Hey all! I’m looking at doing a CVT fluid drain in my 2009 Maxima with 275km (170 miles) and can’t for the life of me find any genuine Nissan NS-2 online that will ship in Canada. Alll the Amazon and ebay are sold out or unavailable. Are there any other brands I can use? I know it has to be NS-2. Or due the age and mileage of my car would I be better off calling the stealership and getting the genuine stuff from them?
I’m also looking at doing my CVT Fluid Filter too.
My fluid is a dark brown Color so I’m assuming that’s not healthy but have had no issue with my transmission. Yet.... Knock on wood. The guy who owned the car before me didn’t take care of it at all.

Thanks for any help!

 

Hi there! There are quite a few options. I use Idemitsu CVTF it is NS2 and cheaper.

You can also use Valvoline CVT or Amsoil CVT or Castrol CVT fluid. And I just saw Lubeguard but it was pricey. I think the Valvoline/Castrol is the cheapest. The Idemitsu I use is like 44$ for a jug. Some of these other fluids are actually better than Nissan's on paper anyways. I would also recommend Lubeguard CVT restore every drain and fill it will definitely help prolong the CVT life. If the fluid is all brown and burnt I would get it drained and filled ASAP and change the filter also. Maybe thing about another drain and fill a few weeks later to get most of the old fluid out. You usually only get less then half the fluid when you do a drain and fill. 4-5 quarts.

Some people will say only use Nissan fluid but Idemitsu is the one who makes their fluid. Any of these should work just fine.

 

You might also want to replace the spark plugs if they have never been done.

 

Wow thanks for the detailed reply!

So I bought the car, drove it for about a year and then it sat for like 3 years. I’m now working on it as a Covid project. So it’s not registered or insured and there isn’t a rush or anything to get it fixed.

When I took the dipstick out and wiped it on paper towel it was brown with a small amount of green in it.

I guess with the high mileage I’m just a bit paranoid with destroying the CVT. With the wrong fluid. If that goes then the car will be going as I’m not paying 3K+ for a new transmission. And as it’s not registered I can’t drive it to cycle the CVT fluid.
And I have read about doing complete flushes and how it stirs up debris and causes problems. How would I cycle the fluid without being able to drive it? I can go like 2 car lengths back and forth in my driveway.

and the filter will definitely be getting changed!

 

Thanks for the suggestion! I have done those already! Bit of a Covid project!

I’ve done new Plugs and intake gasket, replaced PCV Valve, new A/C compressor, replaced drive belt, new oil pan, new pre-cats and Y-Pipe, new downstream O2 Sensors and a ton of body work!

Still need clean CVT fluid, new windshield, breaks and tires then she’s all ready to go!

Hopefully... haha

 

You can use Nissan NS-3 from the Dealer. Also, be sure to replace the CVT external filter (pic) as well when you do your service.

 

Another option is Eneos. They have 2 types:

ENEOS IMPORT CVT | MODEL N PLUS is recommended for use in continuously variable transmissions where the genuine fluid Nissan CVTF NS-3 is specified.


ENEOS ECO CVT FLUID is recommended for continuously variable transmissions in most Asian cars (Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Subaru, Mazda, Mitsubishi, etc.). It can be used for an extensive array of both belt and chain types of CVTs and is compatible with many of the latest CVTs and fluids including:

• Toyota CVTF TC / FE
• Honda/Acura Genuine CVTF, Genuine HCF-2
• Nissan CVTF NS-1, NS-2, NS-3, Matic D (for N-CVT only)
• Mazda CVTF 3320 (JWS 3320)
• Mitsubishi CVTF J1, J4, J4+
• Subaru Certified CVTF-II, ECVT Fluid, i-CVT Fluid, i-CVT Fluid FG, CVT Fluid for Linear Tranik and Linear Tranik II

ENEOS ECO CVT FLUID is not recommended for Toyota Hybrid CVT and Nissan Extroid CVT. Always consult your vehicle owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations.

 

".....breaks......" uhhhh seriously? Is that like "birfday"??

Anyhoo.....excuse my ignorance, but doesn't Nissan profess that NS-3 is backwards compatible?