Interchangeable CVT transmissions?

[kallen007]

Ok, hi guys... new to Altima, not new to Nissan... previous Maxima owner and lover! However I'm now sitting on a
2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 Non-Hybrid Auto
that has had some issue's but we've worked through them

Anyways, transmission failed, needing a new one. No problem doing the swap myself, already have mine out =)

The issue.... for those unknown to the transmission world of these bad boy's here's a quick listing:

Year: 2010 Nissan ALTIMA Transmission

Manual Transmission 2.5L (4 cyl)
Manual Transmission 3.5L (6 cyl)
Automatic Transmission (CVT) 2.5L (4 cyl) non-Hybrid Fed
Automatic Transmission (CVT) 3.5L (6 cyl)
Automatic Transmission (CVT) 2.5L (4 cyl) non-Hybrid Calif
Automatic Transmission (CVT) 2.5L (4 cyl) Hybrid


Year: 2009 Nissan ALTIMA Transmission

Automatic Transmission (CVT) 2.5L (4 cyl) non-Hybrid Fed thru 6/09
Manual Transmission 2.5L (4 cyl)
Automatic Transmission (CVT) 2.5L (4 cyl) non-Hybrid Calif from 7/09
Automatic Transmission (CVT) 2.5L (4 cyl) Hybrid
Manual Transmission 3.5L (6 cyl)
Automatic Transmission (CVT) 2.5L (4 cyl) non-Hybrid Calif thru 6/09
Automatic Transmission (CVT) 3.5L (6 cyl)
Automatic Transmission (CVT) 2.5L (4 cyl) non-Hybrid Fed from 7/09


Year: 2008 Nissan ALTIMA Transmission

Automatic Transmission (CVT) 2.5L (4 cyl) Hybrid
Automatic Transmission (CVT) 3.5L (6 cyl) thru 6/08
Automatic Transmission (CVT) 2.5L (4 cyl) non-Hybrid from 7/08 Calif
Automatic Transmission (CVT) 2.5L (4 cyl) non-Hybrid from 7/08 Fed
Automatic Transmission (CVT) 3.5L (6 cyl) from 7/08
Automatic Transmission (CVT) 2.5L (4 cyl) non-Hybrid thru 6/08
Manual Transmission 2.5L (4 cyl)
Manual Transmission 3.5L (6 cyl)


Notice for my particular 2008 model there are two.... one thru 6/08 and one from 7/08... of course I have the "thru 2008" model.

I have access to a 2010 non-hybrid CVT transmission... the obvious question "Will this work"?

Second to that, for those nay sayers.... "What is the difference between them?"

I've fitted several pieces into cars in the past, and it's a lot about knowing what the changes are, additional programming to the ecu, etc. Sometimes it's as simple as blocking off a new sensor or a new vent line... but on these transmissions I'm new. All I know is the stepper motor is gone as are a few other parts to the point a rebuild is silly and a waste of money with too many parts throwing codes in it.

So, help me out guys... can I use the 2010 transmission in the 2008 as simple plug and drive (of course eprom programming, which is simple)
or
are there other issues restricting me to find a transmission from a 07 or 08 thru 6/08?

[kallen007]

Ok.... update.
So I grabbed the valve body, stepper motor, and solenoids from a 2010 Altima 2.5 non hybrid.... Stepper motor
seemed to be a lot more fluid in this one so I thought for sure I was in luck.

When I dropped the pan I noticed a TON of metal shavings on the magnets.... no bueno
So I still cleaned everything, swapped out top of valve body with all new solenoids, stepper motor, etc .
New filter, new fluid... started the car with no check engine lights, no visible issues.

Car reversed smoothly, put the car in 1st and it shows the same exact issues as before, simply won't get going. However on a down hill this guy acts like a normal car, shifts gears and flies. until uphill or any struggle in which it reverts back to 1st gear and no longer wants to shift, manually or auto. Then you must turn the car off, back on and you can get a decent 1st gear.. so long as not on a hill.

