How to make a cvt trans dip stick for 2014 Nissan altima

[@SteveWonder-s4v]

Nice video. The measurement of the tip of the dipstick to where the oil level should be would have been a little more helpful. Thank you for your input though either way.

[@proudguy]

Thanks so much. 👍 How do I know that my dealer has actually changed the fluid if I can't check it? The dealer can make nearly pure profit, knowing that the customer will never find out that they have been cheated. My dealer says there is slow leak they can fix for $500. There is no fluid on my garage floor at home. How do I know if the level is slowly dropping without a dipstick? Maybe they are trying to make a quick buck. If I take it back and they see improvised dip stick, they will likely be very angry. I will cross that bridge after another 60K of driving if I still have the car.

[@張中-q8r]

just use engine oil dip stick to check trsnsmission fluid will work fine

[@pete89spotsin]

The engine oil dipstick is too short to check the trans fluid

[@張中-q8r]

DIY NH use another older car dip stick to check fluid I have a 2005 Nissan Titan I used it

[@Mari-yg4tl]

How far up the dipstick did the oil go in inches?

[@pete89spotsin]

I would highly recommend simply buying a dipstick for your vehicle on Amazon, they're only about $12, that way you're not risking dropping anything down the dipstick

[@unspoken07]

I made my own dipstick, but I didn't use guess work or cheap material. I bought a dipstick off amazon for $7 and then cut it to length and secured it, problem resolved.

[@pete89spotsin]

Levi Carroll that's better than what I did!! Mind sharing the link to the dip stick you bought on Amazon? Thanks!

[@unspoken07]

the one I used was www.amazon.com/Dorman-917-320-Oil-Level-Stick/dp/B009PJJDIW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1529584151&sr=8-4&keywords=dipstick&dpID=21w-E1SuumL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch , looks like the price has increased a bit, but still at $10 not a bad buy.

[@pete89spotsin]

Levi Carroll we all thank you!

[@epicmachin3612]

Does this dipstick works? What did you cut and what do you mean by securing it? Sorry I'm new at this.

[@coolkamryn93111]

That appears to be an ENGINE OIL dipstick

[@hahahalolol1080]

This works. I was leary but I went to the dealer and had them do the oil change. Before that I made this dipstick. Except I used an old long trans oil dip stick "end" portion from an old car. Same measurements. I made this before going to the dealer. Afterwards I checked it and it matched up with the video. 1 inch from the tip on the dip stick cold.

[@pete89spotsin]

I'm very happy this was a help to you, I personally would have preferred an old dip sick from something, unfortunately I couldn't find one. so a wire became plan B.

[@timwilliams7877]

Any chance you can tell me how long (inches) the dipstick is from the top of the cap to the full line? My trans only had 1 quart in it, so I know that's low. Any info you can provide is greatly appreciated.

[@wm9715]

buy dipstick from nissan part number 31086-JA00A 12.50 ONLINE 21.00 OVER THE COUNTER AT NISSAN DEALER SHIP that part is for 2012 altima but will work on 2008 to 2018 altima

[@danieltimisan6820]

Hi … I only get a reading when the engine is warm (after 20 mins drive). The fluid is about ½ inch from the end of the dipstick (at idle). When the engine is hot (after driving 1 h or more) I don’t get any reading at all, unless I stop the engine and then I get again ½ inch from the end. I thought that hotter it gets, the fluid will expand and give me a higher reading. Am I doing something wrong ? Thanks … and thank you for all your videos, they saved me a ton of money.

[@pete89spotsin]

Daniel Timisan it's true that oil expands once it gets hot. However without being there and seeing what you're doing it's hard to tell exactly why you're not getting a reading on your dipstick. Check out my other videos as I have explained how to check your fluid level a different way from underneath the vehicle. Thanks for your comment! Have a good day bud!

[@danieltimisan6820]

thank you ... unfortunately I don't have an option to put the car on a leveled jack to use the other method. But I did observed something very unusual that makes me wonder if the dipstick method was droped by Nissan for a reason. The hotter the transmission is ... the less oil I see on the dipstick to the point that at 150 F temp of the CVT ... I don't get a reading at all .

[@aimeerichard5219]

Is this info good for 2016 Altima?

[@Autofixpals]

The temperature range at which the level is set is critical. Unless you have a scanner that can monitor the fluid temp PID in the TCM then I would not mess around with the fluid level in your Nissan CVT. The CVT units fail enough as it is. don't help them fail.

[@jl.d1396]

Auto Fix Pal. i wounldnt do that.not helthy. do you know what type of scanner can read the level of the fluid in the cvt tran ? just change my trany it appear the front seal is leaking ,ive got to jump it again . the funny thing is the for it $8 .

