How to do CVT Transmission Drain and Fill Nissan Altima

[@MrIMCP]

Great video, its a small expense to buy the dip stick and the NS-3 fluid, however $5k for a new transmission is much more!

[@TheAutoTeacher]

Thank you!

[@Rod-cm2xs]

I absolutely agree, buy the Nissan NS3 and I would change it before 60,000. Every 35,000.

[@kirkmarthens3388]

Nice video. I have found that using a fluid extractor through the dipstick tube works just as well as removing the drain plug with a lot less mess. Also it is easier to measure the amount of fluid you get out.

[@TheAutoTeacher]

Thanks, once the transmission is warm by using the drain plug, you're going to get more of the old oil and contaminants out. You'll still be able to measure the fluid that you catch in your oil pan. It's still be a good idea to have some way of measuring your oil in case the vehicle was over or under on fluid to start with.

[@themanofsteel8100]

@@TheAutoTeachercan you measure what you take out and add back the same measurement?

[@NateM154]

Thanks for the video. I would say at 60k just do fluid and filter and call it good for awhile. Then hope and pray.

[@TheAutoTeacher]

You're welcome. That sounds like a good plan, as with any vehicle following manufacturer protocol for maintenance can only help. We've had numerous family members with Nissan vehicles that were maintained properly and never had any issues.

[@jeffkeryk3550]

Can you tell me the dipstick tool distance from the top to the fluid level? I have an earlier Nissan dipstick that I use on a 2015 Altima, but I believe the low-hi marks are not correct. I think the low mark is close to correct. Thanks in advance and great video! I've used Valvoline and Castrol CVT fluid in a high mileage, abused Altima with excellent results. 180K; you can't kill this car!

[@TheAutoTeacher]

Thank you, Sorry I won't be back at the shop till after the holidays, where the tool is located.

[@vermontvermont9292]

You Nissan guys are lucky you get a dip stick. My 2019 10th gen civic doesn't have one.

[@TheAutoTeacher]

Nissan owners are lucky that they have a dip stick tube, but they still have to purchase the proper dipstick tool for the vehicle.

[@vermontvermont9292]

​@@TheAutoTeacherI've been using Castrol CVT fluid on the Civic for 30,000 miles. I actually did a 3x drain and fill at first to make sure all the old stuff was out. I had actually contacted Castrol and that's what they had recommended. Make sense too since mixing CVT fluid brands probably isn't the best idea.

[@coreybrockway8730]

Thank you for posting this! For those of us that do not have the fancy dipstick, isn’t there a weep hole or level plug on the side of the transmission to get to warm level correct without a dipstick? Thx

[@TheAutoTeacher]

It does have overflow hole, but then you would need to read a temp scanner, or auto scanner to monitor the transmission temperature, and then guess when the transmission fluid stream looks like it's about right. It's easier just to use a dipstick ,it's more precise, no guessing involved and it uses less fluid.

[@loganbrown3565]

Should I change it at 125,000 unknown previous owner

[@TheAutoTeacher]

Since you don't know if it's ever been done, I would change it as soon as possible.

[@shquankinket8068]

I just bought a 2016 Altima at 96,000 and I’m planning on changing the fluid and filter all together I would definitely recommend doing that. People have differing reports on how long the cvt in these cars can last, some say you can’t kill it and can go over the recommended mile increments or some people think you should be changing it in increments half as short as what Nissan recommends. But with any used car you should always change the fluids when you buy it even if the dealer says it’s been done recently. You want to know exactly what levels you’re starting at so you know the baseline performance of your car at the mileage you purchased it at. I know this comment is a year old so I’m just saying this for anyone new in a situation like yours

[@taylorhuntrr9168]

Yes mine blew at 125,000

[@FR4087]

Can I use Castro cvt universal fluid on a 2013 Nissan Maxima 3.5 ? Will it work or is it not recommended? Help please

[@TheAutoTeacher]

You can use a universal, but make sure it has the specifications required by the manufacture on the back of the CVT fluid you purchase.

