a single problem.

[@Krazykevin76]

@@mysterygarageCA Appreciate the quick reply. Not what I was wanting to here but I had a feeling that was going to be the answer. One last question if you don't mind. What exactly happens in my situation? How does it work ok at speed but then still have the other issues? Just pressure loss? Thanks again buddy.

[@Krazykevin76]

@@mysterygarageCA Last question. Is there a place you buy your transmissions from? Trying not to get scammed. I see anywhere from 1400 to 5k online.

[@mysterygarageCA]

@@Krazykevin76 clutches are activated by pressure. You have speed sensors that monitor moving parts inside like input shaft and output shaft. When computer sees that components don’t rotate the same speed via speed sensors. That’s when it starts acting up. And they don’t rotate same speed due to slippage caused by loss of pressure. Believe me, I didn’t want to pay 1500 for a trans but it’s cheaper at the long run and you can drive your car no with no issues.

[@Krazykevin76]

@@mysterygarageCA For 1500 you just bought a used one, not refurbed?

[@angellituma839]

Buenos dias tengo un Maxima 2011 con 176.000 mll .corre vien unos 40 minutos sin ninguna falla al llegar serca la hora al llegar a un stop por mas que se pise la aseleracion no corre le apaga y prendo de nuevo sale nuevamente pero como que se jalonea y le escaneado me sale de un selenoide de control de precion "A" Fumcionamiento atascado devo canviar de trasmicion o como se soluciona el problema y que trasmiciones son compatibles de que año nomas le dan ala Nissan Maxima 2011

[@mysterygarageCA]

Lo más probable que la transmission ya esté fallando. Aveces le cambias el aceite y los solenoides y se compone por un tiempo. Pero lo más seguro, transmission.

[@angellituma839]

@@mysterygarageCA disculpe que trasmicion es compatible el Nissan Maxima es fabricado 3 /11 de que año son compatible

[@mysterygarageCA]

@@angellituma839 si no me equivoco, 2009 a principios de 2011

[@cynthiamarie2011]

Hi, what’s the name of your shop? Or what part of Cali are you located? I’m in San Diego…

[@mysterygarageCA]

Chino,CA

[@azz-backwardz2518]

So did u have to program it or the other tcu worked?

[@mysterygarageCA]

The other one work.

[@azz-backwardz2518]

Thanks

[@mysterygarageCA]

@@azz-backwardz2518 the other one work.

[@apb38]

How much for the used transmission? How many miles was on it? How much do you charge for a job like that?

[@mysterygarageCA]

I got a used one for $1500 with about 80k miles and I charge $850 for labor plus oil.

[@apb38]

@@mysterygarageCA Where are you located?

[@mysterygarageCA]

@@apb38 Southern California

[@bchaveezy]

Nice video

[@mysterygarageCA]

Thank you!

[@oscarthagool]

Will a 2013 Nissan maxima transmission fit the 2014 Nissan maxima

[@mysterygarageCA]

It should

[@chriswilliams2652]

I have been considering buying a used Nissan altima/maxima. I just wanna thank you for your work here on this car and taking the time to shoot it. I will not be buying one. I LOVE the cars but Nissan deserves to be horse whipped for what they are doing to customers and the mechanics that have to deal with these subpar cvts. When they could be using a traditional trans and non of these issues would be happening and they wouldn't be getting their asses sued and lemon lawed to death. Seriously though, thank you for your time and effort. May God in his eternal love and kindness bless you.

[@mysterygarageCA]

They do it to lover cost for them but in return it’s more expensive to customer. I bought this dirt cheap and decided to fix it and sell it right away.

[@ricardogutierrez3367]

How much is dirt cheap!?

[@user-bc2wp9cd1p]

Sir how do you take off the bolts on front and rear engine mount pain in the ass to do it😩 can you pls tell me?

[@mysterygarageCA]

The front you can use a long extension and do it from the top of car, the rear mount you can do it from underneath, from the front and rear of rack and pinion. Hope this helps.

[@user-bc2wp9cd1p]

@@mysterygarageCA what tools you use it on the back? I tried everything I could think of but it is so tied!

[@mysterygarageCA]

@@user-bc2wp9cd1p Use a flex head ratchet and flex wrench.

[@mady6303]

So 2011-14 cvt transmissions are interchangeable?

[@mysterygarageCA]

Yes but for 2011 look at the month. Early 2011 is different.

[@niecyty1193]

Hey. I have a 2014 Nissan maxima and it won't go in reverse. What can I do.

[@mysterygarageCA]

I would have to check it

[@fishyfish7042]

will 2014 altima cvt work on a 2014 maxima?

[@mysterygarageCA]

It might

[@bmylifesamovie6915]

I have a 2010 maxima and I replaced the transmission twice already because it doesn’t move when I put it in reverse or drive 🤦‍♂️ idk what else to do, I tried to get it reprogrammed but they say reprogramming it is not gonna fix it because it doesn’t move at all, they it might be something else going on with it.

[@mysterygarageCA]

You probably got a defective transmissions.

[@bmylifesamovie6915]

@@mysterygarageCA that’s what I was thinking but I already replaced it twice. The car doesn’t even move.

[@Hungarian91]

im at 144,000 with my 2014 S and I drive the hell out of it, not single issue.

[@mysterygarageCA]

Your car is 1 out of 100 that take the abuse and are still on the road.

[@kevinklakeg44]

I'm in this camp.. But preparing for the issue.. It's a fun car I want to keep on the road.

