What happens if the Seller of a Nissan never changed the Trans Oil?

[Smagegy]

Hey Friends,

Car shopping again... and running into many seller who never changed their transmission oil on their CVT.

Today I spoke to a seller that had a decent looking 2013, 2.5 SV with 142k. --- Black on Black cloth material (not my favorite) but the rest of the car looks decent from the photos. I HAVE NOT seen this car yet, but managed to 'extract' info from him over the phone. --- OF COURSE, when see the car I'll run the CVT app with my Dongle to see what comes up.

He says he's never changed the Trans-oil and owned the car 3 yrs (bought it from a dealer) and bought the car with 90k on it --- So he's effectively driven the car 50k over 3 yrs. HE also says 'the shifter has trouble going into park due some paper was caught down in shifter area' and didn't want to pay a mechanic $200 to get it out --- Huh??? *(my BS meter went off) ... Says you have to push the 'reset button' and the shifter can move freely to drive or reverse (sounds problematic).

ALSO claims the AC is not getting as cold as it used to (sounds like compressor is going -- but that could be a whole rebuild of the AC system)

Any Tips on what to look for on this car --- What do you think?

Thanks very much !

[VStar650CL]

That actually sounds like it might be a keeper. Let CVTz50 tell you about the transmission, but if the previous owner gave it at least one change then it might be okay. I suspect it must have been changed at least once, because the '10D's don't usually make it past about 130K without one. A/C getting half-a$$ cold is more likely just a low charge and not a bad compressor. The shifter is a very common problem on gen5 Alties and has nothing to do with paper. It likely has a worn-out microswitch in the shifter.
https://www.nicoclub.com/archives/help- ... e-fix.html

[Smagegy]

That actually sounds like it might be a keeper. Let CVTz50 tell you about the transmission, but if the previous owner gave it at least one change then it might be okay. I suspect it must have been changed at least once, because the '10D's don't usually make it past about 130K without one. A/C getting half-a$$ cold is more likely just a low charge and not a bad compressor. The shifter is a very common problem on gen5 Alties and has nothing to do with paper. It likely has a worn-out microswitch in the shifter.
https://www.nicoclub.com/archives/help- ... e-fix.html

Ok... what's a 10d?

I agree... I'll run the CVTz50 and see what comes back.

ONE THING I don't like is 'no transmission dip stick' -- sounds like receipe for disaster. How can you tell what condition the Transmission fluid is in?

[VStar650CL]

'10D is the Nissan model designation for the CVT used in the gen5's, RE0F10D. It's a CVT8 series, the Jatco model number is JF016E.

There are lots of aftermarket sticks out there on EBay and Amazon, so you can always BYOS (bring your own stick) to dredge a fluid sample. Murky fluid can be spotted on the stick, but that's very rare in a CVT. Bring a white napkin so you can see the true color off the stick. If it's black, murky, or smells burnt, take a hard pass. If it's brown it's okay as long as it isn't murky. If there's any amount of greenish- or blueishness, it definitely still has at least some life left. It's normal for older fluid to smell varnishy, that's not a worry. Only a burnt smell is a danger sign. Regardless of what you find, if you decide to buy it, two spill-and-fills in short order are called for to void most of the old fluid. I recommend driving 500~1000 miles in between to give the fresh fluid a chance to scrub out all the varnish.

[Smagegy]

[quote=VStar650CL post_id=6867946 time=1781220517 user_id=299034]
'10D is the Nissan model designation for the CVT used in the gen5's, RE0F10D. It's a CVT8 series, the Jatco model number is JF016E.

There are lots of aftermarket sticks out there on EBay and Amazon, so you can always BYOS (bring your own stick) to dredge a fluid sample. Murky fluid can be spotted on the stick, but that's very rare in a CVT. Bring a white napkin so you can see the true color off the stick. If it's black, murky, or smells burnt, take a hard pass. If it's brown it's okay as long as it isn't murky. If there's any amount of greenish- or blueishness, it definitely still has at least some life left. It's normal for older fluid to smell varnishy, that's not a worry. Only a burnt smell is a danger sign. Regardless of what you find, if you decide to buy it, two spill-and-fills in short order are called for to void most of the old fluid. I recommend driving 500~1000 miles in between to give the fresh fluid a chance to scrub out all the varnish.
[/quote]

Thanks V ... (I'd buy you a beer but I don't know how).

HUH... you mean there is a port you can open and put a stick in?

Either that or I got my wires crossed -- there is a DIPSTICK for this car???

I found this video where the mechanic shows a Trans-dip stick in front but not that easy to pull.

I'm not following you on how to check the fluid... You saying there is a Port I can open and bring my own DS to insert and check fluid levels???

Thanks man!

I found this DIP STICK on ebay...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/404175856745?f ... BMkKmwvddn

Here's the dude checking his CVT using weird dipstick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMxJimvHjj0

[VStar650CL]

There's a tube for a stick but it has a cap on it, no stick. For just checking the fluid color and quality, anything you put in there which will reach the bottom is fine, you don't care about calibration.

