Automatic Transmission: Maintenance Nissan Maxima A35

Check CVT Fluid Deterioration Date

"CVTF DETERIORATION DATE"

More than 210000 : It is necessary to change CVT fluid.

Less than 210000 : It is not necessary to change CVT fluid.

CVT Fluid Temperature Sensor

If an unexpected signal is sent from the CVT fluid temperature sensor to the TCM, the gear ratio in use before receiving the unexpected signal is maintained or the gear ratio is controlled to keep engine speed under 5,000 RPM.

CVT FLUID COOLER SERVICE

If CVT fluid contains friction material (clutches, brakes, etc.), or if a CVT is replaced, inspect and clean the CVT fluid cooler mounted in the radiator or replace the radiator. Flush cooler lines using cleaning solvent and compressed air after repair. For CVT fluid cooler cleaning procedure, refer to " CLEANING ". For radiator replacement, refer to " REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ".

CHECKING CVT FLUID

The fluid level should be checked with the fluid warmed up to 50° to 80°C (122° to 176°F). The fluid level check procedure is as follows

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1. Check for fluid leakage.
2. With the engine warmed up, drive the vehicle in an urban area. When ambient temperature is 20°C (68°F), it takes about 10 minutes for the CVT fluid to warm up to 50° to 80°C (122° to 176°F).
3. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
4. Apply parking brake firmly.
5. With engine at idle, while depressing brake pedal, move shift selector throughout the entire shift range.
6. Pull out the CVT fluid level gauge from the CVT fluid charging pipe after pressing the tab on the CVT fluid level gauge to release the lock.
7. Wipe fluid off the CVT fluid level gauge. Insert the CVT fluid level gauge rotating 180° from the originally installed position, then securely push the CVT fluid level gauge until it meets the top end of the CVT fluid charging pipe. CAUTION: When wiping away the CVT fluid level gauge, always use lint-free paper, not a cloth rag.
8. Place the shift selector in "P" or "N" position and check that the fluid level is within the specified range. CAUTION: When reinstalling CVT fluid level gauge, insert it into the CVT fluid charging pipe and rotate it to the original installation position until securely locked.

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1. If CVT fluid is very dark or smells burned, check operation of CVT. Flush cooling system after repair of CVT.
2. If CVT fluid contains frictional material (clutches, brakes, etc.), inspect and clean the CVT fluid cooler mounted in the radiator and flush cooler line using cleaning solvent and compressed air after repair of CVT. Refer to " «CLEANING»(ref-388054-S04899451242011022800000) ". CVT FLUID CONDITION CHART Fluid status Conceivable cause Required operation Varnished (viscous varnish state) CVT fluid becomes degraded due to high temperatures. Replace the CVT fluid and check the CVT main unit and the vehicle for malfunctions (wire harnesses, cooler pipes, etc.) Milky white or cloudy Water in the fluid Replace the CVT fluid and check for places where water is getting in. Large amount of metal powder mixed in Unusual wear of sliding parts within CVT Replace the CVT fluid and check for improper operation of the CVT.

CVT FLUID TEMPERATURE SENSOR SPECIFICATION CHART