2008 altima cvt checking fluid level

[hondaman69]

I just recently purchased a 2008 Altima 2.5S sedan, the owners manual dose not address checking the fluid level, could you please explain the process, I maintain my vehicles myself & this would help me a lot, thank you in advance.

[ssjones]

I've fiddled with the stick a few times but have yet to discover a way to pull the stick and the plastic lock without breaking it! I'm due for a CVT change in about 20k (couple of months). Guess I'll have to figure it out by than.

[jayrguidaben]

hey guys, how do you pull the stick with out breaking it? do you think its ok to drain and fill the cvt trans? any advice? i have a 2007 altima with 45k miles now. thanks

[ssjones]

Don't know if fluid caused my issue or not, but if I were you, I'd change it soon.See here for my gory details.zer...24873

[jayrguidaben]

thanks for the reply but i don't have any problem on my trans just want to change the fluid on it. do you know how to pull out the dipstick without breaking it? does anyone done this? (changing cvt fluid on a 07 altima)

[ssjones]

thanks for the reply but i don't have any problem on my trans just want to change the fluid on it. do you know how to pull out the dipstick without breaking it? does anyone done this? (changing cvt fluid on a 07 altima)

At 50k, I didn't either, than at 60k it failed. Who knows if it was my fluid, the Consult said the fluid was good. I don't know if this will work from the OPM, on how to pull that stick and check. It the copy doesn't show in entirety, the section is TM, Page 411. It does not look like the drawings will show up here.

CVT FLUIDTM-411< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE > [CVT: RE0F10A]CEFGHIJKLMABTMNOPON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCECVT FLUIDInspection INFOID:0000000001345065CHECKING CVT FLUIDFluid level should be checked with the fluid warmed up to 50 to 80°C (122 to 176°F). The fluid level check procedureis as follows: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 10minutes for the CVT fluid to warm up to 50 to 80°C (122 to176°F).3. Park the vehicle on a level surface.4. Apply parking brake firmly.5. With engine at idle, while depressing brake pedal, move shiftselector throughout the entire shift range.6. Pull out the CVT fluid level gauge from the CVT fluid chargingpipe after pressing the tab on the CVT fluid level gauge torelease the lock.7. Wipe fluid off the CVT fluid level gauge. Insert the CVT fluidlevel gauge rotating 180° from the originally installed position,then securely push the CVT fluid level gauge until it meets thetop end of the CVT fluid charging pipe.CAUTION:When wiping away the CVT fluid level gauge, always uselint-free paper, not a cloth rag.8. Place the selector lever in “P” or “N” and make sure the fluidlevel is within the specified range.CAUTION:When reinstalling CVT fluid level gauge, insert it into theCVT fluid charging pipe and rotate it to the original installationposition until it is securely locked.CVT FLUID CONDITIONSMA146B

[marlin29311]

The NS-2 CVT fluid was designed to withstand upwards of 90,000 miles of useage (of course, that varies from driver to driver). My bet is something else caused that problem - possibly the metal belt itself.

[ssjones]

The NS-2 CVT fluid was designed to withstand upwards of 90,000 miles of useage (of course, that varies from driver to driver). My bet is something else caused that problem - possibly the metal belt itself.

That number seems to vary wildy depending on who you speak with. The service department for the dealer doing my vehicle told me today they recommend annual fluid changes, for my all highway miles. I guess at $100/pop (discounted quart price to me), thats not inexpensive but cheaper than transmission replacements. I'm going to try and talk to the mechanic who did my car - and see what my fluid looked like.

[marlin29311]

My figures come from my dad who's company designed the CVT fluid

[jayrguidaben]

6. Pull out the CVT fluid level gauge from the CVT fluid chargingpipe after pressing the tab on the CVT fluid level gauge torelease the lock.

i did press the tab and i can't pull it out. even if i use a screw driver and still. this driving me nuts!

[ssjones]

I kind of had to break my tab a little to get it to pull out. Glad I'm not the only one. Guessing most folks just aren't checking....

6. Pull out the CVT fluid level gauge from the CVT fluid chargingpipe after pressing the tab on the CVT fluid level gauge torelease the lock.

i did press the tab and i can't pull it out. even if i use a screw driver and still. this driving me nuts!

[jayrguidaben]

ok i'll just try it again. but is it ok to drain and refill the cvt? i just bought 7qrts of cvt fluid at the dealer.

[ssjones]

I only got as far as buying the fluid, but that was/is my plan. I know a few guys at my local dealer, including the parts guy. He said that is what they do to their vehicles and said it takes 6 quarts. For these type of fluid changes, I always measure what I take out and put the same back. The regular cost/quart was $19.XX, he sold them to me for $14.99/quart ($20/quart was on the warranty bill to Nissan, gee, don't even give the company a discount!)

ok i'll just try it again. but is it ok to drain and refill the cvt? i just bought 7qrts of cvt fluid at the dealer.

[ssjones]

Checking if you got the stick out. Pulled mine today and remembered how tricky it was. There is a small, black tab at the very inside that has to be moved to clear the stick housing. It's tiny and the stick doesn't move till you move that out of the way.

[jayrguidaben]

i saw that one too. ok thanks.