[Smagegy]

There's a tube for a stick but it has a cap on it, no stick. For just checking the fluid color and quality, anything you put in there which will reach the bottom is fine, you don't care about calibration.

I see... appreciate it. I'll let you know what I find out...

[Smagegy]

Dayum it... I screwed up using the CVT app,... I didn't realize you had to wait 10 seconds for the app to completely load. I keep getting 'Fluid deterioration messages.' -- Was blistering Hot out and the AC didn't work... sweating my AZZ off!

HOW do you turn the ignition to on without starting the car (push button starter)???

ANYWAY, the car looked clean and ran strong --- HOWEVER, there is NO AC --- nothing. The Freon is completely gone and the pipes don't even sweat one bit (BAD SIGN). There's a leak somewhere and my experience with these is 'could be just a compressor' or the entire system must be changed.

ADDITIONALLY, I could not find a port that had a stick in it. I found something that looked like it might be a port, but it would not release. I attached a picture.


in front of AIR COVER

Drivers side - FRONT of car, next to battery --- no transmission port

[VStar650CL]

Yah, that's the tube cap. You need to stick a small screwdriver in there to relieve the plastic pawl, then wiggle hard to break the o-ring free. Takes a little experimentation and practice. Nissan did that on purpose because they don't want you thinking there's a stick underneath and f#cking with it.


There are a crapload of things which can cause no AC, some simple and some not. Four different ECU's participate in the chain on a gen5 Altie, so it probably isn't something you can diagnose easily in a driveway. If that's the only thing you find wrong, decide whether to take your chances. China-cheap EBay compressors are about $120 if the guy isn't lying, but maybe it's just a stupid sensor or leaky o-ring.

[Smagegy]

Yah, that's the tube cap. You need to stick a small screwdriver in there to relieve the plastic pawl, then wiggle hard to break the o-ring free. Takes a little experimentation and practice. Nissan did that on purpose because they don't want you thinking there's a stick underneath and f#cking with it.


There are a crapload of things which can cause no AC, some simple and some not. Four different ECU's participate in the chain on a gen5 Altie, so it probably isn't something you can diagnose easily in a driveway. If that's the only thing you find wrong, decide whether to take your chances. China-cheap EBay compressors are about $120 if the guy isn't lying, but maybe it's just a stupid sensor or leaky o-ring.

Thanks V,

I need to get him to meet me again. I'm curious what the CVT program will find.

4 ECU --- What da ??? --- My gut tells me he's got a compressor leak (if i'm lucky). The only way to tell (that I know of) is dye test.

IF the stick DOESN'T SHOW GUNK on it and the CVT comes back ok ...i'll make him a offer --- I don't think anyone's gonna jump hurdles to buy a car with NO AC (in florida heat).

[VStar650CL]

On a '13 it should have factory dye in the system, so you might want to bring a UV flashlight and glasses for the next meeting. Bum o-rings at the condenser are pretty common on Alties, and condensers punctured by road debris are common period. If you bring a scanner that can stream refrigerant pressure from the ECM, you can also see if there's any pressure in it. Anything below 0.2V won't allow the compressor to run, 0V could be bone dry or could be a dead sensor (also pretty common). Maybe you get lucky.

[VStar650CL]

Oh, yah, four ECU's even in a Manual system. Five in an Auto. Control head, AC Auto Amp, BCM, ECM, IPDM.

[VStar650CL]

Hey, by the way, if you want to post the VIN I can pull up the warranty record and tell you if the transmission was ever replaced by a dealership.

[Smagegy]

Hey, by the way, if you want to post the VIN I can pull up the warranty record and tell you if the transmission was ever replaced by a dealership.

That would be Great!

1N4AL3AP5DC102588

[VStar650CL]

The car had dealer service every 5K until 84K and has no outstanding recalls. It did have the PC490 CVT recall done, so the TCM will have judder detection. I don't see any evidence of a transmission service or replacement, but the record suggests the driver was a granny. It did have the salt-state rear control arm recall done, so there shouldn't be any rust problems in back. Services were all done at Pine Belt Nissan, but I can't tell if it was Keyport or Toms River. Record stops at 84.315 miles.

[Smagegy]

The car had dealer service every 5K until 84K and has no outstanding recalls. It did have the PC490 CVT recall done, so the TCM will have judder detection. I don't see any evidence of a transmission service or replacement, but the record suggests the driver was a granny. It did have the salt-state rear control arm recall done, so there shouldn't be any rust problems in back. Services were all done at Pine Belt Nissan, but I can't tell if it was Keyport or Toms River. Record stops at 84.315 miles.

VStar.. you da man!

Seller says he bought it in Virginia (used) and went to college there for 4 yrs (owned the car that time) He must have got it with 80k+. My research shows the car was put together in SMYRNA, GA (not sure if they build the entire car there).

I'll arrange another inspection !

Thanks man!

