I haven’t tried this but what if you pull out your oil dip stick clean it up real good then use it to check your transmission level. This way you can avoid all that temperature stuff and overfilling your transmission as recommended by Nissan.

 

Nissan didn't provide you with a dipstick for checking CVT fluid, unfortunately. I wouldn't trust your idea, how do you know it's the right length?

In relation to the question that you are really asking......"how do I check CVT fluid level?"


The easy answer is "don't". Nissan service manual recommends changing CVT fluid when CVTF deterioration date is 210,000. The only way to check CVTF deterioration is through Consult-III+ scan tool.


All new CVT transmissions from 2013-up are equipped with locking dipstick caps but no dipstick, with some Sentras and Versas being the exception to the rule. This was done to prevent the layman from screwing with fluid, etc.


However, there is a way to check fluid level. The service manual directs you to pump 2-3 quarts of NS3 into the overfill plug on the underside of the transmission. Not everyone has this fluid pump (ie. anyone that doesn't work in a Nissan dealership.) The way around this is just dump the fluid in through the dipstick tube with a funnel. It's the quickest and easiest way around not having the fluid pump. The goal is to overfill the transmission by a quart or two. Next, you'll have to hook up some kind of scan tool that can read transmission fluid temperature. The only way to monitor proper fluid level is by reading transmission fluid temp.


Hook up your scan tool, get data monitor ready to view transmission fluid temp, and start the vehicle. Allow it to idle for ~10 seconds. While holding your foot on the brake, shift to reverse and hold it for ~5 seconds. Shift through all of the gears in this manner with your foot still on the brake to allow the fluid to work its way through the control valve assembly and all oil passages. This will ensure that the fluid in the pan is at the correct level. Shift back into park.


After you've done this, wait for the transmission to warm up to 95 degress Fahrenheit. At this point, remove the 14mm overflow bolt on the bottom of the transmission. Fluid will begin to pour out, so be prepared. Monitor fluid temp while watching the CVT fluid flow from the overflow tube. Verify that the fluid slows to a fast "drip" before transmission temp reaches 113 degrees Fahrenheit. 95-113F is your temperature adjustment window. Once the fluid has slowed to a fast drip, install the overflow plug and you're on your way!


In the event that the transmission was "too" overfilled and CVT fluid flow from overflow tube doesn't slow before 113F, reinsert the overflow plug and allow the transmission to cool down. Rinse and repeat the above procedure.

 

Could I just drain the transmission when it's cold and then measure the amount of fluid that came out? Then of course put the exact amount of new fluid back in.

Oh wait a min we are just talking about measuring the amount of fluid not changing it. If there are no leaks, why would you want to even bother checking the level? It was filled from the factory to the right level so leave it be.

 

I don't wanna be a ****, but if this is your idea to check your transmission fluid level, you should steer clear of working on your car. They made the system this way so it's not serviceable by everybody who improvises themselves mechanics.

 

Just another reason people hate the CVT, you can't check the ATF and overfill it

 

Yeah, this is a sealed system, unless one has a leak, it's not meant to be verified.

It requires a special tube to fill the new fluid and if i'm not mistaken it also requires a method to fill. It's not just pouring in the fluid in there.

 

Has nothing to do with CVT. The A/T in my 2006 Golf 5 is operated the same way.

 

My father-in-laws Impala is also the same way. Probably more transmissions have been damaged by owners overfilling than low fluid levels.