🔧 Transmission Fluid - Drain and Refill

On your Rogue, the CVT fluid should be drained and refilled carefully. Use only the correct Nissan CVT fluid, and measure what comes out so you can refill the same amount.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on level ground. A CVT fluid level check must be done with the vehicle level.
• The transmission fluid can be hot. Let the vehicle cool before opening the drain plug.
• Use only Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid. Wrong fluid can damage the transmission.
• Do not overfill. CVT fluid level is sensitive and can cause shift issues if overfilled.
• Use jack stands if you raise the vehicle. Never rely on a jack alone.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 10mm socket
• 19mm socket
• Torque wrench
• Drain pan
• Fluid transfer pump
• Funnel
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)
• Wheel chocks
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Shop towels
• Catch container with marked capacity

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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
• Transmission drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a level surface and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels.
• Warm the vehicle slightly, then shut it off. Warm fluid drains more completely.
• Raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands if needed.
• Keep the vehicle level for the refill and final level check.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the underbody cover

• Use a 10mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to remove the fasteners holding the lower engine cover or splash shield.
• Set the cover and fasteners aside in order.
• Keep fasteners grouped by location.

Step 2: Drain the CVT fluid

• Place a drain pan under the transmission drain plug.
• Use a 19mm socket and ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the fluid drain fully.
• Measure the drained amount in a marked container. You will refill the same amount first.
• Install a new drain plug crush washer on the drain plug.
• Torque to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs).

Step 3: Refill with new CVT fluid

• Find the CVT fill plug and remove it with a 10mm socket or the correct plug tool for the access point on your transmission.
• Use a fluid transfer pump and funnel to add the same amount of Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid that you drained out.
• Refit the fill plug lightly for now.
• Do not guess the amount.

Step 4: Run and level the fluid

• Start the engine and let it idle.
• Move the shifter slowly through each gear position, pausing a few seconds in each one, then return to Park.
• With the engine still running, check for leaks at the drain plug.
• If your drain amount was exact, the fluid should be close. Final level checking on this CVT is temperature-sensitive and may require a scan tool or service procedure.

Step 5: Final level check and adjust if needed

• If you have a scan tool that can read CVT fluid temperature, use it to verify the fluid is at the correct temperature range for checking.
• Use the fill plug and add small amounts only if the level procedure calls for it.
• Reinstall the fill plug and Torque to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs).
• Reinstall the underbody cover with the 10mm socket.

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✅ After Repair

• Take a short test drive and verify smooth operation.
• Check again for leaks after the drive.
• If the fluid was badly degraded or the transmission was serviced for a fault, a scan for CVT-related codes is a good idea.
• Recheck underbody fasteners after a few days.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$420 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $150-$280 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.