🔧 Pathfinder - CVT Transmission Fluid Drain & Refill

On your Pathfinder, the “transmission” is a CVT, and fluid level is checked at a specific fluid temperature. A basic service is a drain-and-refill (not a power flush), then setting the level using the CVT’s check/overflow procedure.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a level surface and support your Pathfinder on jack stands (never rely on a jack).
• ⚠️ CVT fluid level is temperature-sensitive; setting the wrong level can cause slipping or damage.
• ⚠️ Exhaust and CVT case can be hot—wear gloves and safety glasses.
• ⚠️ Do not do a “power flush” on the CVT; Nissan procedure is drain/refill and level set.

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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 (at least 10-quart)
• Socket set (metric)
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• Torque wrench (10–100 ft-lb range)
• Trim clip tool
• Fluid transfer pump (hand pump) (specialty)
• OBD2 scan tool that reads CVT fluid temperature (specialty)
• Shop towels
• Brake cleaner spray

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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
• CVT level/check plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels with wheel chocks.
• Warm the CVT with a short drive so fluid can drain more completely (warm, not scorching hot).
• Plan how you’ll read CVT fluid temperature: this is the fluid temp the CVT uses for correct level setting.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Quick questions (needed for exact steps + torque specs)

• Do you want a simple drain-and-refill, or are you also planning to remove the CVT pan and replace the strainer/filter?
• Do you have a scan tool that can display CVT fluid temperature (not just engine coolant temp)?

Step 2: What I’ll do once you answer

• I’ll give you the exact Pathfinder procedure for your chosen service (drain/refill vs pan/strainer).
• I’ll include the correct fluid temperature window for setting the level and the exact torque specs for the drain/fill/check plugs and pan bolts (if applicable).

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✅ After Repair

• Verify there are no leaks around the drain/check/fill areas after your test drive.
• Recheck CVT operation: smooth takeoff, no flare/slip, no warning lights.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

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

You Save: $110-$380 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?

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.