Nissan Versa SV 1.6L 2012 - CVT Transmission Flush, Filter Changes, and More

[@marky77777]

Watched used hundreds of car videos on here. This is hands down the most succinct, thorough and well made video ever made on car repair, period. For the amount of work done vs the length. Just wow. Wow.

[@teds1768]

Thanks for taking the time to produce this video. Here's my story: 115k on 2015 note, which the CVT has been noticeably declining (when accelerating from stop, it would slip and swing about 1k rpms until it reached cruising speed). Took it to dealer twice, and both times they claimed no DTC (hard to believe). Second time I had them do a flush and asked if they'd be changing the filter as well. They claimed "there is no filter, just a pickup screen." I showed them the exploded view from nissanparts online which showed the cooler filter and they acted like it didn't need to be changed. So after the flush it felt a little better, but still slipped under acceleration. Meanwhile they claimed the filter cover wasn't in stock so they couldn't change the filter while doing the flush. So the service manager writes up a quote to have the filter replaced and it comes to parts plus 2 hours labor, around $350. And this would be on top of the $400 I just paid for a flush. These people are criminals. Here's the proof. I had them order the parts for the filter change so I could pick them up the next day and do it myself (thanks to your video). Grabbed the parts on my way into work and slipping was still bad. Got home from work. 45 mins start to finish had the new filter in and doing the test drive (I'm not a mechanic so it should've taken me longer than 2 hours, right?). Trans is back to its old self, with no slipping. Moral of the story is do your homework and question everything. Oh and 1 other funny note. The service guy wrote up a quote to replace the trans to the tune of over $5,000. That made me chuckle.

[@lklpalka]

This is exactly why I avoid dealers whenever possible. Not just Nissan, they're all same same. My 08 Highlander purchased new had known VVTI issues, TSB only, "needs new engine", nerve to say this at 42K with dealer maintained records. I'm DIY now or trusted local only. And if you've got a good one of whatever it is, keep it.

[@lklpalka]

Did you use NISSAN fluid or aftermarket equivalent? All dealers are stealerships imo.

[@teds1768]

@@lklpalka Nissan fluid. I also added a trans cooler in January and topped it off with NS-3.

[@rosieclark3661]

You are using the wrong fluid bro that itimitsu fluid is part of the problem with Nissans any time I repair a Nissan tranny or do a fluid and filter change on one I use castrol for CVT or Amsoil in my non CVT transmissions especially my Honda’s I use Castrol for imports it covers Honda Nissan Toyota and Hyundai go

[@ChristianPixtun]

​​@@rosieclark3661nope. Let me explain: The OEM Nissan CVT fluid is known to be prone for oil degrading in a short amount of mileage (and even worse with that stock cooler, high temperatures degrade fluid quality over time). The solution? Using another fluid that isn't Nissan. Idemitsu is known for making retro compatible fluids for most CVT transmissions. Another good brand is Eneos Eco CVT Fluid. As long as you don't intermix Nissan CVT fluid with another brand's fliud, you're good to go. That why he flushes the old fluid, and replaces with Idemitsu. I'm guessing the car was using originally the OEM Nissan CVT NS2 fluid. Best known fluids to work are Idemitsu, Eneos, Castrol, Amsoil and Valvoline.

[@peterlakers1]

You did a great job 👍 . You could make 3 videos out of this video.. 1.. how to flash cvt transmission. 2.. how to replace and add a transmission cooler. 3.. how to replace a Nissan's transmission cartridge and filter.. I have a 2018 Nissan versa and you answer a question for me.. The question was , which is the return transmission line and on the cooler and you pointed it out..

[@eds5259]

Really good video….haven’t seen anything better that this. Thank you!

[@rosarivera7655]

I have to get this job done on my car. Hopefully they do an excellent job as you did here. If you were my son, I would be so proud of you.

[@TheLaborService]

Oh my. This made me tear. Thank you for taking the time to post a wonderful comment Rosa. I hope your car gets fixed and every thing works out. I hope to make more videos soon as I have been really busy with school and work.

