Hi all,
New here, so my wife's Maxima has just over 141k miles and the cvt fluid has never been changed, I know terrible. Up to now the car drives fine, so my question is would I damage the transmission if I change it at this point? Also the service engine soon light came up with code P0868. I check the dipstick after a 30 minute drive from work and fluid was low so I topped it off. Used castrol cvt fluid. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

What Year Maxima?

To your point...would you damage your transmission if you do the drain and fill? No. Any damage was probably already done (hence the p0868) but drain and fill (with Nissan NS-2 or 3) and replace the external filter and your car will thank you. Do NOT forget the filter. Part of the p0868 is insufficient pressure. If you don't change the filter, you are wasting your money.

I don't recommend any CVT oil other than the NS2/3 from Nissan but I get it, you thought you were too low and addressed that condition with what you could get close at hand.

Let us know how it goes.

 

Thanks for the reply LtLeary,

It's a 2012.

I'll definitely change the filter and use nissan fluid. Any chance you know the part number to the filter? Should I also change the internal filter/screen?

I was afraid of that. Would the damage be noticeable? Or is it possible that the code only came up because it was low on fluid?

Does this year car have a excess drain plug? Incase I overfill? I read something about that, but I'm not to sure if the 2012 maxima has it.

sorry for all the questions

 

Let's see if I can answer your questions in-line.

 

Put 4.5 quarts of CVT fluid back in after you do your drain. 1/2 a quart will most likely be required because you are also changing the external filter.

So, I would just put in 4.5 quarts. Then take your car for an easy drive, to get the CVT to temperature (15-25min), and check your CVT fluid level (on flat ground). You'll likely be 1/2 a quart down.

If by chance you overfill the CVT, which you will most likely not do, but if you do, then just remove the external filter and drain CVT fluid it from it. Repeat until your fluid level in the CVT is at the correct level.

 

Hey Lt, during the drain/fill process does it matter if i drain first and then replace filter or filter first and then drain old fluid?

 

I drain first, replace filter, then fill. Does it matter? Who knows but with the filter disconnected, it does allow more air to help drain. But as long as you remember to pull the dip stick (once again not required as there is a breather hose on the cvt) the more air, the more patience, the more old fluid removed.

 

Sounds good thank you sir !

 

Just got done doing the first drain and fill. Replaced filter as well. Took like 4 1/3 quarts of fluid back. Will do another drain and fill in about a month or so, so thats it's closer to 75% new fluid.

 

Well I did a lot of research before doing this on my 2012 Maxima SV and I was confident on doing the cvt fluid change. Follow every step and replaced both the internal and external filters. Filled it up to standard and… nothing. The gears do not engage (R/D). Used Idemitsu CVT Type N (NS2) fluid, which was the better recommended.

I got codes P0868 (Low pressure) and P0826 (up/down shift).
There was no issues with the transmission prior to the change, so I think there shouldn’t be any damage. Thinking about replacing the pressure sensor and putting the original NS2 fluid from Nissan.
researched a ton and nothing related. Any guesses? advise?

 

I don't have any advice but I'm about to go through this same thing since the transmission pan is leaking and the gasket needs to be replaced. Hoping nothing 'bad' happens. I wasn't going to save the fluid and was just going to use new fluid (Idemitsu NS-2 - same as yours).

 

how did you make out?
im considering a drain and fill 14 maxima 143,500 miles original fluid . Could not get a straight answer on how i should go about the service at 90k dealership said lifetime fluid. Transmission shop said don't touch it be happy my nissan cvt hasn't failed yet . I'm noticing rougher shifts at low speed. Its fine cruising no issues

 

Change it all the fluid and the internal and external filters....Let me be clear about the aftermarket internal filter the spout is too long...... the long spout presses against the pan so it can't pick up fluid,.... So either reuse original internal filter after cleaning it with brake cleaner or use aftermarket but you have to modify the spout...... I jus bought a 2011 sv sport 12/6/25 change external filter and fluid, still had a p0868 decided to change the inside filter and clean magnets inside transmission pan( Highly Recommend) as well as change the oil pressure sensor while your in there.... But Im glad I did open up the pan cause it was dirty no metal but MAGS had sum sludge and the inside filter was sludged too... Glad I caught that could have trash the trans down the line...But with all that changed its a BIG difference and today no Codes from trans