How difficult is it to change the CVT fluid? Would i be better off getting it done at the dealership?

 

Quick update. Dealer (in Seattle) charges $340 to do it.
It looks like the pan has to be dropped in order to do it and its raining outside. Can't fit the max in the shop cause my Nova is in there all torn apart.

 

What about a reputable local shop? I would assume they'd have lower rates than the dealership.

 

I was quoted ~$300 by the Nissan dealership, which included 12 quarts of CVT fluid.

 

Changing the CVT fluid is very easy, just a drain and fill unless you intend to change out the external CVT filter. (I changed my filter at the 3rd service) I don't know about the 2016 Maxima fluid capacity, but the 2010 Maxima takes a little over 6 qts of CVT fluid. I just paid $117 for six qts off eBay. So, using the $300 price you received that would have cost me $183 for the labor. Pretty good deal IMO, especially if you don't have a decent place to do the job yourself. Plus, you have 6 additional qts for the next job 50k miles later, provided your car takes 6 qts. I change my fluid every 50k miles.

 

Since i bought the car used, i figured i'd have the dealer do it. Besides, my shop is packed with a non running and completely disassembled nova. Downside was sitting there in the waiting room for 3 hours.