CVT codes --- what do they all mean?

[Smagegy]

I got the recommendation from Vstar on the CVTz50 program and it seems like an excellent handy tool.

Problem is, I can't find the code menu and what each code means. I went to their website and nothing is listed (unless I'm looking in the wrong place).
https://www.cvtz50.com/en/

Since I'm looking at higher mileage Nissan's for sale, -- it sure would help to know this program and the codes and meanings...

Anyone know where they are?

Thanks very much for your help!

[VStar650CL]

The codes are slightly different for different model CVT's, so you really need to crack the FSM for the particular car you're looking at. There are only two principle "judder" codes which were first used on the '13 Altimas and '14 Rogues (not Rogue Select) and have since been added to all CVT models. Those are P17F1 and P17F0. P17F1 indicates minor slipping and is often the canary in the coal mine for worn out fluid. It generally means a Valve Body at worst and often just a few spill-and-fills. P17F0 is much worse, it means major slippage and is usually a "death code" flagging a damaged belt. On earlier models without judder detection, there are a potpourri of "ratio" codes that are described as pressure, solenoid, or stepper related, but when you look at the FSM description, it will refer to one of the pulley speeds or pressures not matching the predicted value or the output speed. Those are all actually slip.

[VStar650CL]

Just to add to the above, here's a short list of codes which typically indicate slip on older trannies (typically '10A or '09B) which lack judder detection:
P0746
P0776
P0841
P0868
P1778
In addition, P0730 usually means a broken belt and is typically seen on cars which can't move.

[Smagegy]

Just to add to the above, here's a short list of codes which typically indicate slip on older trannies (typically '10A or '09B) which lack judder detection:
P0746
P0776
P0841
P0868
P1778
In addition, P0730 usually means a broken belt and is typically seen on cars which can't move.

Thanks V ~

I sent an email to the company asking the same question and they said "The most reliable source is Factory Service Manual https://www.nicoclub.com/nissan-service-manuals." --- Best regards, cvtz50.info

I guess Nissan already had a code system for the CVT (probably a scanner too).

QUESTION;Would a Regular Code reader show any Trans warning codes or must one have a program like CVTz50 --- ???

I've seen 'Check engine light' warnings and wondered if this code be a bad code warning for the Transmission?

[VStar650CL]

Most Nissans don't have a dedicated transmission warning lamp, so the MIL will be lit for most codes. The exceptions are the judder codes, those never light the MIL (yes, Nissan is trying to hide something). Some of the CVT codes will show up in a standard scan, others won't, so for CVT cars you're best to use CVTz50. For regular A/T's, any scanner will usually show you the transmission along with the engine.

[Smagegy]

Most Nissans don't have a dedicated transmission warning lamp, so the MIL will be lit for most codes. The exceptions are the judder codes, those never light the MIL (yes, Nissan is trying to hide something). Some of the CVT codes will show up in a standard scan, others won't, so for CVT cars you're best to use CVTz50. For regular A/T's, any scanner will usually show you the transmission along with the engine.

I'm noticing lots of CVT's for sale with problems ...(not just Nissan). I was looking at a Mitsubishi with issues... beautiful SUV, but no good now --- the transmission is screwed!

Note; I just got off the phone with Nissan Dealer Service Dept in my area. I asked the service tech for prices on trans oil change on 2013 Altima w. 143k... I was surprised to hear him say 'We don't recommend it at this point' -- he mentioned something about new fluid wouldn't have a 'clutch point' for the trans to grab onto --- recommended keeping the same fluid in. HE ALSO said, there is no filter to change on that year as its built into the Trans! ----

LOL... SO basically, if the previous owner hasn't changed the fluid, you need to stay away from that Car! --- (at least thats what I'm hearing)!

Thoughts /comments?