[@shawn2742]

I also have a 2014 and I changed my fluid first time at 75k. The second time I changed it at 120k miles (just yesterday) because I was told every 60k miles (was 25% over first time). Both times, the fluid looked very good for used transmission fluid. No need to change it as early as Peter recommends (Sorry Peter). Of course Nissan wants $300 to do it so I also opted to do it myself. I have used the Castrol BOTH times with no problems. Also, I got a drain pan with measurements on the side that showed ~3.5 quarts drained out. Not very scientific and wouldn't pass muster for a chemistry lab experiment but it worked. I put approximately 3.5 quarts back in (turning quart bottle until horizontal) both times and everything is still AOK. I don't think these CVT's are as sensitive as people make them out to be. So my point of commenting ... Castrol works fine and if you change the fluid yourself, Nissan won't warranty any repairs anyway and you can easily get 60k miles between changes. Expect 3.5 quarts from the pan.

[@easnile]

Shawn ...did you use the plug on the bottom of the pan or the hex plug on the side when you drained yours?

[@droneon6419]

Thank you so much! It's ridiculous when I pulled the plug out and saw there was no stick. Definitely going to do this when I get home and change the oil, my alter my 2014 just hair a 180000 miles. I should probably change the CVT fluid lol, thanks again!

[@pete89spotsin]

I'm happy to help, take care!

[@antonioruelas81]

I used a clear 1/4" tubing from home depot that works good too. And it's vinyl so it's flexible, cost like $2 for a roll of it. I used a black Sharpie to make my marks. Just another thought.

[@donnyholman1547]

I have a dipstick from the transmission on our 04 Nissan maxima . It is 22 inches long . Do you think that will work ?

[@danieltimisan6820]

I am using the reading stick with the engine at idle ... hope is that right. I know most of Nissan​ that have a dipstick recomend the reading at idle

[@pete89spotsin]

Daniel Timisan this is true. Like most auto Transmissions you have to check the level while idling.

[@faisalalmulla9582]

You are foooooool , you may damage some thing in side the gear itself

[@dillonrobbins5777]

Awsome! Thanks bud i will be making one for my altima. Amsoil makes a cvt oil as well that also doesnt void the powertrain warranty. They also have pictures of theyre testing 2 cars to the 100,000 mile mark. One with nissan oil and one with amsoil. I think the amsoil is closer to the nissan oil price $16 a quart tho. I love amsoils oil testing. Ive already got it in my engine

[@pete89spotsin]

Dillon Robbins that's exactly why I've completely switched to amsoil. For the price of one oil change that lasted 20-25k, it's cheaper than Mobil 1. And the cost difference with amsoil vs Mobil, is $50 with amsoil including filter, and $136 with Mobil including filter. It was a no brainer to me, cheaper oil change with the best oil available.

[@Jzak25]

when the car is cold how much should the transmission fluid level be (in terms of Inches)? and how much should it be when it has been running (greater than 10 mins)?

[@pete89spotsin]

First off the engine should be warmed before checking it. There is a check plug once it's been warmed that you can pull to make sure that it has the right level of oil. Check out my other videos to see how this is done.

[@hahahalolol1080]

However I do recommend you use nissan NS-3 & not valvoline.

[@pete89spotsin]

any reason why?, I'm curious

[@mst3kpimp]

Very nice, I just got a 2014 Altima and will use your guide for sure. What is your process for changing the cvt fluid? Where is the drain plug? I read that the one on the bottom will not fully drain and that theres another somewhere? Also do you simply pour the fluid in the tube to refill?

[@pete89spotsin]

how about I just make a video on it. I'll be adding one today

[@mst3kpimp]

much obliged.

[@pete89spotsin]

the video is all set and good luck bud!

[@jasonkline3082]

thanks is the one inch rule right for cold, thought the thing fell in the hole

[@pete89spotsin]

Yes in this particular video I did this wile cold, BUT your supposed to check the fluid hot. I never checked my fluid level hot in this particular video. after finding out about needing to warm up the fluid, I would take it out for a drive. It needs to be a full temperature before checking the fluid level. watch this video to see how to check the level after warm. kzbin.info/www/bejne/foW7fmiJl9-he68

[@timwilliams7877]

HELP!?! When I went to do this I got conflicting results. I found out I only had 1 quart in the transmission, so that's probably why. Can you tell me how long (inches) your dipstick is from the top of the cap to the full line? That'll get me closer to where I should be than where my level is right now. Thank you.

