Service location for CVT transmission

[ras_oscar]

I have a new 2012 Rogue 4WD with the usual CVT transmission. I usually go to Jiffy Lube for routine oil changes. When I bought the car, a casually asked the sales rep about any special service requirements on the transmission, since I have never owned a CVT before. He stated emphatically that the trans fluis should be changed at the dealer because "the cvt is a special animal". Of course, the usual self serving statement. When I went to Jiffy Lube, I noticed that the trans fluid replacement is on their maintenance schedule. My question is: are there truly special considerations that would indicate I should go to the dealership when it is time to change the trans fluid?

Before you all go sideways on me, I fully understand the risks inherent in using Jiffy Lube. I have had prop brackets broken and drain plugs stripped on my cars. I have also had friends that drove out of Juffy Lube and been forced to replace engines because incorrect or no oil was installed. I accept that risk. I have personally had many many uneventful experiences at Jiffy Lube with several cars. I have no intention of lying flat on my back in 12F weather to change my own oil. I have done it in the past, I'm getting to crochety to do it any more. If you wish to slam Jiffy Lube, please be advised that you're not going to change my service habits. My question is quite specific to routine service of the CVT. Is changing the CVT trans fluid sufficiently different from more traditional transmissions to warrant a half day at the delaership?

[rdub2k4]

I want to say due to the price of the CVT and for warranty's sake, they won't touch it. it's a lot different then a conventional automatic transmission.

[Qashqai]

I don't understand. You know the risks, you accept these risks, you had bad experiences, but you still want to change the most vital fluid of your brand new car to a "Jiffy Lube".

Well it is your car/your decisions...

The only thing I can say is, CVT transmission fluid is not changed in regular intervals/time. You need to go to the dealer and they will connect your car to their diagnostic computer and that computer will tell you how much life your fluid has left.

[ImStricken06]

I have had prop brackets broken and drain plugs stripped on my cars. I have also had friends that drove out of Juffy Lube and been forced to replace engines because incorrect or no oil was installed. I accept that risk.

i have to say, CONGRATULATIONS! it is not often that i am left speechless by someone, but today, you.. you did it; you left me speechless! picture me, sitting at my desk right now

i really dont want to go into the risks of using a quick lube joint. Ok, maybe ill just touch on the 'risks'. lol basically, its the same risks involved anywhere else. the dipsh!ts that work in/at quick lube joints, are going to be of the same caliber that dealerships hire to drain and refill fluids at $10/hour. so things can happen anywhere. the only difference is that if a dealership destroys my car, they will have the will to pay for it(and the money). if some mom & pop owned franchise quick lube joint is going to destroy expensive parts, for all i know they could be penniless and wont fix my car. it could take years before i see any money back from having to take them to court. just a question: if you and your friends have experienced issues; you'd think you would find a reputable local mechanic? just a thought. -moving right along.

onto the main question:
our CVT transmission is covered under a specific warranty. that warranty stated that our transmission needs proprietary NISSAN fluid. it also needs the CONSULT computer software that only nissan dealers have.(too expensive for small timers to own). according to stories on many forums, people have driven over 30,000miles and the consult computer still reads that one could drive another 30,000 before needing any fluids changed. the procedure is relatively the same. but its the fluid that is 100% in question. if the wrong fluid is used, the transmission will fail very quickly. nissan will NOT cover any warranty work to replace your transmission. prior to any transmission work, they specifically do an oil analysis test to prove that the proper fluid was used BEFORE beginning any warranty work.

i have a strange feeling you are going to "take the cheese" and go with the quick lube joint, anyway. so with that being said, best of luck to you mate. please report back with your results. id love to make a sticky-thread if something were to happen and the costs involved for others to learn from.


PS: hey ras_oscar, you mind if i give you a custom, one of a kind, avatar?

[ImStricken06]

all in favor, say so.
LMFAO YOU GUYS KNOW WHERE IM GOING WITH THIS..... lol

[kerrton]

There's no debate on this one, ImSticken covered the details perfectly but bottom line - there is NO alternative to the Nissan NS-2 CVT fluid. If you replace the fluid with regular ATF fluid your CVT WILL FAIL QUICKLY and COMPLETELY.