[@MrPhong1712]

i changed my Toyota Vehicle with Castrol Transmax ATF (which is claimed to meet Toyota WS standard in the label). After that, my vehicle shifted differently, not good but not bad, just differently. is that okay? Tks for sharing

[@TheAutoTeacher]

How many miles are on your Toyota? When you say not good, not bad is there any jerking or hesitation and is there a check engine light.

[@MrPhong1712]

@@TheAutoTeacher 75k miles when i changed it. I went for 500 miles more after that. I think there is small hestiation in shifting. No enegine light check. When i check the transmission dipstick, there are random bubbles appearing 😭😭 Should i go to Toyota Service Center and replace with Toyota WS OEM fluid? Quite expensive in my country😭

[@MrPhong1712]

@@TheAutoTeacher i have checked transmission dipstick many times, and i think there is not overfilled happend here. the fluid indicated in suitable range (hot range).

[@TheAutoTeacher]

If you're still concerned, purchase the Toyota fluid and change it yourself . If you shop around, you might find the fluid cheaper elsewhere than the dealer.

[@MrPhong1712]

@@TheAutoTeacher Tks for your answer. Maybe I'll monitor it for a while and then decide whether to go back to the OEM fluid or not

[@lawks56]

Nice video. Where did you get that blue handled multi dipstick tool? I clicked on the Amazon Transmission Dipstick link above and it was like the one I purchased (after watching another video source). The purchased dipstick would not completely seat. It was too long or there was something impeding it. The tool you are using (braided) looks like it might slide all the way down my dipstick tube. I can make out the name Global Parts but not the part number. I'm trying to measure transmission oil level in a 2019 Nissan Rogue SV with 2.5L engine and CVT transmission. I'm thinking the 23-30 mark is in millimeters so I could probably use any braided dipstick and measuring tape to determine oil level if I can get past the obstacle that is impeding the dipstick .

[@TheAutoTeacher]

These are the tools we used, CVT Charge Pipe Cap Release (J-52611CVT and Oil Level Quick Check Gauge (J-51155) to determine the CVT fluid level.

[@hectorespinoza2337]

Where do I get the little tool with yellow handle to take dip stick off??

[@TheAutoTeacher]

Special tools CVT Oil Level Quick Check Gauge (J-51155) and CVT Charge Pipe Cap Release (J-52611) are now available from Nissan and dealers, tools can be obtained from Tech-Mate at 1-800-662-2001.

[@michaelwebb9894]

U can use a flathead

[@Mario-kq7vq]

Where did you get the adjustable dipstick

[@TheAutoTeacher]

You can find everything in the video description!

[@Mario-kq7vq]

@@TheAutoTeacher thank you

[@lawrencewilliams1862]

Where do I buy that dipstick you use in the video??

[@TheAutoTeacher]

You can find everything used in the video description!

[@drakestephens7677]

What is the measurement from the top of dipstick for fluid level

[@drakestephens7677]

I was only able to get a dipstick in about 24 in

[@drakestephens7677]

I lost fluid from radiator so I can't check before level

[@TheAutoTeacher]

These newer Nissans do not come from the factory with a dipstick. [Hopefully that changes]. I purchased mine from UnderHood Service, Insert Tool K-51155. Ours was a 2013 Nissan Ultima with a four-cylinder and on reading we had 30 mm of old fluid which we then drained. It was about 3 1/2 quarts. We then refilled with new CVT fluid to 30 mm. The chart said the transmission with the four -cylinder it is good between 23 and 30. A total flush of transmission fluid on the Nissan Altima would be around 10 quarts and because of your transmission fluid lost from the radiator and not having the proper dipstick you're actually just guessing which is not a good idea on a CVT transmission this is something you definitely want to do correctly. CVT transmissions can be rather expensive.

[@beautifulbeautiful5804]

Just like a oil change just have to let it drain and put back new that's all check it to make sure it's 30 right

[@TheAutoTeacher]

CVT'S require special transmission fluid . A lot of newer Nissans do not come from the factory with a dipstick so it's harder to properly check the fluid level of your CVT and if this isn't done properly it could end up damaging your transmission .So yes it's basically a drain and fill like an oil change but be very careful to use the proper fluid and make sure it is filled to the recommended level.