[@stuuuporman]

🇺🇸 One of the best DIY videos...in focus, clear, concise and on the money...except, the vehicle should have been level before you started filling to the correct fluid amount. Still, really appreciate your work. Thanks👍

[@TheLaborService]

Yes, thank you. The vehicle is leveled at the end, when we check the transmission fluid level. That is when we can top off, or drain some transmission fluid if over filled above the drain tube that's sticking up into the transmission pan.

[@lklpalka]

@@TheLaborService thanks for the cooler filter detail, Nissan didn't even know it was there and $$$ for flush. DIY = DONE RIGHT

[@RedeyeRaccoon]

Great video man, thank you for posting this! Excellent parts list and time stamps in your description. This is quite the job and it would have been a mess without this.

[@lklpalka]

This is really an excellent video thank you for making it. Best I've seen and your style is great. I think I can do this thanks to you.

[@alexfrizzell9587]

Fantastic video, thanks, I have a 2014 versa with 175K miles and has a noticeable 1-2 shift so I will try this to see if it will make a difference. Already drained pan and replaced the pan filter and the small side filter and installed the new cooler. The small side filter was nasty and looked all clogged up. Haven't tried it out yet but will in the next few days. Hope this will solve my problem.

[@daveisdead]

Did it help?

[@Kris_Stiletto]

Thank you. This was extremely educational; I learned a lot about the Transmission Service on my Versa. Thank you. Now, I wonder if my Versa has ever had a real Transmission Service?

[@fredwright5551]

this was such a good video, complete with everything you need and links, that I went ahead and used your links. you make money and i save money.. thanks man.

[@williamanderson6142]

Excellent video,just one query? Was it necessary to for the electric pump during the flush process,or was that a safeguard? I wouldve thought the vehicles own pump might have been up to the task?

[@TheLaborService]

Yes it is necessary. The transmission pump is inside the transmission, and it does not suck from outside, but it does push fluid out of the tranny. The transmission pump sucks tranny fluid from the transmission pan, which is where all the old transmission fluid is. With the electric pump, we are sucking in the new fluid into the system, while letting the transmission pump, pump out all the old fluid.

[@EarthtonesCymbals]

I don't think adding a trans cooler would be necessary for a daily driver but probably a good idea if you are racing or constantly running at high RPM's? Thoughts?

[@TheLaborService]

Yes it wouldn't be necessary, however the CVTs for this particular model are cooled very poorly, which is only giving them about 80k-120k miles before they fall apart inside.

[@lebzvl]

Thanks for the video and link of the materials, it was very difficult until I saw your video, well explained and work well executed

[@SchofieldBrothersRacing]

First off, excellent video. Very well shot and documented. 2nd, I'm looking to buy a used 2014 Sentra with the CVT, 65k miles. Do you know if the 2014 is the same or similar setup to change fluid? What's the recommended change interval? Does the CVT have overheating issues to need the extra cooler? Thanks!

[@E4511]

Good morning, it is the same procedure for any Nissan Versa

[@TheCarlos12840]

Más videos del Nissan Versa, por favor. ¡Muy especifico, gracias!

[@dannyveintimilla5068]

Great video man, just did mine and all the fluid went out from the pan gasket, then I tie to much and I stripped thread one of the 10mm bolt, just wonder what is the force of torque of the 10mm and how I can fix my problem, take you so much

[@lionofjudah766]

You ate the best man 👏👏👏. Mine 2014 Nissan Versa has 206,000 miles. Just a question: why did you change the cooler? If I change both filters and the oil transmission, Should I good to go? Tks

[@youtoobe169]

That was an impressive amount of metal particles on the magnets. Was that 20K miles total on the car?

[@WA-qg3nu]

Please at what interval do I have to change all the replacements you did in the video thanks

[@AzizFixe]

A complete tutorial amazing.

[@archakkhatchatrian1696]

Excellent job you did. Thanks

[@leticiablass7405]

You did not mentioned the bolts torque for the transmission pan (total 15).question: is it mandatory to replace the transmission cooler when you do this kind of job?

[@daveisdead]

Do you have to remove the driver side front tire to get to the transmission cooler filter?

[@maximedubois8721]

Do we need a transmission reflash by the dealer after changing oil?

