🔧 Rogue - CVT Transmission Fluid Drain & Fill

This service replaces a portion of your CVT fluid by draining the pan and refilling to the correct level. On your Rogue’s CVT, the fluid level must be set at a specific fluid temperature, so a scan tool is part of doing it correctly.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Support the Rogue on jack stands on a level surface; never rely on a jack alone.
• ⚠️ CVT fluid can be hot; wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
• ⚠️ Keep the vehicle level front-to-rear and side-to-side during the level-setting step.
• ⚠️ Do not use “universal CVT” fluid; use the correct Nissan-spec fluid only.
• ⚠️ 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
• Metric socket set (8mm-19mm)
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive torque wrench (10-100 Nm range)
• 6" socket extension (3/8" drive)
• Trim clip removal tool
• Drain pan (10-quart minimum)
• Fluid transfer pump (specialty)
• Scan tool with CVT fluid temperature data (specialty)
• Infrared thermometer
• Shop rags

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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 level/check plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear tires.
• Lift and support the Rogue so it sits level on jack stands.
• Plan to monitor CVT fluid temperature with a scan tool (it reads live data from the vehicle computer).
• Clean around plugs first to prevent contamination.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the lower under cover (splash shield)

• Use a trim clip removal tool to pop out the plastic clips.
• Use a 10mm socket with a 3/8" ratchet to remove remaining bolts.
• Set the under cover and hardware aside in a safe place.

Step 2: Locate the CVT drain plug and level/check plug

• Place a drain pan (10-quart minimum) under the CVT.
• Wipe the area clean using shop rags.
• The drain plug is at the bottom of the CVT case; the level/check plug is on the side of the case (used to set final level).

Step 3: Drain the old CVT fluid

• Use the correct-size socket from your metric socket set with a 3/8" ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the fluid drain until it slows to a drip (usually 10-20 minutes).
• Inspect the old fluid; a dark color or burnt smell suggests overdue service.

Step 4: Reinstall the drain plug with a new crush washer

• Remove the old washer and install a new CVT drain plug crush washer by hand.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench (3/8") to tighten: Torque to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Refill with Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid

• Locate the CVT fill port (top-side fill plug/port on the transmission).
• Use the appropriate socket from your metric socket set with a 3/8" ratchet to remove the fill plug.
• Use a fluid transfer pump (specialty) to pump in Nissan CVT fluid (NS-3).
• Add about what drained out as a starting point (typically ~4-5 quarts for a drain-and-fill).
• Reinstall the fill plug, then use a torque wrench (3/8"): Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).
• Measure drained amount for an easy refill target.

Step 6: Warm the CVT and circulate the fluid

• Start the engine and keep your foot on the brake.
• Slowly move the shifter through P-R-N-D and back, pausing 3 seconds in each position.
• Use a scan tool with CVT fluid temperature data (specialty) to monitor CVT fluid temperature.

Step 7: Set the CVT fluid level at the correct temperature

• With the engine idling and the vehicle still level on jack stands, target a CVT fluid temperature of 35–45°C (95–113°F) using the scan tool.
• Place the drain pan under the level/check plug.
• Use the correct-size socket from your metric socket set with a 3/8" ratchet to remove the level/check plug.
• Correct level behavior: a small steady stream that turns into a drip is normal; if nothing comes out, it’s low.
• If low, reinstall the level/check plug finger-tight, add fluid through the fill port using the fluid transfer pump, then recheck.
• Install a new CVT level/check plug crush washer, then tighten with a torque wrench (3/8"): Torque to 7.5 Nm (66 in-lbs).
• Small torque here—don’t over-tighten.

Step 8: Reinstall the under cover

• Reposition the under cover.
• Use a 10mm socket with a 3/8" ratchet to reinstall bolts snugly.
• Reinstall clips using the trim clip removal tool.

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✅ After Repair

• With the engine running, inspect the drain plug, fill plug, and level/check plug area for leaks.
• Test drive 10-15 minutes. Confirm smooth acceleration and no warning lights.
• Recheck for leaks after the test drive.
• Dispose of used CVT fluid properly at a recycling center or parts store.

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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.

Assumption: your Rogue uses the common “no dipstick” CVT level/check plug method; steps match that setup.