05 Murano CVT Fluid Change

[jules_stanley]

I've been searching the forums/net for a guide to change the CVT fluid in my 05 Murano (65K miles)...can't find anything with any detail/pictures. My problem is the Maintenance Manual states (after warming up the fluid):

2. Drain CVT fluid from CVT fluid cooler hose (return side) and refill with new CVT fluid at CVT fluid charging pipe with the engine running at idle speed.
3. Refill until new CVT fluid comes out from CVT fluid cooler hose (return side). About 30 to 50% extra fluid will be required for this procedure.

PROBLEMS:
a) Where is the "CVT fluid cooler hose (return side)" does anyone have pictures?
b) Where's the "fluid charging pipe"...is that the CVT dipstick?
c) Do you really BOTH drain with the engine running AND refill with it running? Seems nuts to me surely there would be a period when little to no fluid is present and then you have major friction/burnout issues.....would you drain your engine oil and refill it while the engine is running????

Any help appreciated - especially if there's a write-up out there with pictures. Cheers //Jules

[mpe235]

Just drain it from the drain plug and refill it through the dipstick. It works fine.

[xterramexico05]

i found these instructions from a 2003 murano.... i dont know if the 2005 is the same model...
I changed my CVT fluid this past weekend, and since I don't see a DIY writeup for this (like oil changes, brakes, or cabin filters) on the forum, here it goes. My procedure differs from the FSM, which requires more fluid. I chose a 30,000 mile interval mainly because I am still not 100% convinced of the CVT's durability and its not that expensive since I do the work myself. Some will say its overkill, but again its not like I am leasing the vehicle, nor did I pay $1500 for an extended warranty. Those who prefer to stick with extended intervals probably have their maintenance performed by the dealership and wouldn't find a DIY writeup useful anyways.

Tools:

6-7 quarts Nissan NS-2 CVT fluid ($18/qt from Courtesy Nissan) - I actually used 5.5qts, but get 6 or 7 to be safe.
19mm socket wrench
Small flathead screwdriver
Needlenose pliers
Copper gasket - same as the one used for the oil pan drain plug (69 cents from Courtesy Nissan)
A very narrow spout funnel (for some reason they seem to always come in orange - anyways, its $2 from Walmart)


Directions:

1) Drive the car for about 15 minutes to warm up the transmission fluid - warm fluid flows faster
2) Park on a level surface, apply the parking brake (!)
3) Optional - jack up the car and place on jackstands, all four corners (remember the car needs to be level for a proper drain)
4) The CVT oil pan is located on the drivers side - easy to find because the big metal/plastic scoop we love for drawing pictures in the snow is right in front of it
5) The CVT drain plug is located on the back half of the oil pan
6) Place a large container (8 qts recommended) beneath the drain plug
7) Remove drain plug with a 19mm socket
8) Be careful! Oil will be quite warm and gushes out very quickly. You might want to wear a pair of latex gloves for this.
9) Allow 10-15 minutes for CVT fluid to drain out.
10) Important - pour used CVT fluid into separate containers - I used old 1 gallon water jugs - to calculate approximately how much fluid you should add back in - in my case, it filled a little less than 1-1/2 gallon jugs, so I estimated 5-1/2 quarts.
11) Remove the old copper gasket - I used a flathead screwdriver to pry it up, then unscrewed it from the threads
12) Replace with new copper gasket
13) Reinstall the drain plug - hand tighten with socket wrench - similar to how you hand tighten the oil drain plug (i.e. a few strong tugs after the gasket has been flattened)
14) The CVT dipstick is also the charging pipe to add new CVT fluid. It is locked into place with a plastic tab. Use one tip on the nose of pliers (opened) to push in the plastic tab facing the front of the car, then pull up to release the dipstick. I used the pliers because the first time I removed the dipstick, I used the small flathead screwdriver, and ended up breaking the plastic tab! The dealer replaced the dipstick for me for free though.
15) Using the narrow neck funnel, which should fit neatly into the CVT tube, refill with NS-2 fluid the same amount you drained out.
16) Reinsert the CVT dipstick with the plastic tab rotated 180 degrees (i.e. so it does not lock) - this makes it easier later on to check the CVT fluid level.
17) Take your MO for a test drive, and with the engine at operating temperature (again 10-15 minutes drive), shift through all the gears and then back to park (this is what the FSM says, but its a CVT, so I dunno why you need to do it).
18) With the engine idling and gear in Park, pull the CVT dipstick and check the level - it should be within the normal range. If low, add CVT fluid as required, 1/4 quart at a time (then recheck).
19) When level is correct, reinsert the CVT dipstick so that the plastic tab locks in place again.
20) Finished. Your CVT thanks you for taking care of it.

Curiously, I noticed when I checked the old fluid using the dipstick it looked clear. When I drained it, it was an amber color, slightly darker than new motor oil. The new NS-2 fluid I added was a greenish clear color.

Update: Make sure to take the used CVT oil to a local automotive fluid recycling facility (a store like Autozone or Kragen for example) for proper processing. DO NOT pour it down the drain.

______________

[jules_stanley]

Thanks for the help guys.....both tips talk about the 'drain-plug' way of changing the fluid but as I understand it this won't remove all the old fluid (only about half of it).....was hoping to find someone who had done it the 'cooler-hose' way......any takers?

[Dai Kinahkem]

I was interested to read this thread. Having fairly recently bought a second hand 2005 Murano and having become aware of the "debate" over the longevity of the CVT and having learned from Nissan Headquarters that the warranty on the CVT for my vehicle had been increased from 5 years/100,000Km to 10 years/200,000Km, I thought it would be wise to make sure that all maintenance recommendations were strictly adhered to so as not to compromise the warranty (revised). As I was approaching 96,00Km, at which point changing, or at least checking, the CVT fluid was recommended in my owner's manual, I made an appointment with my nearby Nissan dealership to have this attended to. I was informed that it was likely not necessary to have the fluid replaced and that a diagnostic test could be performed tha showed how much wear the fluid ( i.e., the transmission ) had sustained. This test was done in a half an hour and showed that my transmission fluid had about 10,000 units of wear showing and that the allowable amount was something over 200,000 units. The test cost $60. I was assured by this dealership that the warranty, should anything untoward occur with my CVT, would be protected.
I should be interested to hear comments on this.

[jules_stanley]

Excellent info Dai. After further research on my part I decided NOT to do the fluid change at 60K on my Murano - I think it was the right decision and your input seems to support that. When I was going through this process I called my local Nissan dealer (here in Denver) and they told me they would "...recommend a fluid change at 60K".....of course they want my money! The service rep. also told me there was no test they could do to determine fluid state....they just looked at the fluid on the dip stick and made the determination. I'd guess they've never heard of "Consult II".......what a bunch of muppets!