[@TheLaborService]

After transmission oil change, no you do not need a transmission reflash. You will only need that if you change your valve body. But if you change your valve body, you can also simply transfer your EPROM chip from your old valve body to your new valve body. Which will keep all the original memory for your vehicle.

[@Duskorn]

@@TheLaborService What about if I have to replace the TCM? I'm getting a code for lost communication, and my car only has reverse gear

[@guitarguy3221]

Where was this video when I did this change 2wks ago 😂 I got mysterious blue spots on my hand while opening the trans pan. Might have to do this again to replace that funky cooler. No other video I watched mentioned it

[@431sp]

Why u change the coolant? If u change filters and oil?

[@billt7207]

In the video, you said damage only in 20K miles. VIN history says this 2012 Versa had 48,065 miles on April 22, 2015 from dealer sale already unless this CVT has been replaced with re-manufactured 7-year or 84K mile warranty? Those magnets looked as dirty as my 2013 with 80K miles. Is this car shifting better now still?

[@endersingh3180]

Nice video I have question for you. My Versa note was not shifting at all from stop to go and then I changed the fluid. Just drain and fill. And fixed 90% problem. Only problem I have is around 35-40mph rpm goes up to 4K and it won’t shift. I let accelerator off for 2 second then it shift fine and rpm drops to normal. Second time drain and fill fluid came out black again. Now flushing like you did will that make difference ? Any suggestion?

[@TheLaborService]

Sorry for the late reply. Have you changed the transmission filter, and the cooler filter when you changed transmission oil?

[@endersingh3180]

@@TheLaborService well I didn’t I changed fluid after 100 miles and I did total of 3 times. 3rd one I did full flush. Still rpm would go up around 35-40mph and then it’s normal. I didn’t change the filter and cooler. And fluid should not get dark at 100miles.

[@TheLaborService]

@@endersingh3180 These transmission are really bad. Even with the rebuilt one, I've changed it after 20 miles and the color of the fluid has changed. Inside there a metal belt that rides with the variators, they get scratched up and deposit metal pieces onto the magnet thats on the transmission oil pan. If you have never taken off the transmission oil pan, you should, and also clean those 2 magnets that are on the oil pan, there will be ALOT of metal deposits. And then change the transmission oil filter under it while you're in there, and on the side, there is a transmission cooler filter, which can get clogged of metal deposits, that make it hard for the transmission oil to flow through the system. You'll also need a new transmission pan gasket.

[@TheLaborService]

@@endersingh3180 Right but, if the filters are dirty, and you have metal residue on the magnets, those will make the fluid dark. Its like putting clean water through a dirty rag. There is also, no way of stopping the metal shavings, over time the belt will completely snap, just like in the vehicle I was working on. Usually around 90k to 130k miles, seems to be the life span of these transmission. Unless possibly changing the oil every 20k miles or so might help extend it's life a bit. But it has alot to do with how these CVTs were initially designed back then.

[@endersingh3180]

@@TheLaborService your rite. And I think my Versa was already damaged when I bought it at 89k and I only drove it for 50 miles and started noticing CVT problems on my second day. I couldn’t return since I bought from individual without knowing the problem.

[@TheYoungBoaty]

There are four inlets on the OEM cooler, how do I know which two hoses connect the transmission cooler?

[@Chief.Surveyor.AliQassim]

Hi dear Please tell me how many liter for cvt. Nissan Versa 2013 4 or 5 liter type NS3

[@LisaD143]

My 2012 versa about 110k miles transmission will only go into reverse now, do you thoink it can be repaired or needs a new one ? Worth fixing?

[@jimromer4403]

Any torque specs for pan gasket? This is the greatest show on the specific subject. On refill advice on plug out fill until just dripping slowly?

[@TheLaborService]

Hello. It should be about 6 ft lbs. Make sure to get the sealant all over the gasket and let it rest for some time depending on the sealant you use. Check on the sealant itself for the dry time.

[@davidpereyra4399]

GREAT VIDEO! I have a quick question however I wanted to know if the aftermarket transmission cooler is necessary or was that just an extra attachment to make the car run smoother im planning on starting this process soon but I’m trying my best to budget

[@ridemfast7625]

Consider it insurance. Maybe you need it, maybe not. depends how and where you drive and if the fluid over heats. Also, if you do this, get a trans cooler with a thermostat so in the winter time the cooler is not cooling the fluid. And a t-stat also allows the fluid to get up to temp quicker. I fitted a Rogue trans cooler because it has a t-stat. Their is a reason manufacturers use t-stats.

