🔧 Altima - CVT Transmission Fluid Service

This job replaces the CVT fluid in your Altima’s automatic CVT transmission. Fresh Nissan-spec CVT fluid helps protect the belt-and-pulley system inside the CVT, which is sensitive to incorrect fluid type and level.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Use only CVT fluid that meets Nissan NS-3 specification. Regular automatic transmission fluid can damage the CVT.
• ⚠️ CVT fluid level is temperature-sensitive. The final check must be done with the fluid warmed to the correct range.
• ⚠️ Support your Altima with jack stands before working underneath. Never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ Hot exhaust and hot fluid can burn skin. Let parts cool slightly before removing the drain plug.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this fluid service.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Wheel chocks
• Floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum)
• 10mm socket
• 19mm socket
• Ratchet wrench
• Torque wrench 10-80 Nm
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Trim clip removal tool
• Drain pan 10-quart minimum
• Long-neck funnel
• Fluid transfer pump (specialty)
• Measuring jug with quart markings
• Infrared thermometer
• OBD scan tool with CVT fluid temperature data (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid - Qty: 5-6 quarts for drain-and-fill
• CVT drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1
• Underbody splash shield clips - Qty: As needed

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Altima on level ground. Level ground matters because fluid level is checked by overflow height.
• Set the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• A scan tool is strongly recommended. The CVT fluid level check should be performed around 35-45°C / 95-113°F.
• A drain-and-fill only replaces the fluid in the pan area. It does not remove all fluid from the torque converter and cooler lines.
• Measure the drained fluid. Refill with the same amount first, then perform the level check.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and Support the Vehicle

• Use the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Use the floor jack to lift the front of your Altima at the front center jacking point.
• Place jack stands under the front side pinch weld lift points.
• Lower the vehicle gently onto the stands and give the car a small shake to confirm it is stable.
• Never work under only a jack.

Step 2: Remove the Lower Splash Shield

• Use a 10mm socket to remove the lower splash shield bolts.
• Use a trim clip removal tool or flat-blade screwdriver to remove plastic clips.
• Set the shield aside where it will not get stepped on.

Step 3: Locate the CVT Drain Plug

• Put on safety glasses and nitrile gloves.
• Place the 10-quart drain pan under the CVT transmission pan.
• Use the 19mm socket to identify the CVT drain plug at the bottom of the transmission pan.
• The CVT is the transmission; it sits on the driver-side area of the engine bay and connects to the front axles.

Step 4: Drain the Old CVT Fluid

• Use the 19mm socket and ratchet wrench to loosen the drain plug slowly.
• Remove the plug by hand once loose, keeping your fingers out of the fluid stream.
• Let the fluid drain until it slows to a drip.
• Pour the old fluid from the drain pan into a measuring jug and record the amount removed.
• Measuring prevents overfilling or underfilling.

Step 5: Reinstall the Drain Plug

• Remove the old crush washer from the drain plug by hand.
• Install a new CVT drain plug crush washer. A crush washer is a soft sealing washer that deforms slightly to prevent leaks.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use the 19mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the drain plug to Torque to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Refill Through the CVT Dipstick Tube

• Open the hood and locate the CVT dipstick/fill tube near the transmission.
• If the dipstick cap has a lock tab, use a flat-blade screwdriver gently to release it.
• Insert the long-neck funnel into the CVT fill tube.
• Add the same amount of Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid that you measured coming out.
• Pour slowly to avoid spills and air pockets.

Step 7: Warm the CVT Fluid

• Start the engine with the vehicle still safely supported and the parking brake applied.
• Use the OBD scan tool to monitor CVT fluid temperature.
• With your foot on the brake, move the shifter slowly through P-R-N-D, pausing 3 seconds in each position, then return to P.
• Let the fluid warm to about 35-45°C / 95-113°F.
• If you do not have scan tool temperature data, use an infrared thermometer on the transmission pan as a less accurate backup.

Step 8: Check Fluid Level Using the Overflow Tube

• Keep the engine idling and the vehicle level.
• Place the 10-quart drain pan under the CVT drain plug.
• Use the 19mm socket to remove the drain plug carefully.
• A small stream or drip should come out when the level is correct at the proper temperature.
• If no fluid comes out, use the long-neck funnel to add small amounts of Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid until fluid begins to trickle from the drain opening.
• If a heavy stream comes out, let it drain until it becomes a thin trickle.
• Install the drain plug by hand, then tighten with the 19mm socket and torque wrench to Torque to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the Splash Shield

• Use the trim clip removal tool to reinstall any reusable plastic clips.
• Use the 10mm socket to reinstall the splash shield bolts.
• Tighten the 10mm splash shield bolts snugly by hand tool only; do not overtighten plastic shield hardware.

Step 10: Lower the Vehicle

• Use the floor jack to lift your Altima slightly off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands.
• Lower the vehicle slowly to the ground using the floor jack.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and check underneath for leaks around the drain plug.
• Take a gentle 10-15 minute test drive. Avoid hard acceleration at first.
• Recheck for leaks after the test drive.
• If the CVT shudders, slips, whines, or sets a warning light, stop driving and scan for transmission codes.
• Dispose of used CVT fluid at a recycling center or auto parts store that accepts used oil.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$380 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $70-$130 (parts only)

You Save: $150-$250 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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