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CVT MAINTENANCE NOTES

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When replacing the fluid, always use shop paper (lint free) instead of shop cloth when checking fluid level or cleaning parts. Be careful when looking into the drain hole, and after replacement, always perform a leakage check.

DIAGNOSING AND FIXING CVT CONCERNS

Basic inspection of a CVT system begins by clarifying on the information from the customer by having him or her fill out a diagnostic worksheet describing his or her concern with the CVT. After that, check the fail-safe mode and CVT fluid

1. Fail-safe Mode - The TCM has a fail-safe mode so that operation can be continued despite a malfunction of the signal circuit. For the fail-safe mode, if multiple DTCs are displayed, address them one by one based on the priority they are given in the Service Manual.

2. CVT Fluid Check - The CVT fluid must be checked any time a repair or replacement is performed on the transmission. Here are the steps:

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a. Check that the selector lever is in the P (Park) position and then completely engage the parking brake

b. Start the engine.

c. Adjust the CVT fluid temperature and maintain at the appropriate temperature for the model/model year.

NOTE: The CVT fluid is largely affected by temperature; therefore, be sure to use C-III plus and check “FLUID TEMP” under “TRANSMISSION” in “Data Monitor” while adjusting.


d. While depressing the brake pedal, move the shift selector through all positions in the entire shift range, and then back to the P (Park) position.

NOTE: Hold the lever at each position for 5 seconds.


e. Raise the vehicle on a lift.

f. Check that there is no CVT fluid leakage.

NOTE: 2012-15 Versa Sedan (N17), 2013-15 Pathfinder (R52), 2013-2015 Sentra (B17), 2013-2015 Altima Sedan (L33), and 2014-15 Rogue (T32), 2014-2015 NV200 (M20), 2014-2015 Versa Note (E12), 2013 JX35 and 2014-2015 QX60 (L50) vehicles equipped with CVT do not have a fluid level gauge.* The NYC Taxi (NV200) is equipped with the CVT fluid level gauge.

*For vehicle models equipped with a CVT fluid level gauge see information later in this article.


g. Remove the overflow plug from the converter housing.

h. Install the charging pipe set into the overflow plug hole.

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i. Install the ATF changer hose to the charging pipe.

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j. Fill with the correct application CVT fluid in the specified amount.

k. Remove the ATF changer hose from the charging pipe, and check that the CVT fluid drains from the charging pipe. If it does not drain, perform charging again adding approximately 0.5 L (0.5 qt.) each time until CVT fluid starts to drain out.

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l. When the flow of CVT fluid slows to a drip, remove the charging pipe from the converter housing.

m. Tighten the overflow plug with new gasket/O-ring.

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*For vehicle models equipped with a CVT fluid level gauge

(Continued from Step g. of Fluid Check Procedure above.)

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NOTE:


SERVICE

Perform the following after the transmission assembly is replaced:

1. Check the serial number (part 1): write down the serial number of the new transmission assembly.

2. Check the serial number (part 2) with CONSULT.

a. Turn the ignition switch ON and insert the TCM data CD into CONSULT.

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b. Select “Work Support” in “TRANSMISSION,” and then select “WRITE IP CHARA - REPLACEMENT AT/CVT.”

c. Make sure the serial number displayed on CONSULT agrees with the number written in the memo.

3. Initialize the TCM with CONSULT.

a. Select “ERASE MEMORY DATA” and touch “Start” according to the instructions on CONSULT.

b. If “COMPLETED” is displayed, go to the next step; otherwise, turn the ignition switch OFF and wait for 10 seconds or more, and then perform the work again.

4. Write the data with CONSULT.

NOTE: Write the new solenoid data in the TCM according to the following instructions.


a. Shift the selector lever to the P (Park) position, and turn the ignition switch OFF and wait for 10 seconds.

b. Turn the ignition switch ON.

c. Select “Work Support” in “TRANSMISSION,” and then select “WRITE IP CHARA - REPLACEMENT AT/CVT.”

d. Write the data in the TCM according to the instructions on on C-III plus.