[VStar650CL]

The Smyrna plant is in Tennessee, all USDM Alties are built there. That's what the 1 at the start of the VIN means. A 5 is Canton, MS, 3 is Mexico, J is Japan, and K is South Korea. The car must have kicked around a bit before the current owner bought it, because the warranty dbase indicates all the dealer services were performed in NJ.

[Smagegy]

The Smyrna plant is in Tennessee, all USDM Alties are built there. That's what the 1 at the start of the VIN means. A 5 is Canton, MS, 3 is Mexico, J is Japan, and K is South Korea. The car must have kicked around a bit before the current owner bought it, because the warranty dbase indicates all the dealer services were performed in NJ.

Hi V,... I was thinking while analyzing this car. I remember test driving a ROGUE last year and really liked the car (but was priced too high). Well, I got busy and dropped that idea.

NOW, as I sit in the Altima (with no AC), I'm sitting 'way down low' and didn't like that feeling. I'm 6.2 and getting up and out of these low riders is getting tough as I age. --- SCREW THIS! --- I'm gonna buy and SUV.

Looking at Rogues and other nissan SUV's --- Which one do you like?

Thanks brother -- i sure do appreciate your input!

[VStar650CL]

I'm 6'0" and pushing 72 yo but I wouldn't trade our Altimas. Lots of leg room and you get used to the "sedan" position.

The gen2 Rogues have basically the same drivetrain as the Altie you were looking at, QR25 with a '10D CVT. The QR25 is arguably the stoutest powerplant Nissan ever built, but of course the CVT is what it is. Nice vehicles, but you may need seat extenders. Not nearly as much leg room as the Alties. Fortunately extenders are easy because the seat rails sit dead flat. The gen3's ('21 up) are a lot leggier but I'd never own anything except a '21. Those have the PR25 from the gen6 Altie, which is a good engine. The '22 ups have the KR15 VC turbo, which IMHO is a grenade in an engine suit. They fail at both ends, bearings and head gaskets, and it's a rare day at the dealership when we don't have at least one up on a lift with the engine out. I recall one week when we had four. As a Nissan old-timer who loves the brand, it pains me to admit how big a f#ck up those things are. If you want to look at late model SUV's, consider an R53 Pathfinder instead. Very nice and we see very little trouble with them.

[VStar650CL]

Oh, PS - For an older CUV there's also nothing wrong with a gen3 Murano ('15~'24). It's a CVT but it's the '10E used in the R52 Pathy, which is in general much more durable than the 4-banger units. The VQ35 has always been a good engine, and IMHO the interiors are fabulous.

[Smagegy]

I'm 6'0" and pushing 72 yo but I wouldn't trade our Altimas. Lots of leg room and you get used to the "sedan" position.

The gen2 Rogues have basically the same drivetrain as the Altie you were looking at, QR25 with a '10D CVT. The QR25 is arguably the stoutest powerplant Nissan ever built, but of course the CVT is what it is. Nice vehicles, but you may need seat extenders. Not nearly as much leg room as the Alties. Fortunately extenders are easy because the seat rails sit dead flat. The gen3's ('21 up) are a lot leggier but I'd never own anything except a '21. Those have the PR25 from the gen6 Altie, which is a good engine. The '22 ups have the KR15 VC turbo, which IMHO is a grenade in an engine suit. They fail at both ends, bearings and head gaskets, and it's a rare day at the dealership when we don't have at least one up on a lift with the engine out. I recall one week when we had four. As a Nissan old-timer who loves the brand, it pains me to admit how big a f#ck up those things are. If you want to look at late model SUV's, consider an R53 Pathfinder instead. Very nice and we see very little trouble with them.

I do like those motors... I've rented them before and they are a great 4 cyl car. Strong and plenty of power.

I'm long legged and I found the Rogue had enough leg room for me. The big Plus is 'getting in and out' of the car is a breeze. Plus loading sports equipment, tools, etc. is easier with the SUV. NOTE; for some reason, I'm having trouble finding a Rogue with a Sunroof (which is a must have for me).

-- I'll check out that R53 Pathfinder.

[VStar650CL]

Be advised that the sunroofs on gen2 Rogues need immediate attention if you do find one. The roof itself is fine, but your first mission is to remove the diffuser nubs from the front drains. Lots of threads in here about doing that.

[VStar650CL]

SAD

[Smagegy]

SAD


20260617_144048.jpg

Be advised that the sunroofs on gen2 Rogues need immediate attention if you do find one. The roof itself is fine, but your first mission is to remove the diffuser nubs from the front drains. Lots of threads in here about doing that.

Thanks V... you're a Nissan Wizard !

PS. Is that your Shop -- looks like someone dropped a transmission ?

[VStar650CL]

That's a KR15 grenade being replaced, one of two currently lifted. There are more in the service lot waiting for long blocks.

UGH

[Smagegy]

Something Else I just thought about... 'Timing Chain' --- how often does the Timing chain need to be replaced ?

That's probably a PIA job...

[VStar650CL]

On a Nissan 4-banger, basically never. The PR, QR, HR, and MR engines all get failed chains once in several thousand blue moons.