[@GF-mf7ml]

If your location have no snow, more is better.

[@taengoodaebak]

amazing video. very thorough Q. can i reuse the o ring from the old cooler or did the new one comes with its own o ring?

[@warriorchild]

Where is the filler port for the fluid?

[@MrEarnbud]

Been reading through the comments. I see you recommend using a pump to do a proper flush. I have an auto, but don't have a buddy to help change gears to help flush. Will it work without that step?

[@erwinpurigay7417]

May i know why didi you change the cooler? Thanks

[@Freelancer00001]

What’s the pan bolt torque spec?

[@trialnterror]

The only thing I see you didn’t cover is how to remove the cap and fill trans fluid. I believe I know where it’s at but not sure how to remove the trans filler cap!

[@JaroslavP]

Excellent instructions! Great job!

[@jeremymanick5684]

Buddy. I did a fluid and filter change and i totally forgot about the cooler filter. Do i have to drain the fluid over? Or can it be done without draining

[@TheLaborService]

You don't have to drain it all over again, as the oil just sits at the bottom, it does however help to do so, so that not too much oil will come out from the cooler filter area when removed. In this case, when you remove the cooler filter, you will have some more than usual amount spill out, so just get a catch pan ready, and fill everything back up to however much came out.

[@Chicken.Wayner]

Does the transmission filter have an o ring?

[@ZLZALplay]

Hi if you pls help me which part is not working p0744 nissan micra cvt

[@TheLaborService]

P0744 refer to torque converter issues, could be the torque converter, the torque converter clutch solenoid on the valve body, or just really dirty oil. Couple of questions: When was the last time you changed your transmission fluid? transmission filter? and transmission cooler filter? How is the vehicle running? Is it making any noise? Does it shift properly?

[@MyChannel-X]

This is HR16DE engine? I plan to do same on Nissan Kicks 2018

[@evxl]

My transmission went out at 113,500. I went to the dealership and they said the transmission wasn't covered and gave me quote of $4000. I found one for half price with my own mechanic. I can't believe Nissan build a lemon.

[@imarcoi123]

Actually Nissan doesn't make the transmission. they buy them from another company . another car makers like mithsubishi , dodge , etc. buy the cvt transmissions from the same company so you know all those cars have the same issues.

[@carbie5614]

I still can not believe Nissan kept putting these bad transmissions in. Nissan could have stopped using them.

[@geradomuir5432]

what would you charge for that work? to get an idea of what I'm looking at thx!

[@gerardoreveles3156]

Where did you get all parts and oil as a kit ? I need to do this to my car soon. Thanks

[@renemorales7798]

Cvtf? (Compton varrio tortilla flats?)

[@ShawnJames310]

Exactly Nissan knows this cvt is trash and they did the same thing from since the 2003 Nissan murtano. They haven’t stopped making the cvt transmission and they ve been knew about this. One thing that fucking piss me off is there marketing pitch for the cvt saying it’s more reliable then the previous automatic transmissions. Nissan after 2004 positioned themselves one of the worst car manufacturers in the industry. They are gettin sued left and right. They shouldn’t be allowed to manufacture any new models until they correct every prior cvt issue first. The only thing they changed is there procedure of trying to mask the issues by denying and lying I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER NISSAN EVER.

[@rickybaez2970]

How many quarts?

[@needee700]

Is there supposed to be a hole where the cooler filter is located? I have a hole in the actual transmission.

[@needee700]

Doesn’t really look like a hole. Looks like it’s cracked

[@wiseassclips]

Nice video! Are you on the east coast?

[@amparoespiritu9719]

I also want to do the flush but i dont know how to go about it without a pump, do you recommend getting a pump or is there another method?

[@cuervoerik1]

x2, i have a same question...

