Looked at a Pathfinder with Obvious transmission problems and used CVT50

[Smagegy]

I SAW a 2014 pathfinder with 122k with transmission issues. I ran the CVT50 program and came up with these codes.

I'm not sure what they mean and was hoping someone could help interpret them.





When driving, the car 'slips and bangs' when starting out... then seems to run ok. I ASSUME that slip will get worse until it no longer moves.

What do you think --- anyone know this program?

[VStar650CL]

P0776 is often a "bad fluid" code which can be remedied with a couple of spill-and-fills to void the old stuff. However, P17F0 is a judder-detection code indicating major belt slip, and usually amounts to a death code because the belt and pulleys are usually damaged. To find out if it's worth trying to save, drop the pan and Valve Body and inspect the belt with a borescope per this bulletin:
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/ ... 5-0001.pdf

Basically, if the belt is unsalvageable then so is transmission. If the belt is okay then try fresh fluid (at least twice with 500~2000 miles in between to void 75% of the old fluid and give the detergent a chance to flush things out). If that doesn't fully resolve the misbehavior, change the VB and have a dealer reflash the new IP values into the TCM.

[Smagegy]

P0776 is often a "bad fluid" code which can be remedied with a couple of spill-and-fills to void the old stuff. However, P17F0 is a judder-detection code indicating major belt slip, and usually amounts to a death code because the belt and pulleys are usually damaged. To find out if it's worth trying to save, drop the pan and Valve Body and inspect the belt with a borescope per this bulletin:
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/ ... 5-0001.pdf

Basically, if the belt is unsalvageable then so is transmission. If the belt is okay then try fresh fluid (at least twice with 500~2000 miles in between to void 75% of the old fluid and give the detergent a chance to flush things out). If that doesn't fully resolve the misbehavior, change the VB and have a dealer reflash the new IP values into the TCM.

Thanks V .... I'll read that bulletin! ---- I don't own this car, its for sale in my hood. Everything else works fine (AC, BRAKES, no codes came up). ---- I wonder what I should offer him?

--- I'm reading the pathfinder is not high rated for efficiency.
https://www.dashboard-light.com/vehicle ... inder.html

[VStar650CL]

Just about everything Nissan with a CVT takes reliability hits for the transmission, but the R52 Pathies have two other big-ticket failures they're prone to. One is the stupid 15-cent J-hose connecting the PCV to the plenum collapsing and sludging the engine, the other is bearing failure in the radiator fans. The funny thing is, only the fans are a failure that can't really be helped. I'm sure CVT's would have a sterling reputation if Nissan (or anybody!) simply encouraged people to maintain them. The PCV issue would be a much smaller issue if Nissan would simply admit it exists and spread the word to technicians. They won't, it's an embarrassing design failure and silence helps them duck paying for sludged engines.

Vis the transmission, I'd see if they'll let you make a deposit and "take it to a mechanic", but you can actually take it to a borescope in the driveway. If it turns out to be unsalvageable you can dump the old fluid back in and it will only cost you some gasket sealer and elbow grease.

[Smagegy]

Thank V,

How would you scope it in the Driveway --- is there a Cap I can open that allows a scope? --- What would you look for?

LOL.. A lot of questions (I know).

BY coincidences, I just got a new borescope (teslong).

[VStar650CL]

No, you need to drop the pan and the Valve Body per the bulletin, but it's definitely driveway-doable. Make sure to catch all the fluid in case the transmission is toast and you need to give the vehicle back. Follow the bulletin, only screws with a "7" on the head need to be removed to drop the VB. I usually punch holes in a piece of carboard to keep them all in the same pattern, and I let the VB hang on a bungee instead of disconnecting the harness. Once you get a good look at the belt you can determine whether it's worth further effort. If not, toss the VB and the old fluid back in and send it back where it came from. If it's a keeper, measure the old fluid and put in fresh in the same amount.

[VStar650CL]

PS - I'm a little hopeful that it might be okay because CVT-A and CVT-B are both zero, meaning the transmission has never overheated. That's a good sign.

[Smagegy]

No, you need to drop the pan and the Valve Body per the bulletin, but it's definitely driveway-doable. Make sure to catch all the fluid in case the transmission is toast and you need to give the vehicle back. Follow the bulletin, only screws with a "7" on the head need to be removed to drop the VB. I usually punch holes in a piece of carboard to keep them all in the same pattern, and I let the VB hang on a bungee instead of disconnecting the harness. Once you get a good look at the belt you can determine whether it's worth further effort. If not, toss the VB and the old fluid back in and send it back where it came from. If it's a keeper, measure the old fluid and put in fresh in the same amount.

Thanks V... you're the Best!

PS. You're right about Nissan... I think the Japanese have too much Pride. It showed in WW2 and even decades later ---they're too hard on themselves, they'll never admit to making a mistake.

If the seller agrees,... I may have it towed to my Gear monkey friend and let him drop the pan, etc. --- I'll let you know what happens!

[VStar650CL]

[Smagegy]

Seller is being a PAIN --- he's hesitant about letting me take it to my Mechanic and 'inspect' the Transmission. I'm leery at this point --- IF I DO anything, it will be a lowball offer.

[VStar650CL]

That sounds like the right plan. My bet would be that he's already had a diagnosis and been told the transmission is unsalvageable, but that's probably based on codes and not an actual inspection. He's afraid of what you'll find in there.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Seller is being a PAIN --- he's hesitant about letting me take it to my Mechanic and 'inspect' the Transmission.

Yeah that's a big red flag for sure.