CVT fluid Consult

[Filius]

I just bought a 2010 Altima 2.5 S and so far I love it. I have a couple of questions regarding the CVT fluid.

Does anyone know if a computer analysis of your CVT fluid by the dealer is a requirement for the 120,000 warranty (assuming you don't have your fluid changed every 30K miles)?

Can anyone tell me how much the computer analysis costs? I have googled my head off but can't seem to find even a ballpark number.

Thanks!

[seldomseen]

How many miles does your car have? You will most likely come across a dealerships with difference in opinion when it comes to CVT change interval. However, the most common school of thought these days is to change the fluid at 60k mile interval. If this is your first CVT equipped Nissan, you will quickly learn that dealerships do not like to "mess around" with CVT fluid changes because a customer is paranoid/overly concerned about CVT failure. Just enjoy the car, maintain it well, and service the CVT at 60k miles.

Most dealerships will simply drain a 40% - 60% of the old fluid and add 40% - 60% back in. The consult III check will most likely cost you 30 - 60 minutes in labor charges. If you have less than 60k miles on your car, I wouldn't worry about the CVT fluid at this point unless you're experience unquestionable problems with the CVT. In addition, if you have your car serviced for CVT fluid change at 60k miles from a dealership, you will be in good shape with the 120k CVT warranty that Nissan implemented.

[Filius]

SS:

Thanks for responding.

My car has 87K miles. I don't know whether the fluid was changed at 60K. I do know, from the CarFax, that it was serviced many times at Nissan dealerships, including at 60K miles, but it doesn't say whether the transmission fluid was checked or analyzed or replaced. On second thought it does say "Maintenance check completed." Presumably that would include checking the transmission since that's a listed maintenance item.

The manual also calls for the CVT fluid to be inspected at 75K and 90K. The 75K seems to have been done based on the CarFax. I guess I should have it inspected again at 90K and 105K to preserve the warranty. I just hate going to the dealership for that kind of stuff.

Thanks again, I appreciate your advice and info.

[seldomseen]

The consult device should be able to tell the mechanic whether or not your CVT should be (drained/filled) or not. Call a few different dealerships and ask them if they will perform the consult check for you.