[@lylesgarage]

Good job, thanks for posting this👍🏻

[@jasonnguyen3267]

And why we need a new oil cooler, can we reuse the old one thanks

[@TheLaborService]

There's over 250,000 miles on the car. I just decided to change it. These transmission have really bad cooling systems. You don't need to do that if you don't want or need to. However, the information is there just to show how it's done.

[@jasonnguyen3267]

And just one last question, the old cooler you pulled out is not original of the car ? Is it aftermarket just like the replacement ? I just wonder what is 2 holes with O ring are for if there are oil hoses already on top of the cooler ?

[@TheLaborService]

@@jasonnguyen3267 Well, quick story....the car was purchased used from the dealership around 100k, the transmission screwed up around 120k, so the dealer offered to replace the transmission for free. I had no idea about these specific CVT transmission on these Nissans and how sensitive they were. Drove another 80k no transmission change, around 220k, the belt inside the CVT broke. So, I find out that these CVTs are very very very badly designed. I pulled it out and rebuilt it myself. When to change the fluid? I believe to keep these CVTs very happy...I would recommend around 30k. That means dropping the pan cleaning all the metal shaving on the magnets, and replacing the tranny filters and cooler filter on the side. Also change the gasket. It sucks I know. But, you can help these transmissions last longer with better maintenance. Also don't floor it when driving, these cars weren't meant to be driven rough.

[@TheLaborService]

@@jasonnguyen3267 Yes those holes are already there. There are 4 hoses connected to it. Its transmission oil in and out. Other 2 are coolant in and out, they are the more thicker hoses. So the transmission oil comes out from transmission through the cooler (out), to the radiator, back through the cooler (in), then back into the transmission. The coolant just goes into the cooler to cool it, and back out, and the transmission oil runs through that cooling block. The 2 holes are for the transmission fluid to enter and exit out of the transmission to cooler.

[@TheLaborService]

@@jasonnguyen3267 Also when you take out the transmission cooler, you will see 2 holes on the transmission, where the 2 holes with 0 ring on the cooler is supposed to go to. Becareful to not drop those O rings when you are installing it back. The cooler can only go 1 way so the holes match up so it can go back into the transmission. The one I installed is just like the original nothing special. I was just replacing it.

[@deniscleary13]

Great video fella 👍👍👍

[@deniscleary13]

I have a auxiliary cvt fluid pump blocking access to the cooler filter on my Nissan cube z12 1.5 have you removed one of these pumps before and what is the process if so ?? Please and thank you 👍

[@tonesreyes9537]

Thank you!!!

[@Rudimentary007]

Damn good job. 👍🇺🇸🔧🪛🛠️🧰🔩

[@angels-wk1dn]

Ok f. Line in and out please very confuse

[@ZLZALplay]

Some times it Does not shift properly

[@amparoespiritu9719]

I have a 2015 Versa 1.6, does anyone know where i can find part numbers? Hoping to get trans filter+ gasket, trans cooler filter part #s. Thank you.

[@amparoespiritu9719]

or links to purchase them.

[@TheLaborService]

@@amparoespiritu9719 www.nissanpartsdeal.com/ will give you part numbers, you can purchase parts on amazon, ebay, or alibaba. Or any other online store you wish.

[@sergeiliubimyi]

Cool. Who would do something as good for my car?

[@rs2903]

Super informative. Appreciate the video.

[@honeyeyes6732]

Where are you located so you can do my car, you did a great job

[@miaw.5819]

I made it to 94,000 miles without changing CVT oil. Nissan said at this point to not even change it since I have no issues. Not sure what to do.

[@amparoespiritu9719]

i wouldnt listen to that, cvt transmissions do not rely on its oil to provide friction stabilizers like on automatic transmissions. The CVT oil is mainly for friction reduction to the belt, the main component. I would do the full service this video shows. My girl's CVT has 30k miles and has issues with whining, clunking, and overall bad driving experience. I hope this full service will fix it.

[@miaw.5819]

@@amparoespiritu9719 Thank you for the advice!! Will look into it.

[@nilugajjar8205]

Which model this car 🚗

[@TheLaborService]

Nissan Versa 2012 SV 1.6L

[@nilugajjar8205]

@@TheLaborService thanks for answer me i like your video can I give you more ideas First you Take your car out side video after you start your work and video recording so your subscribers no this is which char different country different model name but cas is one just model name is cheng

[@TheLaborService]

@@nilugajjar8205 Thank you for the suggestion. The title clearly says what car it is and also in the description I have written which transmission model number. I do not know what model it will be in other countries.