Also, the CVT fluid does not need replacing very frequently, for most owners they will replace/trade-in/sell the vehicle long before the fluid ever needs to be changed. Some dealers recommend early replacement, some don't, the manufacturers manual recommends changing the fluid when the onboard computer calculates that it is time. Bottom line - leave this item to your Nissan Dealership, and don't worry about it for many thousands of miles. Don't let anybody else near that CVT transmission!!

[Rogue One]

How about...

Or...

[ras_oscar]

I got my answer, thank you. I will tell Jlube to keep their hands off the CVT and at 60K miles have the Consult program run at my dealer to check the expected remaining life of the fluid. I feel the need to defend my original post, so please hear me out.

If I was already planning to "take the cheese" and go to JL to service the CVT I wouldn't be here asking the question in the first place. I was asking because of the apparent conflict between the dealer's self serving statement and J lube's cavelier placement of the CVT fluid replacement at 60K miles. I didn't realize that at 60K the recommendation was to read the computer and let the transmission decide. Didn't know the consult program even existed, so I learned something today. I had assumed that there was a standard replacement interval prescribed by Nissan for the trans fluid. Since my original post I have re-read the maintenance manual and it reads as follows:

"For vehicles with a CVT transmission (cube, Murano, Altima, Altima Coupe, Maxima, Rogue, Sentra and Versa), replace the fluid every 60,000 miles or request the dealer to inspect the fluid deterioration
data using a Consult. If the deterioration data is more than 210000, replace the CVT fluid."

That suggests that the dealer is within the recommendation to change the fluid every 60K miles and ignore the Consult program. I will insist on th program, since my personal experinece, based on my driving habits with other Nissans, is that the trans fluid can go longer than the recommended interval.

My statements about my history with JL were an attempt to ensure the thread didn't turn into a diatribe against a national service chain that provides service to all cars that roll in front door. As with any large chain there are people with experiences both positive and negative. I have had both. It is not my intention to recommend for or against them as a service provider, but merely to clarify my choice as based on wide eyed understanding of their abilities and limitations.

[rdub2k4]

good reply sir.

[ras_oscar]

So I'm forgiven? I can stay and play some more? After a post from a moderator on my other recent thread, I thought I might be on probation or something :O

[kerrton]

ras_oscar,

I appreciate all your insightful posts and the good conversation that has insued - by the way, Welcome to the NICO Rogue forum, we're happy to have you! Please don't hesitate to post new questions and join in discussions to help out other Rogue owners!

[ImStricken06]

So I'm forgiven? I can stay and play some more? After a post from a moderator on my other recent thread, I thought I might be on probation or something :O

the tribe has spoken... ras_oscar you have been voted off the island.

lololol. just playin. welcome aboard. dont ever feel that a question is "to stupid" to ask.

[ras_oscar]

Where did you get the tribal emoticon, anyway? Its not on the list.

[Qashqai]

Where did you get the tribal emoticon, anyway? Its not on the list.

Oh ras_oscar...you are too new to this forum...

ImStricken is full of suprises. Suddenly you can find your avatar being changed into something that you never imagined!

Note: He usually forgets to respond to PMs

[ImStricken06]

Im a member on a lot of forums, and sometimes "borrow" their emoticons. some of the less mature forums have funnier icons.


and yes, i am horrible at getting to the PM's, because when i get them- i simply read over them quickly on my phone and say to myself: "ill reply when i sign in on the computer" - and then forget LOL. no offense to anyone, my hands are kinda full im gonna check my inbox in a few and see what i have missed LOL

[Rogue One]

Im a member on a lot of forums, and sometimes "borrow" their emoticons. some of the less mature forums have funnier icons.


and yes, i am horrible at getting to the PM's, because when i get them- i simply read over them quickly on my phone and say to myself: "ill reply when i sign in on the computer" - and then forget LOL. no offense to anyone, my hands are kinda full im gonna check my inbox in a few and see what i have missed LOL

Blah, blah, blah. ras_oscar still doesn't have his custom icon. AND there's still no mobile app.

[ImStricken06]

Blah, blah, blah. ras_oscar still doesn't have his custom icon.

done lolol