CVT Nissan Problems: Check Out These Issues Before You Buy One!

If you drive a Nissan with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), you’ll love how smooth it is. But, keep an eye out for these issues that could pop up:

• Juddering: This feels like your car is shaking. It’s usually caused by worn-out belts and pulleys.
• Noises: If you hear humming or whining, it could mean something inside is wearing down.
• Overheating: This can make your car go into ‘limp’ mode, which cuts down your power a lot.
• Fluid Issues: Make sure your CVT fluid is the right type and not running low.
• Control Module Problems: If the brain of your transmission acts up, it can cause some serious issues.

We’ll explore these points more in the upcoming sections, offering you tips on how to handle them and keep your Nissan CVT running smoothly.

Note: According to lemon laws in California, you could receive a replacement or a refund, which is reduced by the amount you’ve used the car. You can check typical lemon law settlements in California for the best outcome based on your car’s specific issues.

5 Common Nissan CVT Transmission Problems You Should Look For

Some of the most common CVT Nissan problems are —

1. The “Judder” Issue

When the pulleys and belts in a CVT get worn out, particularly in Nissan gearboxes, you might feel a judder or “vibration”, or “shake”. Nissan refers to this as a “shake, shudder, single or multiple bumps, or vibration.” 

Nissan updated its gearbox control module (TCM) software to detect the shake and record a related diagnostic code (DTC) to remedy this.

How You Can Fix It

There are two specific shake codes: P17F0 and P17F1. 

• If you encounter a P17F0, the entire CVT assembly should be replaced. 
• If it’s P17F1, the CVT belt should be checked for wear to decide if the valve body or the whole gearbox needs to be replaced.

2. The “Humming” Issue

A typical issue with Nissan CVTs is a grinding, humming, or whining sound. Although these sounds are not pleasant, they help identify problems. Such sounds usually suggest worn-out bearings or gears. 

A whining sound when you speed up or drive at high speeds often indicates worn bearings in the CVT oil pump. Even though wear and tear is normal, Nissan’s CVTs often show these problems early, suggesting possible design issues. 

When the CVT oil pump breaks down, the transmission has to be taken out for repairs. It typically involves replacing the oil pump or, more likely, several parts damaged by the faulty pump.

How You Can Fix It

To address these sounds, the CVT oil pump and possibly other damaged parts need to be replaced. Additionally, you must diagnose and repair these issues early to prevent further damage to the transmission system.

3. The “Overheat” Issue Causing “Limp” Mode

Nissan CVTs often get too hot, especially during long drives on the highway or uphill. When they get too hot, your vehicle can go into “limp” mode, which cuts power significantly and can be a safety hazard. 

In fact, the pulley and belt system in the transmission creates more heat than it should, which can overwhelm the cooling system.

How You Can Fix It

Nissan suggests adding an external cooler to the transmission to help with this problem. Technicians usually use a scanning tool to keep an eye on the temperature of the CVT fluid. 

But, just adding an external cooler doesn’t always solve the problem. In many cases, you’ll need to replace the whole CVT assembly to deal with the overheating effectively.

4. The “Fluid” Issue

Old and used-up transmission fluid can cause big problems for CVT transmissions. A lot of CVT issues come from not enough, degraded, or wrong fluid. You need the right transmission fluid because it keeps your system from getting too hot and helps the moving parts work smoothly.

How You Can Fix It

You should regularly look for leaks and follow the fluid replacement schedule recommended by the manufacturer. Some people change the fluid more often to keep their CVT working well. 

If you want your CVT to last a long time and perform well, ensure you have the right amount and quality of transmission fluid.

5. The “Module” Issue

Like other automatic gearboxes, CVTs use a control module (TCM) to manage their operation, which gets signals from sensors in the car. Problems with the TCM can cause sudden issues like a delay in engagement or more slipping. 

These electronic problems show up quickly, unlike the slow wear and tear of mechanical parts.

How You Can Fix It

To reset a Nissan TCM, turn the ignition to “on” but don’t start the engine. Push the gas pedal until you hear a click, then push it down. Turn off the ignition and let go of the pedal. 

Wait 2 to 5 minutes without touching any electronics, then start the car to finish the reset process. This way of resetting is similar to how it’s done in other brands like Dodge and Chevy.

How to Fix CVT Nissan Problems

If you think your Nissan’s CVT transmission isn’t working right, here’s what you can do:

• Drive your car to the dealership for repairs. Tell the technician what’s wrong.
• Make sure they write down everything you report, even the small stuff, in the repair order.
• Always keep your repair orders and receipts. If you lose them, ask the dealership for copies.
• Collect other important papers, like your car’s warranty.

Even if your Nissan’s problems aren’t about the CVT, keeping a record is still important. You never know, your car’s issues might be included in a future class action lawsuit.

Remember to opt out of any Nissan CVT transmission lawsuit before it’s too late. If you’re not sure what to do, talk to a lemon law firm. If you’re not in a class lawsuit, you can start the lemon law process right away.’

Final Words

If you’re still running into problems with your Nissan’s CVT after several repair tries, it might be time to explore your rights under California Lemon Law. 

A Lemon law attorney in California can help you figure out if you can make a claim, possibly getting you a refund or a new car.

But don’t forget, keeping up with regular maintenance is crucial. Watch for any issues and handle them right away. It’s also important to keep detailed records of all your repairs and maintenance, especially if you end up needing to make a lemon law claim.

By taking these steps, you can keep your CVT in good shape and avoid bigger headaches in the future.