[@albertomadrid940]

Filters must be changed on a service like this??

[@TheAutoTeacher]

No, this was a drain and fill but you should change the filter as recommended by manufacturer.

[@mm.miklo1]

Can you use the engine oil dipstick to measure the trans fluid levels??

[@TheAutoTeacher]

Not recommended.

[@mohammedal-ahmadi8045]

My car has 90k miles on it. Do you recommend to change the filter and clean the pan as well? Ty

[@TheAutoTeacher]

yes

[@SM-un7ob]

I bought a 2013 altima with 127,000 miles. Took it to the dealer for a trans fluid change. I asked about changing the filter. They said the service manual tells them to do a drain and fill only. They dont open it to change filters.

[@princeswagger1able]

@@SM-un7obthey’re following spec. But I would go ahead and try to find some place to do it. a bad filter is just gonna re gunk your oil faster

[@SRTKanye]

Hey i have a 2014 2.5 altima and it keeps making whine sounds should i just refill it without draining it?

[@TheAutoTeacher]

Do you have any PO code ?

[@SRTKanye]

@@TheAutoTeacher I don’t

[@SRTKanye]

@@TheAutoTeacher but i did research the whine indicates that my fluid is low and it’s been making that sound for months and i never solved it and I don’t wanna wait to long until something bad happens and it’s even more money

[@TheAutoTeacher]

It's something I definitely would address immediately, make sure you use the proper fluid and don't overfill.

[@SRTKanye]

@@TheAutoTeacher is valvoline full synthetic is good to use red bottle?

[@moayedelsherif6506]

Why is the color very different from the new fluid and the okd

[@TheAutoTeacher]

The fluid will become darker as time passes, causing it to go from its original color to a dark, burnt color due to age and excessive driving.

[@absbica31]

2008 2.5 altima here....ns-2 fluid, does brand matter?

[@TheAutoTeacher]

You can't go wrong with the Nissan CVT ns-2 transmission fluid, but I'm sure many other top brands would do the job as well. Just make sure they are at least equivalent to the Nissan Ns-2 fluid if not better. This isn't one place I would try to save money.

[@fishontv123]

WOW! Great video. Wanted to see this, as I'll be looking at a Nissan Altima tomorrow that has a CVT Transmission. People whine and bitch about the Nissan ones, but I feel like they just didn't take care of it. I see many people also now saying to change this fluid every 20k-30k miles to be safe. Thoughts?

[@TheAutoTeacher]

Thanks , I would definitely change the fluid frequently and at 90,000 change the filter and the fluid.

[@stevenwyatt9709]

I agree. From personal experience I didn’t take care of my vehicle. Didn’t change the transmission fluid in time and other stuff and received a lot of problems. Now I’m my personal mechanic to my vehicle. Thing is theres no one sitting you down and tell you what you should be maintaining after a certain amount of milage

[@fishontv123]

@@stevenwyatt9709 Understood. Also, I didn't mean in any way to come off as an asshole with my previous comment. I also plan to change the CVT oil every 25k miles and hope for the best. Everyone's opinions are all over the place with CVTs. All we can do is hope for the best after keeping up with maintenance.

[@kenzichristensen7776]

if i know it’s been forever since my fluid has been changed, but don’t have the dipstick to check it can i just go ahead and replace it without using the dipstick to check?

[@TheAutoTeacher]

No, you definitely want to be precise making sure you have the proper amount of fluid.

[@Drewbag240]

You can always measure the amount you drained. Safe bet is to fill it with the exact same amount.

[@dewaynedenson4016]

What is the yellow thing called to open the transmission to add oil

[@TheAutoTeacher]

Underhood Service Charge Pipe Cap Release (J-52611)

[@iwannagotosunnyside]

Hi, about how many quarts of transmission fluid do you need for this flush?

[@iwannagotosunnyside]

At 90,000 miles is the full charge of the fluid, filter, and gasket. I’m at just under 75,000 miles would you recommend waiting until the 90,000 mile mark?