NOTE: When writing is complete, the shift position indicator of the combination meter will display “P”.


5. Erase CVT fluid degradation level data with CONSULT.

a. Select “WORK SUPPORT” in “TRANSMISSION,” and then select “CONFORM CVT FLUID DETERIORATION.”

b. Touch “Clear.”

TCM REPLACEMENT

NOTE: DO NOT replace the Transmission Control Module (TCM) unless all diagnostic steps in TSB NTB11-043 check OK and the Service Manual diagnostic steps direct to TCM replacement.


Service Point

NOTE: The TCM needs to be initialized when:


REPLACING FLUID

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1. Select “Data Monitor” in “TRANSMISSION” using CONSULT.

2. Select “FLUID TEMP” and confirm that the CVT fluid temperature is 95°F (35°C) to 113°F (45°C).

3. Position the shift selector in P (Park) position, and engage the parking brake.

4. Raise the vehicle on a lift or hoist.

5. Remove the drain plug and drain the CVT fluid from the oil pan.

6. Install the drain plug.

7. Install the charging pipe set into the overflow plug hole

8. Remove the overflow plug from the converter housing.

9. Install the ATF changer hose to the charging pipe.

10. Fill CVT fluid to the specified amount.

11. Remove the ATF changer hose and charging pipe and then install the overflow plug.

12. Start the engine.

13. While depressing the brake pedal, move the shift selector through all positions in the entire shift range, then return to the P (Park) position.

14. Check using C-III plus Data Monitor, make sure “FLUID TEMP” is maintained at the appropriate temperature for the model/model year. (Refer to the applicable ESM.)

NOTE: Hold the lever at each position for 5 seconds.


15. Stop the engine.

16. Remove the drain plug and drain CVT fluid.

17. Repeat steps 6-16 (one time).

18. Tighten the drain plug, and then remove the overflow plug.

19. Install the charging pipe shut-off coupler from the Transmission Fill Pump into the overflow plug hole.

20. Install the ATF changer hose to the shut-off coupler.

21. Fill CVT fluid to specified amount.

22. Remove the ATF changer hose and charging pipe then install the overflow plug.

23. Start the engine.

24. While depressing the brake pedal, move the shift selector to each position, then return to the “P” position.

NOTE: Hold the lever at each position for 5 seconds.


25. Remove the overflow plug and confirm that the CVT fluid is drained from the overflow plug hole.

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26. When the flow of CVT fluid slows to a drip, tighten the overflow plug to the specified torque.

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27. Select “Data Monitor” in “TRANSMISSION” using using C-III plus, and then select “CONFORM CVT FLUID DETERIORATION.”

28. Select “Erase.”

29. Stop the engine.

CVT OIL LEAK DIAGNOSIS USING FLORESCENT DYE

If you have a CVT that appears to have oil seepage or a leak on the transmission, follow the steps below to assist in a correct diagnosis.

1. Thoroughly clean off the area of the suspected leak.

2. Install 1 fluid ounce of the J-28431 Fluorescent Oil Dye* into the CVT.

3. Drive the vehicle for a minimum of 30 minutes (to ensure proper diagnosis).

4. Inspect using the lamp from the J-43926 A/C Dye Kit*.

If no fluorescent oil trace/leak is found, the stain is probably:

Corrosion protection chemicals sprayed on the transmission and/or lubricants which are sometimes used to ease the assembly process.

NOTE: These may cause dust to accumulate (gather) on the transmission and create the appearance of an oil leak. Neither of these requires corrective action.


If a fluorescent oil trace/leak is found:

Refer to the applicable ESM and repair using standard warranty procedures.

*These tools were made Essential in 2001 (J-28431) and 1999 (J-43926). They are also available from Tech Mate at 1-800-662-2001.

NOTE: The Fluorescent Oil Dye is also available from Tech Mate in a pack of six 1-ounce bottles. That pack is available as part number J-28431-6.