[@Hungarian91]

​@kevinklakeg44 I have since upgraded, I'm in 21 Q50S Redsport now and I've got to say it's a huge difference and I don't miss the CVT at all

[@forextime4939]

​@Hungarian91 I have have a 2014 nissan maxima with 144,000 miles on it. It is a good car will it last 200k + if I keep up with maintenance

[@dinoquinn22]

What are the symptoms of p0868

[@mysterygarageCA]

Trans might slip or wont shift properly.

[@eddiegarcia7663]

Hey bro can I have same car different year 2013 with same problem I’m located in Lynwood wondering if that close to you

[@mysterygarageCA]

2011-2014 are the same

[@eddiegarcia7663]

@@mysterygarageCA what city are you in?

[@mysterygarageCA]

@@eddiegarcia7663 Pomona

[@eddiegarcia7663]

@@mysterygarageCA cool that not far where can I find cvt transmission I tried offer up no luck there

[@mysterygarageCA]

@@eddiegarcia7663 they are like $1500

[@PhilMendoza-dp2db]

How much do you charge from for a job like that

[@PhilMendoza-dp2db]

Were your shop at I would like take my car there need my transmission replace

[@mysterygarageCA]

I charge 800

[@PhilMendoza-dp2db]

@@mysterygarageCA when do you have time to replace my or how can we make this happen is that just the labor or for the transmission too

[@mysterygarageCA]

@@PhilMendoza-dp2db transmission is like 1500

[@mistertorres5047]

This need reprogramming or just replacing and

[@mysterygarageCA]

If you use the same transmission module that is programmed to the tranny you buy, no. But if you only replace the transmission you do need to calibrate it, reprogram.

[@jalandrobinson4258]

​@@mysterygarageCAI'm replacing the transmission and I was wondering is it okay for the car to crank and drive if the module is not programmed yet..I was asking because the dealership is about 20 mins away.

[@mysterygarageCA]

@@jalandrobinson4258 I don’t know what happens if you drive it without programming. I know that when you program it you are calibrating the transmission to speed, rpm, load, etc… I don’t think there would be a problem but I would drive it around the block and if it feels good than drive it to dealer. But to answer your question, I’m not sure. Drive it at your own risk.

[@jalandrobinson4258]

@mysterygarageCA thanks I really appreciate that.

[@ksolius1906]

Are you in Texas?

[@mysterygarageCA]

CA

[@janearoberts1026]

So I don’t have to take it to the dealer to reprogram it I just put in a new transmission

[@mysterygarageCA]

If you put a used transmission ask for the transmission control module as well.

[@janearoberts1026]

Ok that’s not the transmission assembly thing right

[@mysterygarageCA]

@@janearoberts1026 no, just an external computer

[@Therealpeter10]

Is this car reliable

[@mysterygarageCA]

It is if you service it and don’t abuse it.

[@jimmylaboy285]

This was awesome. Thank you so much. Going to fix my girlfriends tranny this weekend. Any recommendations for some one doing on the ground? Seeing as how you have to drop the subframe, as long as nothings connected it should be a breeze from what it seems?

[@mysterygarageCA]

Don’t know about doing it on the floor!

[@jimmylaboy285]

No biggie. Figured I’d ask. I’m putting together the transmission and engine at the moment and for some reason they aren’t getting to the point where they mate. Everything spins freely until you get close enough to the bell housing and it stops spinning. Any recommendations?

[@mysterygarageCA]

@@jimmylaboy285 make sure the converter is all the way in. Let me know how it goes.

[@macknumber9]

@@jimmylaboy285 any updates? Were you able to do this successfully without a lift?

[@mastercollector2891]

Your not far from where I live. Maybe one day I'll get my car serviced from you. Car just needs motor mounts so far

[@mysterygarageCA]

Cool

[@steverobinson7500]

Where are you located at

[@mysterygarageCA]

Chino, CA

[@elmazkabron4739]

@@mysterygarageCA will a 14' transmission fit a 10' maxima? I've noticed all the places advertise 09-11 and 11-14 like if they're different?

[@mysterygarageCA]

@@elmazkabron4739 no, it’s different

[@elmazkabron4739]

@@mysterygarageCA ok wanted to make sure because there's this very reputable nissan place in Ga that advertises their transmission fits 09-15 models

[@mysterygarageCA]

@@elmazkabron4739 and make sure you get the transmission module as well.

[@dedecreole8315]

How much does that cost

[@mysterygarageCA]

1500 for trans

[@jessicahernandez405]

Where can I look for a used transmission

[@mysterygarageCA]

@@jessicahernandez405 eBay

[@jessicahernandez405]

@@mysterygarageCA any suggestions on sellers u have worked with before?? Mines a 2014 maxima Never really purchased anything on eBay 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@jessicahernandez405]

Also if mines a 03/14.. a 2011 - 2014 would be compatible right ?

[@user-jh1nw8wh3f]

What is your location

[@mysterygarageCA]

SoCal

[@Yeayeajjj]

Would be more easier if you take emgine and transmission rather than unbloting.whole differential

[@mysterygarageCA]

Maybe but I didn’t want to drain all the fluids

[@scamzbaba5453]

Subframe seems like it’s the only annoying thing

[@mysterygarageCA]

Yeah but it’s not that bad

[@scamzbaba5453]

@@mysterygarageCA I’m doing this tomorrow on the floor! Very good video bro very informative

[@mysterygarageCA]

@@scamzbaba5453 it’s not a big deal

[@mysterygarageCA]

@@scamzbaba5453 let me know how it goes

[@petehenderson]

Wow that's a lot of work next time take frame engine and trans out at one time

[@mysterygarageCA]

I didn’t take everything out because of fluids. And it only takes like 5hrs to do everything.