CVT - Failsafe Condition Service Information

2010 Nissan-Datsun Altima L4-2.5L (QR25DE) Technical Service Bulletin # 12-057 Date: 120706

CVT - Failsafe Condition Service Information

Classification: AT12-005

Reference: NTB12-057

Date: July 6, 2012

ALTIMA/SENTRA/ROGUE;

CVT FAIL-SAFE CONDITION SERVICE INFORMATION

APPLIED VEHICLES: 2007-2011 Altima (L32)

2008-2011 Altima Coupe (CL32)

2007-2011 Sentra (B16)

2008-2011 Rogue (S35)

APPLIED TRANSMISSION: Vehicles equipped with CVT ONLY

NOTE:

This bulletin does not apply to Altima Hybrid.

SERVICE INFORMATION

A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is designed to go into fluid temperature protection logic mode ("fail-safe mode") if the CVT fluid

temperature rises above a certain threshold. When the CVT goes into fail-safe mode, engine performance is reduced. Customers may report this

condition as "low power" or "reduced engine performance".

While the CVT is designed to go into fail safe mode if the fluid temperature rises above the threshold, the following conditions may cause the CVT

to go into fail-safe mode prematurely during normal vehicle operation:

1. Overfilled CVT fluid level.

2. Incorrect type of transmission fluid - Use Genuine Nissan NS-2 CVT fluid.

3. Incorrect coolant/water mix.

See below for more detail on each of the above conditions.

1. Fluid level check/adjust procedure

a. Park the vehicle on a level surface.

b. Apply the parking brake firmly.

c. Move the A/T shift lever to "P" (Park) position.

d. With the engine idling, depress brake pedal, move the shift selector throughout the entire shift range, and then back to "P".

e. Using CONSULT III plus, verify CVT fluid temperature is 70 - 80锟斤拷C, and CVTF (CVT Fluid) count is 158-161.

NOTE:

If CVT fluid temperature is below 70锟斤拷C, drive the vehicle for 5 - 10 minutes until the required temperature is reached.

IMPORTANT:

CVTF count must be 158 to 161.

f. Adjust the CVT fluid level between the marks shown in Figure 1.

NOTE:

Refer to NTB09-044 to verify the vehicle you are working on has the correct CVT oil level gauge by part number. If not, install the correct

fluid level gauge before performing the fluid level check/adjust procedure.

2010 Nissan-Datsun Altima L4-2.5L (QR25DE) Page 553

2. Incorrect CVT fluid type

NOTE:

Any damage caused by the use of any fluid other than as specified in the vehicle owners manual is excluded from coverage under the New

Vehicle Limited Warranty.

a. To check fluid type, draw a sample by using a syringe or suitable tool through the oil level gauge charge pipe, or drain from the oil pan

(see Figure 2).

OK: The fluid sample is green in color. It may have a greenish/brown tint.

NG: The fluid sample is red in color, or any color other than a greenish/brown tint.

b. If incorrect fluid is found:

^ Perform the following two times: Drain, refill with genuine NS-2 CVT fluid only, and then let the engine idle in Drive (with the vehicle

lifted off the ground).

3. Incorrect ethylene glycol-to-water mixture in the engines cooling system

The vehicles cooling system capacity is reduced when the concentration (percentage) of ethylene glycol is greater than 60%.

To check ethylene glycol concentration, use a refractometer.

^ For details on refractometer use, refer to bulletin NTB02-047.

Nissan recommends a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and water for optimum performance. A percentage greater than 60% ethylene glycol will

reduce CVT fluid cooling capacity.