Conclusion:
Actual gears/plates bad inside transmission.... stepper motor replacement and solenoid replacement does nothing to change driving condition.
New transmission is needed.

Going back to junk yard to grab the entire transmission outta the 2010 as it looks BRAND new... can see the print marks on the side perfect with no grease, car had 32k miles on it... so I'm grabbing that guy.

QUESTION REMAINING:
1) Will the 2010 CVT Transmission work in the 2008?
2) Programming.... is there a way to clear the EEPROM yourself
3) Could it be the TCM (TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE)? maybe just swapping that with the 2010 version may fix this?

Please, give me ideas, responses and help =)

[udfxrookie]

Ok ... Headed home with this pretty 2010 Altima CVT 2.5s transmission and decided to grab the TCM as well.
Do you guys think this will work plug and play?
Install TCM from newer Altima, transmission from newer Altima... Hopefully she shifts good and I'll take her to Nissan for EEPROM/TCM programming I hear I'll be needing.

Thoughts?

Also went up vs down with the transmission using a hoist vs Jack and removing subframe, comes straight up with a little maneuvering

[kallen007]

Hoping to get a Nissan Tech's advice... or anyone bada$$ on these transmissions.
Here's the part numbers of the TCM's

from my 2008 Altima 2.5s Auto pre 6/08 non-hybrid CVT
31036 JA02D ETC51-262N A1

from the donor 2010 Altima 2.5s Auto non-hybrid FED CVT
31036 ZX00B ETC56-101N A1

I also grabbed another from a 2011 for giggles to see difference in years, part numbers, etc:
31036 ZX00D ETC52-220N A1

notice similarities in bold
between the 2010 and 2011 the second set both start ZX00 and on mine it starts JA0.

All of which make me think I should start with the 2010 TCM and 2010 CVT Transmission
vs
2008 TCM and 2010 CVT Transmission

Again.... big question, will the 2010 TCM have any effect on the 2008 ECU as the TCM ONLY goes
directly to transmission and I believe is the ONLY thing that controls it electronically... am I right?

[kallen007]

Ok....
Good news: Transmission is in and the car drives great!

Bad news:
There is no Park. I have to shift the car to Reverse to get it in Neutral to start it.
Drive is all the was down (just not sure if in full Drive).

Not sure if this is a computer thing or simply the shifter on top of the transmission needing adjusted, etc.
Here's a crappy video, I'll make a better one tomorrow:
https://youtu.be/l9-_3AB2FDY


Let me know your input guys?

[kallen007]

Guessing just adjustment to the shift cable bolt on the transmission... I'll play with that in the morning.

[kallen007]

Perfecto! Took about three minutes to pop the hood, remove half the air filter housing and reach the bolt, adjust and everything is working perfect!
Thanks for those who supported.
For those of you with crappy CVT's not wanting to shell out a TON for a new one or "exact" replacement you're in luck!
I'm driving the dreaded 2008 pre 06/08 2.5 CVT non-hybrid... yeah try to find one of those guys... close to $1200 MIN
But you look for a 2010 CVT non-hybrid FED and man those guys are priced normal (see them all over for $350-$550).

Changes I made:
1) on transmission valve body there is a bolt added covering where a sensor was in the 2008... I took the sensor from the 08 and put it in the 2010 transmission.

2) Dip stick swap... on the 2010 its a few less degrees and that makes it hit the ram air filter housing, and the top radiator hose to engine.

3) I swapped the pans out because my 08 had a bolt for future draining vs the 2010 that had a rubber plug =p

4) There are two CVT cooler lines... the one closest to the header I replaced with the 2008 line vs the 2010 as they bent a little different.

Aside from that I kept my TCM from the 2008 in place and as there were no codes prior to the swap I haven't gone in for a TCM Eprom clearing



Ohhh and on the "great debate" for NS-2 fluid... I hate my local Nissan dealership in New Port Richey. Just to obtain pricing on the fluid they want my VIN number and then need to have parts call me back... which they never do! Anyways... $19.99 a bottle! and I needed 8 sooooooo did a bit of research.