[VStar650CL]

The service writer you spoke to is an idiot. CVT's have virtually no clutch material to make "ATF soup" like a regular A/T, so there's nothing to foul the Valve Body no matter how old the fluid is. So the old wisdom which is true for A/T's is categorically untrue for CVT's. The flip side is, in CVT's, the quality of the fluid is the only thing keeping the metal belt from contacting the metal pulleys. Film strength is everything. That means the equation for CVT's is painfully simple: Dead fluid = dead CVT. The fluid must be changed, to not do so is a guaranteed death sentence.

That all said, there are filters, but many of them are a PITA to change, and changing them is usually a pointless exercise. Same reason, no soup.

[Smagegy]

The service writer you spoke to is an idiot. CVT's have virtually no clutch material to make "ATF soup" like a regular A/T, so there's nothing to foul the Valve Body no matter how old the fluid is. So the old wisdom which is true for A/T's is categorically untrue for CVT's. The flip side is, in CVT's, the quality of the fluid is the only thing keeping the metal belt from contacting the metal pulleys. Film strength is everything. That means the equation for CVT's is painfully simple: Dead fluid = dead CVT. The fluid must be changed, to not do so is a guaranteed death sentence.

That all said, there are filters, but many of them are a PITA to change, and changing them is usually a pointless exercise. Same reason, no soup.

That makes more sense --- I remember in the old days they would say 'never change the TransFluid because the old bands would not grab new fluid.

So, this Dealership is loosing money with this IDIOT answering calls. He's turning away business... LOL!

*

[VStar650CL]

They may have some old school lead tech who never bothered to disabuse himself about CVT's, and consequently the whole staff is mis-educated. Or they may just like selling CVT's to people instead of selling fluid. They're both pretty common circumstances. They can get away with it because Nissan still makes judder and the need for fluid changes into a deep, dark secret. You can go to Nissan school for Transmission and Drivetrain and literally never hear a word from the instructor about fluid quality. All this because Nissan wants to keep the official "cost of ownership" low and can't resist selling $10/qt fluid for $26/qt. The philosophy is, the fluid will survive 5 years and after that, the car will probably be sold out-of-warranty and become someone else's headache. So why specify a fluid change? Horrible, but all true.

[Smagegy]

They may have some old school lead tech who never bothered to disabuse himself about CVT's, and consequently the whole staff is mis-educated. Or they may just like selling CVT's to people instead of selling fluid. They're both pretty common circumstances. They can get away with it because Nissan still makes judder and the need for fluid changes into a deep, dark secret. You can go to Nissan school for Transmission and Drivetrain and literally never hear a word from the instructor about fluid quality. All this because Nissan wants to keep the official "cost of ownership" low and can't resist selling $10/qt fluid for $26/qt. The philosophy is, the fluid will survive 5 years and after that, the car will probably be sold out-of-warranty and become someone else's headache. So why specify a fluid change? Horrible, but all true.

Yep,...they gotta make money (Hugh bills; Rent, Salaries, Insurance, Workers Comp, etc).

QUESTION; I heard a lot of stories about peeps who got their Transmissions Flushed and had issues. Would you flush the system, or drain it and replace the oil?

[VStar650CL]

Never flush a CVT except with a circulating machine, and then forward-flush only, never back-flush. If it's done right there's no harm, but there's a lot of potential harm if it's done wrong. For most purposes and most drivers, simple spill-and-fills are all that's needed.

[Smagegy]

Never flush a CVT except with a circulating machine, and then forward-flush only, never back-flush. If it's done right there's no harm, but there's a lot of potential harm if it's done wrong. For most purposes and most drivers, simple spill-and-fills are all that's needed.

You da Man !

Have a Happy and Safe July 4th --- keep your head low and watch out for flying rockets !

[VStar650CL]

You da Man !

Have a Happy and Safe July 4th --- keep your head low and watch out for flying rockets !

No worries, my dog will catch and eat them before they get anywhere near me (she's a Malinois mix).

You too, happy Fourth and happy motoring.