MaximusN8

Hi all,
I changed my CVT fluid on my 2010 Maxima yesterday and I usually do a drain and fill and filter change and add almost 5 quarts, This time around I'm having a hard time to get an accurate reading. I put almost 5 quarts in and it's still showing I could use a little more to bring the level up to the end of the crosshatch. Do any of you guys think it's safe to put the remaining of what's left of the quart? I have drove for about 45 mins and left the car running and it's also 90 degrees out and I'm still getting a low reading, Funny thing is yesterday I had a normal reading on the dip stick. If I put the rest of the remaining quart that would be a total of 5 quarts and I'm wondering if this is safe to do?
Thank you

BronxSleeperMax187

Should be fine I put five in mine the other day and changed my filter

MaximusN8

Yea I'm hoping it won't cause me any problems, I've changed CVT fluid 3 times between my Maxima and my wife's and always put close to 5 quarts. I'll probably put the rest in tomorrow once I get to work I have a 35 min drive so once I get there I'll double check the level and if it's not at the end of the crosshatch area I'll add the remaining. Thank you for responding I appreciate it very much!

mahanddeem

Was car parked on level surface, engine running, moved selector from P to D then back with 5 sec on each position, and parking brake applied when you checked level? These transmissions are easily overfilled.

MaximusN8

Yes I did all the steps above and followed the Factory service manual, I've changed the CVT fluid before and usually put in over 4 1/2 quarts almost 5, For some reason this time it's looking like I need to put the remaining in to bring it to level which will bring me to a total of 5 quarts for this drain and fill.

Chris Louis

Anyone know anything about this brand of CVT fluid. It says it's designed for vehicles that use NS2. All the 7 reviews were 5 stars but they are all within a few months of each other so I'm a bit skeptical.

Also is it necessary to change the filter as well, or is it a preference thing?

MaximusN8

I honestly wouldn't put anything else in these cars besides Nissan NS2, I have seen a lot of aftermarket CVT fluid on the market but haven't seen any feedback anywhere or if anyone has had any luck. Yes change the filter along with the fluid.

KGMtech

I found the MSDS (SDS) for Nissan NS2 online, it showed that the manufacturer is SOPUS. Standard Oil Products US. So with this info, I ordered my NS2 from Pennzoil, their CVT 2 is the same green colour as the Nissan stuff at a far better price.

mahanddeem

Keep us informed how it goes in few hundred miles.

BronxSleeperMax187

So to save a few bucks you will believe they didn't cheap out on it maybe.....3k tranny or a few bucks....smh

MaximusN8

I agree, I would honestly stick with Nissan NS2. These CVTs scare me on these cars.

mahanddeem

But he read online...

BronxSleeperMax187

I actually read somewhere else that some dude changed it with that and hes been good for few months so far....good luck, but me I can't afford this chance

MaximusN8

Reading online and seeing facts of actual results are 2 different things, I will never knock what someone else does. If he wants to save some money and get an equivalent CVT fluid then more power and best of luck to him. For a vehicle with a transmission that costs along the ball park of 3k I would protect that investment the best I can and stick with OEM NS2, No where in the manual does it suggest to also use an equivalent like it does with certain other fluids..

MaximusN8

Me too I would never chance that.

KGMtech

I did the partial change with the Pennzoil CVT2 at 71,000km, I am now at 99,300km. No problems to report )

KGMtech

See my response above, no issues whatsoever. However, I was able to purchase a 24 of beer and a pizza with the money saved...

mahanddeem

I think at the end it comes down to what a 7th gen owner is comfortable with. Some of us here (maybe many) are passionate about their Maximas and would not settle for a second best and (safest) option. And that portion of the community is scared to deal transmission issues down the road because they want to keep their cars as long as they can while performing properly and efficiently. Given the Nissan strict recommendations about sticking to their NS2 fluids and the picky transmission we have in this car many people would consider the extra $100 in cost of fluid an insurance for the future, or at least not to blame themselves for using non approved fluid.
Now if the car finds its way for someone who doesn't distinguish an engine from a battery, and just got the car to move from point A to B and will sell in 2 to 3 years then it doesn't matter much to them, they'll just have a good grief for themselves at the dealership when the bill of another transmission be in the 4k dollars range. Nobody will ever be able to prove if the fluid ruined their transmission or not.

