🔧 Rogue - CVT Transmission Fluid Drain & Fill

You’ll be doing a drain-and-fill service on the CVT (continuously variable transmission) fluid in your Rogue. This replaces a good portion of the old fluid and helps protect the transmission from wear and overheating.

Difficulty Level: Advanced (for a first-timer) | Estimated Time: 2–3 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Always support the vehicle on jack stands; never rely only on a floor jack.
• ⚠️ Transmission fluid gets hot; let the engine and transmission cool until you can comfortably touch the pan.
• ⚠️ The CVT is a “sealed” system and fluid level is set using a special overflow method at a specific temperature. Take your time and follow the steps exactly.
• ⚠️ Use only Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid. The wrong fluid can damage the CVT.
• ⚠️ Work in a well-ventilated area and keep fluid off belts, exhaust, and tires.
• Battery does not need to be disconnected for this job.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 🛠️ Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• 🛠️ Jack stands (rated 3-ton, set of 4)
• 🛠️ Wheel chocks
• 🛠️ 10mm socket
• 🛠️ 19mm socket
• 🛠️ 5mm hex (Allen) socket
• 🛠️ 3/8" drive ratchet
• 🛠️ Torque wrench (5–80 Nm range)
• 🛠️ Flathead screwdriver (medium)
• 🛠️ Drain pan (at least 10-liter capacity)
• 🛠️ Funnel with long flexible hose
• 🛠️ Clean measuring jug (at least 5-liter)
• 🛠️ OBD2 scan tool with CVT fluid temperature reading (specialty)
• 🛠️ Infrared thermometer
• 🛠️ Shop rags
• 🛠️ Nitrile gloves
• 🛠️ Safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• 🔩 Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid - Qty: 5–6 liters (drain & fill)
• 🔩 CVT drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1
• 🔩 CVT level/overflow plug O-ring or washer - Qty: 1
• 🔩 Brake cleaner spray - Qty: 1
• 🔩 Shop towels / absorbent pads - Qty: 1 pack

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Rogue on a level, solid surface. Set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels.
• Make sure the transmission is at normal operating temperature, then let the vehicle cool until the pan is warm, not hot. Warm fluid drains better than cold.
• Plan to keep the vehicle as level as possible when on jack stands. This is important for correct fluid level.
• Have your OBD2 scan tool ready to read CVT fluid temperature later when you set the level.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Safely raise and support the Rogue

• Use the floor jack on the front center jacking point to lift the front of the Rogue.
• Place jack stands under the factory pinch welds on both sides and slowly lower the vehicle onto them.
• If possible, lift the rear slightly with the floor jack and support with jack stands so the vehicle sits level front-to-rear.
• Verify stability by gently shaking the vehicle before going underneath.

Step 2: Remove the lower splash shield

• Use the 10mm socket and ratchet to remove the bolts holding the plastic splash shield under the engine/transmission.
• Use the flathead screwdriver to carefully pry out any plastic clips.
• Set the shield and hardware aside in order. Lay clips in removal order.

Step 3: Locate the CVT drain and level plugs

• Under the vehicle, find the aluminum transmission pan (not the engine oil pan).
• The CVT drain plug is a larger hex-head bolt near the bottom rear of the pan, usually for a 19mm socket.
• The level/overflow plug is a smaller internal hex plug (for a 5mm hex socket) in a tube near the center of the pan.
• Wipe both plugs clean now.

Step 4: Measure existing fluid out (very important)

• Position the drain pan under the CVT drain plug.
• Use the 19mm socket and ratchet to loosen and remove the CVT drain plug; let the fluid drain completely.
• After flow slows to a drip, carefully pour the used fluid from the drain pan into your measuring jug to see exactly how much came out.
• Write this amount down. Match this amount when refilling.

Step 5: Reinstall drain plug with new washer

• Clean the drain plug with a rag and install the new drain plug crush washer.
• Thread the plug in by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Use the 19mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the drain plug to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs).
• Wipe the area clean with a rag and a little brake cleaner.

Step 6: Remove the CVT fill plug

• On this CVT, the fill is usually done through a plug on the top of the transmission or via the vent/fill opening reachable from above.
• Open the hood and locate the CVT area just below the air intake; look for a small cap or plug on top of the transmission case.
• If there is a removable plug, use the appropriate 10mm socket or flathead screwdriver to loosen and remove it.
• Do not remove any sensor connectors.

Step 7: Add new CVT fluid (initial fill)

• Insert the funnel with flexible hose into the CVT fill opening.
• Pour in the same amount of Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid that you measured coming out (for example, if 4.2 liters came out, pour in 4.2 liters).
• Pour slowly to avoid spills and air pockets.
• Leave the funnel in place for now in case you need to add more later.

Step 8: Warm up the CVT fluid for level check

• With the vehicle still safely on jack stands, start the engine.
• Keep your foot on the brake and move the shifter through all positions: P → R → N → D → L, pausing 3–5 seconds in each, then back to P.
• Connect your OBD2 scan tool and select transmission or CVT data to view CVT fluid temperature.
• Let the engine idle until CVT fluid temperature reaches about 35–45°C (95–113°F).

Step 9: Set fluid level using the overflow plug

• With the engine idling and CVT temperature in the 35–45°C range, go under the vehicle carefully.
• Place the drain pan under the level/overflow plug.
• Use the 5mm hex socket and ratchet to slowly remove the overflow plug.
• If fluid runs out in a small steady stream, wait until it slows to a drip. This means the level is correct.
• If no fluid comes out, use the funnel with hose to slowly add a small amount (100–200 ml at a time) of NS-3 at the fill opening, checking at the overflow again until a small stream appears and then reduces to a drip.
• Once at a drip, install a new overflow plug O-ring/washer on the plug, thread it in by hand, then tighten with the 5mm hex socket and torque wrench to 7 Nm (62 in-lbs).

Step 10: Final checks and clean-up underneath

• With the engine still idling, check the drain plug and overflow plug areas for leaks using a light and shop rags.
• If dry, shut the engine off.
• Reinstall the lower splash shield using the 10mm socket and any clips you removed.
• Use the floor jack to lift the vehicle slightly, remove the jack stands, and carefully lower the Rogue to the ground.

Step 11: Short test drive

• Start the engine, shift through all gears again, then go for a short, gentle drive (10–15 minutes).
• Check that shifts feel smooth, with no shuddering or slipping.
• Park on level ground, leave the engine running for a couple of minutes, then shut off.
• Look underneath for any signs of fresh fluid leaks.

---

✅ After Repair

• Monitor how the transmission behaves over the next few days: it should feel smooth and consistent.
• Check the parking spot for any new fluid spots, especially after longer drives.
• If you notice slipping, harsh operation, or warning lights, avoid hard driving and have the CVT professionally checked.
• Used CVT fluid is hazardous waste; take it to a recycling center or shop that accepts used oil/ATF.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $260–$400 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $90–$150 (parts only, depending on fluid price)

You Save: $170–$250 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100–$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5–2.0 hours.

---

🎯 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 above to add everything to your cart.