2010 Nissan Murano CVT transmission fluid change
I've got a 2010 Nissan Murano with 69,000 miles. It hasn't ever had the CVT
transmission fluid changed. I just had transfer case and differential fluids changed and
the Nissan dealership service technician said the CVT transmission fluid should be
changed every 30,000 miles. They want $280 to do it. The repair manual says "to
inspect it" every 30,000 and that "Premium" maintenance (which is recommended, but
not required) lists it. Is this really necessary? I've got no reason to believe the
transmission is having issues.
According to the Nissan Maintenance Schedule, it says to Inspect the CVT fluid every 30k miles, NOT replace. Personally, I think the Nissan Tech is following this premium schedule to get more $$ out of you! AND...he told you this just b/c one of the schedules says so and not b/c the CVT fluid is dirty, etc..
So, I just pulled up the dealer's service department website and they have 3 levels of service for 60,000 (same as 30,000) service. Standard, Dealer Recommended, and Dealer Premium. Change CVT fluid is NOT listed under standard or "Dealer Recommended". It is only listed under "Dealer Premium". I don't really understand what "premium" is all about. I'd think that if the CVT fluid being changed was a requirement for honoring the 120,000 mile warranty on the CVT that it would be standard or at least recommended.
Based on my experience with cvt transmissions I would change it every 60,000 miles. I change mine every 30,000
Nissan CVT is changed after 40,000kms when doing full service for a nissan car according to my experience
after 40000kms when doing full service
If you want the transmission to last more than 120,000 change the fluid every 40 to 60K. The CVT is a weak transmission and must be handled gently if you want it to last. Exception: Scotty Kilmare (youtube channel) says that hwy driving puts only 10% of the strain on a car that around town driving does, so.....if you primarily drive hwy miles you could stretch the transmission change to say 80K miles. 280 bucks is cheap insurance compared to a new transmission.
While Hwy Driving may be only 10% or city driving, the all fluid deteriorates over time. Best to change it at 60 or even 30K miles. As stated above, it sure beats scrapping the car because the transmission costs more than the car is worth.
Change your transmission fluid in the way that it should be done and when it is older your transmission will not depart from you.