Chris Louis

Lol I was really hoping for a “yeah, sure, why not” but I think I’ll just pay a visit to the dealer

MaximusN8

Hi All,
So I rechecked my CVT fluid level after doing a drain and fill a few weeks back and refilled with 5 quarts and as of today my level is a little above the cross hatch area seen here in the pic, Should I drain some of this fluid or is this level ok?

mahanddeem

I think you're ok. Fluid temp is an important factor. And another indication that a complete drain and refill needs exactly 4.5 quarts.

MaximusN8

When I saw that level I was getting concerned that I may run into issues, The car had been on the highway for about 40 mins so I know it was well into operating temperature and its 88 degrees out, I pulled over in a parking lot with level ground and checked the fluid at least 3 times and that's the level it was at.

mahanddeem

A BAFX Bluetooth adapter and an Android running CVTz50 works wonders in these cars, let's you know exactly what is CVT fluid count. Per FSM they want it exactly 158 to 161 when fluid level is checked.

MaximusN8

Yeah I've heard of that, I'll keep an eye on it or I may just drain a little out to bring the level closer to the end of the cross hatch.

mahanddeem

You maybe interested to see what my CVT fluid (dealer serviced) dipstick, did not want to mess with it. In 100k I'll definitely use 4.5 quarts after full drain.

MaximusN8

Wow and I thought mine was slightly overfilled lol, that's way above the cross hatch. Have you had any issues?

BronxSleeperMax187

Did mines twice with 5 quarts drain and refill in between two months and never even checked the dipstick....5k later shifts way better, no more slight jerk changing gears. Should be fine imo

MaximusN8

It's been running excellent with 5 quarts so far, maybe I'm over stressing..lol

User1

How many gears does yours have?

mahanddeem

Late reply sorry, not at all. My 2011 pulls really hard with that overfilled CVT believe it or not. Doesn't feel like as 7th gen at all 😁
But I'm tempted to drain and refill myself next oil change, I'll make sure not to exceed filling with 4.2 to 4.3 quarts only, and check in few days
My 2009 on the other hand, has exactly the level you showed in your pic.
It seems these transmissions accept some overfill, but definitely hate low fluid level (they'll overheat, the major killer to them).

KGMtech

overfilling can cause "frothing" of the oil, which is air bubbles entrained in the oil, also not good. A little overfill is not likely to be a problem, but 1 quart would be risky IMHO.

MaximusN8

I agree..

KArthur

I know this is an old thread, but the FSM for a 2010 says to check when CVT fluid is between 122°F and 176°F.... Just saying

jhabvala59

Hi there! I am always using the information from this and other forums, and finally decided to join and ad my experience with my Maxima. I bought the car used in November 2018 with 56K miles. Since I did not know if the CVT fluid had ever been changed, I replaced it with Nissan branded fluid right after I got the car and then at 62K. Now I am at 73K and decided to change the fluid since why not. But this time I used Valvoline CVT instead. I, like many other owners, have wondered if using anything other that Nissan's fluid is ok. After reading a lot about this, I concluded that it most be ok to use an alternate brand if the manufacturer states that their fluid meets the same specifications. So I will let you know if any issues arise but as of right now (the day after), so far so good. To my fellow car enthusiasts, thanks for taking the time to write about your experiences/advice. 2010 Maxima SV in Sunny California.

MaximusN8

I've been wanting to use an alternative for years, but can't get myself to do it out of fear of damaging my CVT!

Richard66

Why do you want to use an alternate oil?

MaximusN8

Just because of cheaper cost, but I'm not trying to take the chance on mixing CVT fluid and causing it to fail. I got 160k on mine and do a drain/fill every 30k-35k. So far the car has been really good to me.

KArthur

I just did a drain and fill on a 2010 and a 2012 Maxima. Ordered the filters online but bought the NS-2 fluid from the dealership. Cost was $17/gt. for the fluid and the filters were like $35 each. I noticed in the Service manual that it says to "Sufficiently shake the container of CVT fluid before using." Probably to mix up anything that might have settled out in the bottle. It also says to NEVER mix with other fluids. One took 4.25 qts and the other took 4.5 qts.

Rellz60

ive been reading through reviews and forums and found that in others opinions amsoil makes the best cvt

mahanddeem

Don't listen to jibberish without solid proofs. Many people just say crap to sell you anything. Stick to what your car maker says