[@masonjones2168]

I've watched this several times. I'm about to pull the trigger and do it! I've ordered all of my parts. Its all over but the crying! How long did this take you? Thank you so much for making the excellent video.

[@masonjones2168]

Progress so far....I spent a few hours out there today. My versa is a 2013 and I wanted to make sure I could easily reach the fill port. I basically did the first part of the job minus pulling the drain plug, as in removing the battery plate and all of the fun that comes with it. I had to remove the drivers wheel well to get vision on the housing for the trans cooler filter, but I found it. Thus far the hardest part has been the plastic retainer clips! I plan to do the job tomorrow morning in entirety. This versa was acquired with the trans overheating and going into limp mode. It has about 108k on it and I got it for 500 bucks. Otherwise immaculate condition, single owner. This is a car that I plan on selling so I am very thankful for the video as you are the only person that has one this informative. A few questions, when you filling the 4 qts that you originally drained, it looks like you have a blue funnel going into the filler hose with everything still assembled. How did you do that?!? My filler is under the battery plate. I have watched other videos and it appears that it requires depressing with a screwdriver to open. If you were just using a long funnel (does it need to be a trans funnel?) How did you replace the special filler cap? (I hope you understand what I mean.) Also, can you give any insight as to which lines on the cooler specifically are the send and return lines? I'm excited to get this done and list the car. Thanks again for taking the time to make this video man, you rule!

[@TheLaborService]

So the bigger lines are the coolant, what you can do is take out the hose from the radiator thats going to the cooler (skinnier ones) along with the other hose and put them in a bucket, and u can start the vehicle for a second and see what hose comes out, that would be your out, and the other hose would be your in. So pump the transmission oil into the in, and put the out into a bucket during the transmission flush. Also, yes you would need to remove the plug on the fill tube, I have a hose that I permanently installed so I can easily access and fill it from the top. BTW, the cooler will be the most challenging part to remove and install. Make sure to not lose those 2 washer when installing, if you are replacing the cooler. Good luck! Let me know how it goes.

[@masonjones2168]

Dude fucking genius! I have now done everything but the flush. I ran into a hangup yesterday, the trans cooler filter is a slightly different size for the 13. This morning I had to drove 60 miles (hahaha) to grab one from a dealership, but surprisingly it was comparably priced. I really REALLY like the hose idea. Any clue what the ID of said hose was? I'm about to run to home depot and get some sections. Super SUPER smart! I'm glad I checked before starting the flush. You are the man

[@masonjones2168]

I took the piece off of the trans with the 10mm bolt and brought it with me. I was so excited I didn't even think of that. Looks like 5/8 ID is nice and snug. Bout to go home and prepare to flush :) I'm terrified and excited at the same time.

[@masonjones2168]

Flush is done and additional cooler is added! Fluid level checked. With the car on jack stands, it is shifting a hell of a lot smoother, I can tell you that! Time to reinstall the pretty parts. This was a lot of work bro! Thank you for the video and also your channel in general. I'd love to chill with you one day! I'm in virginia.

[@alrasheedi1]

فيديو مميز ، شكرا لك 👍

[@С.А-д5ц]

С начала нужно промывать,а потом снимать поддон. Такое количества стружки на магнитах говорит о том,что вариатора осталось жить не долго. А так хорошее видео.

[@racingdreamz8021]

Thats how they should come from the factory

[@ZLZALplay]

Every thing ok with the shift and the oil is new orginal nissan but evry three to five dayes this cod get on

[@TheLaborService]

How many miles on the vehicle?

[@ZLZALplay]

It a new gerbox it made a50 miles

[@alexanderthegrape5370]

Thanks for keeping the fill hole a secret bozo

[@GF-mf7ml]

Only 20000miles 😱

[@Lesirg]

SPYDEEEEEEEERS

[@qufos]

the microphone was a terrible idea

[@rls428]

Should of just sold the car.

[@RideOrangeKTM]

Nice work brother.