[@pete89spotsin]

Tim Williams I'm driving, one sec.

[@pete89spotsin]

Tim Williams what year of Altima?

[@pete89spotsin]

Tim Williams if you have the same year of car as me which is a 2014 you can get away with draining it completely and putting in three and a half quarts of oil. You will then raise it to running temperature and then pull the second plug if you feel that right you should have a very small amount of oil drain out if no oil drains out then you need to add oil. Watch other videos on how this has been done I have posted too many people on this particular video

[@timwilliams7877]

Same year. Second plug? I know on my Honda, there's a fill plug to help you know how much to fill it. It will drain out when full. I don't see one on this car. If there is one, where is it located?

[@pete89spotsin]

Tim Williams watch this video to understand how to check fluid from underneath kzbin.info/www/bejne/foW7fmiJl9-he68

[@harischaudry]

I have Nissan Altima 2014 and it came with life time oil in CVT. Car is whining and vibrating while accelerating. Upon checking from Nissan Dealer they said a new CVT Assembly will be installed which is indeed very expensive and i cannot consider it. A friend (half auto mechanic) suggested me that change CVT oil transmission and the problem can go. Now i dont know what to do. I cannot decide. The car drive is still smooth only sometime when its accelerate it produce weird sound and vibrate. your opinion may help me to reach into a decision.

[@carloanthony8661]

there is a recall on the cvt's for reprogrammimg transmission. i would call the dealer about the recall. mine was a 2015 2.5 with cvt transmission

[@metoo3026]

I think a dipstick from a 08-12 model should work. Same length as that one you made I believe

[@thomashendricks1501]

I have a 2016 Nissan Altima no dipstick there is a drain plug on the transmission pan and a plug on the transmission the one the transmission is a full and a check plug the ship pumped the fluid in the check plug 5 quart and went through the gears 2 time and with the car running drained the it off a tell it stop dripping and replace the plug

[@stevecantrell6179]

How long did the dipstick end up being after cutting the excess off and how far up on the bottom did the fluid end up being after the fluid change .

[@Mari-yg4tl]

Anyone answer this question

[@BobMeeks1]

How far from the bottom of the stick to where the fluid line is 2" or 3"

[@Mari-yg4tl]

Did you ever find out

[@jlpz804]

is oil you used ns2 but for that car isn't suppose to be ns3

[@pete89spotsin]

Jose l it's always advised to check your owner's manual for specifics . thank you for commenting

[@fredmontana1]

How did you remove the plastic piece on the hole cover?

[@thomashendricks1501]

The resen there is no dipstick is you don't use it to check or change the transmission fluid there is a check plug

[@fernandogallegos6797]

Does this work on a Nissan Sentra 2013 please respond asap

[@pete89spotsin]

Fernando Gallegos I cannot speak 4 the Nissan Sentra as I do not have this particular vehicle. However the way you go about measuring whether or not a piece of wire or dipstick will work is the same

[@pete89spotsin]

Fernando Gallegos I'm also uploading a video right now that will hopefully help with your question. Thanks for commenting!

[@fernandogallegos6797]

Peter Gibbs thank you

[@robbaker8371]

how many miles does a cvt transmission last if you dont be rough with it?

[@pete89spotsin]

Rob Baker I don't believe there's a given number except for what you see on consumer reports

[@misha2.097]

Buddy awesome video...but Nissan NS3...on 2013 n up sentra altima... I know your trying to help n u jelped me with the dipstick but that cvt valvoline ur using will burn u up. NS3 only. Its mlre pricey but were ralking aboit a transmission here

[@edserrano2807]

Hey man, I've been trying to find this info for a very long time. Greatly appreciate your help. So my only question is; if I hit bottom, do I cut it so it's just above the level?

[@pete89spotsin]

I put the wire all the way down into the dipstick tube till I felt it hit rock bottom, I then cut the wire and then smashed the end of it, put it inside the cap. then inserted it until it hit rock bottom again noticed the dipstick cap still was not fully seating so I took off about 1/8 of an inch, tidy enough to make the cap sit flush. this gave me the perfect length.

[@wm9715]

nissan sells a dipstick for 2012 altima instructions says for 2008 to 2018 altima 12.50 on line 21.00 at parts counter part number 31086-JA00A. WHEN FLUID IS WARMED UP IT SHOULD BE MIDDLE OF CROSSHATCH SECTION ACCORDING TO NISSAN MECHANICS

[@divinorum66]

How many quarts do I need for my Sentra 2014 , I’m going to change the transmission fluid does anybody know ?

