Maintenance Guide

CVT Fluid Change: Step-by-Step Guide

Complete maintenance guide for changing CVT fluid in JF015E transmissions. Learn proper procedures, fluid specifications, and professional tips.

12 min read
Beginner Level
Maintenance
NY, NY, USA
January 15, 2025
Changing the oil on a Ferrari with a hand pouring oil

Important Safety Notice

CVT fluid can be extremely hot. Always allow adequate cooling time before starting work. Use proper safety equipment including gloves and eye protection. Work in a well-ventilated area.

Why CVT Fluid Changes Matter

CVT fluid serves multiple critical functions: it lubricates moving parts, transfers hydraulic pressure for pulley operation, and provides friction between the belt and pulleys. Degraded fluid leads to reduced friction, overheating, and premature transmission failure.

Fluid Specifications

NS2 Nissan NS-2 CVT Fluid

  • Original specification for earlier JF015E
  • Green in color
  • Can be upgraded to NS-3
  • 7.0-7.5 litre capacity

NS3 Nissan NS-3 CVT Fluid

  • Updated specification (recommended)
  • Blue in color
  • Better heat resistance
  • Backward compatible with NS-2

Important: Never use generic ATF or "universal" CVT fluid. Only use genuine Nissan NS-2 or NS-3 fluid to maintain proper friction characteristics.

Required Tools & Materials

Tools

  • 10mm socket and ratchet
  • Drain pan (minimum 8 litres)
  • Funnel with long spout
  • Torque wrench
  • Vehicle jack and axle stands

Materials

  • 8 litres Nissan NS-2 or NS-3 fluid
  • New drain plug washer/gasket
  • Shop towels/rags
  • Safety gloves and goggles
  • Fluid disposal container

Step-by-Step Procedure

1

Prepare the Vehicle

Park on level ground. Run the engine for 5 minutes to warm the fluid slightly (not hot). This helps with drainage but keeps the fluid cool enough to work safely.

Tip: Place newspaper under the drain plug area to catch any drips and make cleanup easier.
2

Locate the Drain Plug

Safely raise and support the vehicle. The drain plug is located on the bottom of the transmission pan, toward the driver's side. Clean the area around the plug before removal.

Note: The JF015E does not have a replaceable filter - it uses a permanent internal screen.
3

Drain Old Fluid

Position drain pan under plug. Use 10mm socket to remove drain plug. Allow fluid to drain completely (15-20 minutes). Note the fluid color and condition for future reference.

Warning: Only approximately 5 litres will drain. The rest remains in the torque converter and cooler lines.
4

Reinstall Drain Plug

Install new drain plug washer/gasket. Reinstall drain plug and torque to specification (29-39 Nm / 21-29 ft-lbs). Do not overtighten as this can damage the aluminum pan.

Important: Always use a new washer to prevent leaks.
5

Refill with New Fluid

Locate the fill plug (on passenger side of transmission). Using a funnel, add the same amount of fluid that drained out (approximately 5 litres). Add fluid slowly to prevent overflow.

Tip: A hand pump or long funnel makes filling much easier.
6

Check Level & Test Drive

Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature. Shift through all gears multiple times. Check for leaks around drain plug. Verify fluid level through fill plug (should be at bottom of fill hole when level).

Final Step: Test drive for 10-15 minutes, then recheck level and look for leaks.

Recommended Maintenance Schedule

30k
Normal driving conditions
20k
Severe conditions (towing, city)
15k
High-mileage units (100k+)

*Intervals in miles. More frequent changes can significantly extend transmission life.

Need Professional CVT Service?

We offer complete CVT fluid service including fluid exchange and inspection.