🔧 Maxima - CVT Transmission Fluid Drain & Refill

Your Maxima uses a Nissan CVT (continuously variable transmission) that relies on clean, correct-spec fluid to protect the belt and pulleys. This job is a controlled drain-and-refill, then a fluid level “set” at a specific fluid temperature—this temperature step is the key to doing it right.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Support the car with jack stands on a level surface—never rely on a jack alone.
• 🔥 CVT fluid and exhaust parts can be hot. Let the car cool before opening plugs.
• 🧯 Keep the vehicle level during fill and level-setting, or the final level will be wrong.
• 👓 Wear safety glasses; CVT fluid can splash when plugs are removed.
• 🔌 Battery disconnect is not required for a drain/fill, but keep the key away from the car while under it.

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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, pair)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (10-quart minimum)
• Socket set (metric, 8mm-19mm)
• Ratchet (3/8" drive)
• Torque wrench (10-100 ft-lbs range)
• Trim clip removal tool
• Flathead screwdriver
• Funnel with long hose
• Clean measuring container (marked quarts/liters)
• Scan tool with live data CVT fluid temp (specialty)
• Shop rags
• Brake cleaner

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Nissan CVT fluid (NS-3) - Qty: 5-6 quarts
• CVT drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1
• CVT overflow/level plug washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Maxima on a level surface, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• Make sure you have Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid (do not substitute ATF).
• Confirm your scan tool can read CVT fluid temperature (this is the temperature of the fluid inside the transmission).
• Plan to remove the lower splash shield/undercover to access the CVT drain/fill points.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Warm the CVT fluid slightly

• Drive 5-10 minutes so the fluid is warm (not fully hot).
• Park on level ground and shut the engine off.
• Warm fluid drains faster and carries more debris.

Step 2: Raise and level the vehicle

• Use a floor jack to lift the front, then support with jack stands.
• Keep the car level front-to-rear (don’t leave the rear on the ground if it tilts a lot).

Step 3: Remove the lower engine splash shield/undercover

• Use a trim clip removal tool and flathead screwdriver to remove plastic clips.
• Use a socket set (metric) with a ratchet to remove the bolts.
• Set clips/bolts aside in a tray so nothing is lost.

Step 4: Loosen the CVT fill plug first

• Locate the CVT fill plug (upper-side fill point).
• Use the correct socket and ratchet to crack it loose.
• If the fill plug won’t loosen, stop here (you don’t want to drain it and then be unable to refill).

Step 5: Drain the old CVT fluid

• Position a drain pan under the CVT drain plug.
• Use the correct socket and ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the fluid drain completely (this may take 10-20 minutes).
• Pour the drained fluid into a clean measuring container and record how much came out.

Step 6: Reinstall the drain plug with a new washer

• Clean the drain plug area with shop rags and brake cleaner.
• Install a new crush washer on the drain plug.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand first, then tighten with a torque wrench: Torque to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Refill with NS-3 CVT fluid

• Insert a funnel with long hose into the CVT fill port.
• Add the same amount you measured coming out (usually around 4-5 quarts on a drain/fill).
• Reinstall the fill plug snug for now using a ratchet (final level is set next).

Step 8: Run the car and circulate the fluid

• Start the engine with your foot on the brake.
• Slowly move the shifter through P-R-N-D and back to P, pausing 3 seconds in each position.
• Keep the engine idling.

Step 9: Set the CVT fluid level at the correct temperature

• Connect your scan tool with live data CVT fluid temp (specialty) and monitor CVT fluid temperature.
• With the engine idling and vehicle level, bring CVT fluid temperature to 35°C to 45°C (95°F to 113°F).
• Locate the CVT overflow/level plug on the transmission.
• Place the drain pan underneath, then remove the overflow/level plug using the correct socket and ratchet.
• Correct level behavior:
  • If fluid dribbles in a thin stream then slows to a drip, the level is correct.
  • If no fluid comes out, add NS-3 through the fill port (small amounts), then re-check.
  • If a strong stream pours out, let it drain until it becomes a drip.
• Install a new washer on the overflow/level plug and tighten with a torque wrench: Torque to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Reinstall the fill plug and undercovers

• Reinstall and tighten the CVT fill plug using a torque wrench: Torque to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs).
• Reinstall the splash shield/undercover using the socket set and trim clip removal tool.
• Lower the vehicle using the floor jack.

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✅ After Repair

• 🧪 Test drive 10-15 minutes with gentle acceleration. Make sure there’s no slipping, shudder, or warning lights.
• 🔎 Check underneath for leaks around the drain plug, fill plug, and overflow/level plug.
• 🧾 If you have a scan tool, check for stored transmission codes and clear any that were set during service.
• ♻️ Dispose of used CVT fluid at a recycling center/auto parts store that accepts waste oil.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $80-$160 (parts only)

You Save: $170-$290 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-3.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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