🔧 Murano - CVT Transmission Fluid Drain & Fill

On your Murano, the CVT uses Nissan NS-3 fluid. A DIY “drain & fill” replaces a large portion of the fluid (not 100%), helps CVT longevity, and is safer than a power flush.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Support the vehicle on jack stands on level ground; never rely on a jack.
• 🛑 CVT fluid can be hot—wear gloves and safety glasses.
• 🛑 The level check is temperature-sensitive; incorrect level can cause CVT damage.
• 🛑 If you must run the engine while raised, keep wheels chocked and keep clear of rotating parts.
• 🛑 Battery disconnect is not required for this service.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (8-quart minimum)
• Shop rags
• 10mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive torque wrench (10-100 ft-lbs range)
• 19mm socket
• 5mm hex bit socket
• 6mm hex bit socket
• Trim clip removal tool
• Long-neck funnel
• Fluid transfer pump
• OBD2 scan tool that reads CVT fluid temperature (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Nissan CVT fluid (NS-3) - Qty: 6 quarts
• CVT drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🚗 Park on level ground; the CVT fluid level check must be done with the vehicle level.
• Let the CVT cool if it’s been driven hard; you’ll be targeting a specific temperature window later.
• Two quick questions so I can keep this 100% accurate:
  • Do you have an OBD2 scan tool that can show CVT fluid temperature?
  • Are you wanting a simple drain & fill (recommended DIY), or a full fluid exchange?

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Warm the CVT to a serviceable range

• Plug in your OBD2 scan tool that reads CVT fluid temperature (specialty).
• Start the engine and monitor CVT fluid temperature; you’ll set the final level at 35–45°C (95–113°F).
• Correct temperature = correct fluid level.

Step 2: Raise and level the vehicle

• Use wheel chocks on the rear wheels.
• Lift the front with a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum), then support with jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum).
• If needed to keep the vehicle level, lift/support the rear as well using the floor jack and jack stands.

Step 3: Remove the lower cover (underbody splash shield)

• Remove bolts with a 10mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet.
• Remove clips with a trim clip removal tool.
• Set the cover and hardware aside in order.

Step 4: Drain the CVT fluid

• Position the drain pan (8-quart minimum) under the CVT drain plug.
• Remove the drain plug using a 19mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet.
• Let the fluid drain fully (this can take several minutes).
• Measure how much came out (using marked drain pan or pour into measured containers). You’ll start by refilling the same amount.

Step 5: Reinstall the drain plug with a new washer

• Install a new CVT drain plug crush washer on the drain plug.
• Thread the plug in by hand first.
• Tighten with a 19mm socket and torque wrench: Torque to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs).
• Wipe the area clean with shop rags.

Step 6: Add fresh NS-3 CVT fluid

• Locate the CVT fill tube/cap in the engine bay (it’s typically a capped tube rather than a traditional dipstick).
• Insert a long-neck funnel into the fill tube.
• Pour in the same amount you drained using Nissan CVT fluid (NS-3).
• If access is tight, use a fluid transfer pump to control the fill.

Step 7: Circulate fluid and prep for final level check

• Start the engine.
• With your foot on the brake, move the shifter slowly through P-R-N-D and back, pausing 2–3 seconds in each position.
• Keep monitoring CVT fluid temp on the OBD2 scan tool that reads CVT fluid temperature (specialty).

Step 8: Set the CVT fluid level at the correct temperature

• With the vehicle level and engine idling, confirm CVT fluid temp is 35–45°C (95–113°F) on your scan tool.
• Locate the CVT level check/overflow plug on the transmission case.
• Place the drain pan underneath.
• Carefully loosen/remove the check plug using a 5mm hex bit socket or 6mm hex bit socket (use the one that fits snugly).
• If no fluid dribbles out, add NS-3 through the fill tube using the long-neck funnel (or fluid transfer pump) until it begins to lightly dribble from the check hole.
• If fluid pours out heavily, wait until it slows to a light dribble.
• Reinstall the check plug and tighten with a torque wrench: Torque to 8 Nm (71 in-lbs).
• A light dribble is the goal.

Step 9: Reinstall the underbody cover

• Reinstall clips with the trim clip removal tool.
• Reinstall bolts using a 10mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet.
• Snug fasteners evenly (do not overtighten plastic shields).

Step 10: Lower the vehicle

• Raise slightly with the floor jack, remove jack stands, then lower the vehicle slowly.
• Remove wheel chocks.

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✅ After Repair

• 🧪 Test drive 10–15 minutes, then check underneath for leaks.
• 🧪 Recheck for seepage around the drain plug and level check plug after the drive.
• 🧠 If you have a Nissan-capable scan tool, you can check/perform the CVT fluid deterioration reset (not always required, but it helps maintenance tracking).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $70-$140 (parts only)

You Save: $180-$310 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.