Winner:
Castrol Transmax CVT fluid for $9.19 per Qt

unlike most CVT alternatives this one is red. Covers NS-1, NS-2 & NS-3

bottom line, stuff works great and there is tons of reviews about it. Even Nissan techs saying they use it =)

[seldomseen]

Even Nissan techs saying they use it =)

Which Nissan techs are saying they use this aftermarket CVT fluid?

[kallen007]

Take the time and use Google my friend, there are hundreds of forum posts in regards.
Happy I can personally testify to it working just as fine without being charged twice as much
Will be more than happy to report back after a month or so of driving.

[seldomseen]

Take the time and use Google my friend, there are hundreds of forum posts in regards.
Happy I can personally testify to it working just as fine without being charged twice as much
Will be more than happy to report back after a month or so of driving.

For situations like this, it's best that cite your sources. Nonetheless, report back how the aftermarket fluid holds out.

[kallen007]

Seldomseen... I think I figured out why you chose that name
You are Seldom Seen giving advice. For situations like this
ok guys... now we get the joy of being back in college to site our information, and if somone online states they are a Nissan Tech it is our duty to validate

And for those people that know how to use google, simply type in something cool like
"Castrol CVT Nissan Tech" and get to reading
No it is not a duty or anything else to flood this forum with sites from all over the place combined in one neat little spot for you to do no research and the world to come here for their information. Look for yourself and stop jumping in peoples threads to offer no advice but start an argument over something stupid like giving people advice on where to save $11/qt on CVT fluid.

Do me a favor. If you have real advice hop on here and get to posting... advice like "Sell/trade the car! " keep that crap to yourself. Its not funny and no one is posting on here for stupid advice like that, but REAL advice and help

[adkmz]

Does any one know if the 2012 Altima transmission work in the 08.
I'm finding these cheaper than the 2010's

[MalcolmY]

Thank you OP for following up.

I too have the same question:
What's the latest model that could swapped in a 2009 CVT?

[bcownie]

I'm hoping this post is still active. I replaced my 08's cvt with a 2012 cvt. When I searched for a 2010 this one said it was compatible. Once installed it had drivability issues right away and had several pressures code and A & B solenoid codes. I found a 2012 TCM and tried that. Now it seems to drive ok but the cruise doesn't work after you hit 60 mph. Once you hit that the cruise set light flashes quickly and the cruise is inop until the car is turned off and restarted. No mil or service light but does have a P1574 code for speed sensor. I kept the old sensors, (looking on Nissan Parts Online they appeared to be the same part number as the 2012) so I tried them. The car would barely move and it gave a pressure solenoid error. I tried the original TCM with the old sensors in and had the same problem. Now I have the sensors that came with the 2012 cvt and the 2012 TCM installed again and I'm back to no cruise above 60. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[centralcoaster33]

Hi bcownie and welcome to NICO Club!

Each post has a date near the top left. Last post to yours was August 2016, so just a year ago. I think Kallen007 checks back here sometimes. Replies will likely take some time, but if you don't get some in the next couple of days, maybe make a new thread for your specific issue.

I'm glad people are starting to swap around CVT's and hope they continue to share their findings.

[Darksidesniper]

I have the same question? What all will interchange with my 2009 Nissan Altima? I have the code P1778 that comes on and when it does it only has 1st and sometimes 2nd gear. It says there is a problem with the Stepper Motor? Is that something that can be changed easily or do i need to start looking for a new transmission? If I need to find a new transmission what will fit in this as for the year's? I have an 07 that has a good transmission but bad motor.

However if i clear the code it will shift out just fine for a while, or until the light comes on again. Any idea's on what to do here? I'm hoping it's just a short in the wiring or this is something that is easy to get to and change. I have googled everything I can think of to find out where this thing is and what it takes to change it.

[centralcoaster33]

Welcome to NICO Club Darksidesniper!

You can access your FSM (Factory Service Manual) here to review your error codes and determine what steps to take. The FWD chapter is the foreward and will have a table of contents so start there. Each chapter is a separate PDF file. You can download them to your device if you like.
http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Altima/2009/