[@TheAutoTeacher]

It took around 3.5 quarts, so you will need to purchase 4 quarts.

[@TheAutoTeacher]

And I would actually do it as soon as possible, it's actually cheap insurance for the longevity of your transmission.

[@bgood213]

I heard never change fluid!!!

[@Mrjdmichaelson]

Where did you buy that dipstip tool?

[@TheAutoTeacher]

Special tools CVT Oil Level Quick Check Gauge (J-51155) and CVT Charge Pipe Cap Release (J-52611) are now available from Nissan and dealers, tools can be obtained from Tech-Mate at 1-800-662-2001.

[@juniorundersea]

hi did you warm the trans before the drain and fill ? .or just open plug drain and put same amount that goes out ? also ,do i nees for this one procedure level the car or it does not matter ? .

[@TheAutoTeacher]

You definitely want the car on a level surface and yes, the vehicle was warm when this procedure was done.

[@Pingaheimer]

so shouldn't have it on ramps when draining the fluid then? @@TheAutoTeacher

[@brooklynleo7465]

What’s the name of the blue tool you used to check the fluid?

[@TheAutoTeacher]

These are the tools we used, CVT Charge Pipe Cap Release (J-52611CVT and Oil Level Quick Check Gauge (J-51155) to determine the CVT fluid level.

[@brooklynleo7465]

@@TheAutoTeacher thanks a lot my friend

[@donaldjohnson4634]

Where did you get that dipstick from?

[@TheAutoTeacher]

Special tools CVT Oil Level Quick Check Gauge (J-51155) and CVT Charge Pipe Cap Release (J-52611) are now available from Nissan and dealers, tools can be obtained from Tech-Mate at 1-800-662-2001.

[@TheAutoTeacher]

There is also one listed under video details ,parts needed through Amazon.

[@reinier142]

How many quarts in total

[@TheAutoTeacher]

Close to 4 qts, you'll be able to measure the fluid that you catch in your oil pan. It's still be a good idea to have some way of measuring your oil in case the vehicle was over or under on fluid to start with.

[@thoward4051]

Excellent tutorial. Thanks!

[@TheAutoTeacher]

You’re welcome!

[@MarioLopez-ei7mz]

Thank you

[@TheAutoTeacher]

You’re welcome!

[@tonymtz1]

Perfect, explained very well, thank you

[@TheAutoTeacher]

You’re welcome!

[@chriscjc8868]

I got a dipstick for $7 on eBay . Changing my Transmission Filters and Fluid next week .

[@TheAutoTeacher]

Good luck!

[@Rod-cm2xs]

They recommend them done at 30k

[@TheAutoTeacher]

The general rule of thumb for a Nissan CVT transmission fluid change, is 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, the vehicle's operating conditions can also dictate how often to change the transmission fluid.

[@universal978]

What is the name of that yellow tool that you uses get the transmission fluid lock cap off?

[@TheAutoTeacher]

CVT Charge Pipe Cap Release (J-52611)

[@universal978]

@@TheAutoTeacher Thanks for the info

[@motherRoberts]

Is it okay to mixed Castro cvt with the Nissan cvt fluid? Thanks for any info.

[@TheAutoTeacher]

I know the Castrol CVT meets factory specs, and it's definitely cheaper. I mixed Castrol it in my daughter's car and my brothers vehicle with no side effects, it even seem to improve drivability. But once you change I would stay with one product if possible. I think the important thing is to get a good quality product and stick with it, changing it around every 30,000 miles or so which should help with the longevity of the transmission.

[@absbica31]

6 months ago had Nissan dealer do a drain and fill (at 175k miles....bad on me, never did it all the way from 50k miles when I got the vehicle). So wasn't sure if it's an issue doing 1-2qts top off of non Nissan fluid when I change my axle

[@cotyreynolds5099]

Where can I get the tool to check the level

[@TheAutoTeacher]

Underhoodservice.com

[@andresperez7772]

Y el filtro

[@TheAutoTeacher]

Sorry, not sure what you mean by that.