[@pete89spotsin]

Check owners manual and contact a local dealer to see if they have specifics on that just to be safe

[@BobMeeks1]

Did you check the fluid with the car running

[@DaniilStanisevschi]

Thanks for the upload! I have a 2016 Nissan Sentra S and it appears that my plug for CVT fill port doesn't have any sort of wire attached to it from the factory. Several comments below suggested a genuine part number, but that's for the Altima. The same site found the part for my car but again, there is no wire attached to it. Have you been able to figure out a way for the Sentra? Please let me know! Here is the part number for Sentra: 31086-3TA1A

[@easnile]

@peter gibbs. Is there a noticeable difference in the way your car shifts after putting in the valvoline cvt fluid? Thanks.

[@pete89spotsin]

easnile. because I serviced my trans early while the trans was still new and already shifting well, I did not notice any difference in shifting, feel or sound. To this day with this car being my main source of travel, short and long distances, long being 1600 miles round trip, and shorter distance being 75-80 miles, it still shifts, dives and feels like new. I'd also like to add that I will be using amsoil from here on out, due to the Superior wear ratings, versus any other type of oil. Thanks for your comment!

[@easnile]

@peter gibbs. Thanks.

[@easnile]

@peter gibbs. I changed the transmission fluid in my wife's 2014 and only about a little over a quart came out. It was very dark and I think somehow that this was very low. So I put about 2 1/2 quarts of fresh fluid in and her car shifts smooth like butter now. Thanks for your video.

[@pete89spotsin]

easnile be sure to check the second drain plug which is strictly meant for adjusting the level of your fluid if you have put too much in the excess oil will drain out of the second drain port which is only about 5 to 6 inches away from the original drain plug. Eventually I would like to make another video on all of those little things that I didn't put in my original video to hopefully clear up some questions. Thanks for your comment and good luck!

[@easnile]

@peter gibbs ok, thanks again. 😆

[@wm9715]

very good idea but just to let you know nissan sells a dipstick for the 2012 altima part number 31086-JA00A it says it will work on 2008 to 2018 altima with the cvt trans it is also the same length as your home made one. on line it is $12.50 parts counter it is $ 21.00 . mine is a 2015 altima unlike alot of people that are afraid to use valvoline i too use valvoline. works great. no problems. i did research on the manufacturer of nissan ns fluid. one of them is shell oil. when checking fluid level on the nissan dipstick get fluid to around 160 degrees and then fluid level should be in the middle of the crosshatch section not to the top, according to nissan mechanics. also valvoline has always made quality products. theirs is as good if not better than manufacturers. and no i dont work for valvoline. ,

[@danieltimisan6820]

Hi … I got the part you suggested but I only get a reading when the engine is warm (after 20 mins drive). The fluid is on the beginning of the crossline section of the dipstick (at idle). When the engine is hot (after driving 1 h or more) I don’t get any reading at all, unless I stop the engine and then I get again beginning of the crossline section. I thought that hotter it gets, the fluid will expand and give me a higher reading. Am I doing something wrong ? Also do you check the level with the engine at idle or off ? Like I said ... when the engine is hot and at idle I don't get any reading at all. Thank you

[@wm9715]

when transmission is cold in morning after engine is started and idling the fluid on dipstick will show low below cross hatched section after a short drive and it has warmed up i was told it should be around the middle of crossed hatch section. not at top or the bottom. somewhere around the middle. when i drained my cvt i got just a little bit more than 3 and one half quarts.you always check fluid when warm and engine idling. there's a good video on a 2013-2016 nissan pathfinder cvt fluid check and adjust by AUTO FIX PAL on you tube. also again i have used valvoline cvt fluid for months.. no issues at all. i did research on who makes nissan cvt trans fluid. on one safety data sheet it showed shell oil company as manufacturer. there my be others . don't know

[@hunkwen7398]

Thank you

[@scottthomas2979]

Thanx for part #

[@blairbrockinton2500]

My god, Nissan is putting out some crap these days. I’m on my 3rd CVT.

[@wstwest]

Lifesaver! Thank you for the video. I have a 2015 nissan altima and i REFUSE to pay over $200 just to fill or change my transmission fluid.

[@swaggod226]

Me to I brought one off Amazon

[@swaggod226]

Did you put the dip back in the car after or you just left it off.

[@guillermohernandez3385]

All of this made your self went u can buy an original deep stick for 12$ on eBay

[@davesr1980]

Just buy a 2012 dip stick

[@cle569]

12 versa has no dipstick!

[@demarques1911]

lol broooo

[@fredmontana1]

How did you remove the plastic piece on the hole cover?