Classification:

Reference:

AT14-016e

Date:

NTB15-013e

October 31, 2019

NISSAN; PROCEDURE TO CLEAN
CVT TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLERS
This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page.
Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

APPLIED VEHICLES:

2013-2015 Altima (L33) – 4 cylinder and V6
2016-2018 Altima (L33) – V6 only
2015-2017 Juke (F15)
2016-2020 Maxima (A36)
2015-2020 Murano (Z52) – V6 only
2013-2020 Pathfinder (R52) – V6 only
2015-2017 Quest (E52)
2014-2020 Rogue (T32)

APPLIED TRANSMISSION:

CVT

IMPORTANT: Metal debris and friction material may become trapped in the radiator,
cooling hoses, bypass valve or external CVT fluid cooler. This debris can contaminate the
newly serviced transmission, control valve or torque converter. In severe cases this debris
can block or restrict flow and may cause damage to the newly serviced CVT.
SERVICE INFORMATION
When a CVT, control valve, or torque converter replacement is necessary for one of the
Applied Vehicles, the CVT transmission fluid coolers (radiator based fluid cooler and
external auxiliary cooler if present) must be flushed.
NOTE: Refer to the Workflow on page 2 to determine the correct Service Procedure for the
specific vehicle being serviced.

Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are
properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job
properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO
NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle.

1/9

SERVICE PROCEDURE
Workflow:

Replacement
required (1)
No

Yes
Pathfinder

Bulletin does
not apply

Model

Perform: Flushing Radiator
based CVT Transmission
Fluid Cooler
Perform: Flushing External
CVT Transmission
Auxiliary Fluid Cooler

Other than
Pathfinder

Perform only: Flushing
Radiator based CVT
Transmission Fluid Cooler

Procedure end

(1) Replacement of CVT, control valve, or torque converter.

Flushing Radiator based CVT Transmission Fluid Cooler
IMPORTANT: The CVT fluid cooler hoses will be flushed in both directions in the following
procedure.
1. Place the vehicle on a lift.
2. Is the vehicle a Pathfinder?


Yes: Remove the left front wheel and then partially remove the left front fender
protector to gain access to the CVT fluid cooler, and then proceed to step 3.
Refer to the Electronic Service Manual (ESM), section EXT – Exterior or BODY
EXTERIOR, DOORS, ROOF & VEHICLE SECURITY > EXTERIOR > REMOVAL
AND INSTALLATION > FENDER PROTECTOR > FENDER PROTECTOR >
Removal and Installation.



No: Proceed to step 5.

2/9

NTB15-013e

3. Place an oil drain pan under the CVT
fluid cooler.

4. Unbolt and disconnect the external CVT
fluid cooler bypass valve from the
external CVT fluid cooler (Figure 1).

Two (10 mm head) bolts attach bypass
valve to the fluid cooler. The other bolt
is on the opposite side of bypass valve.

5. Place an oil drain pan under the CVT
warmer.

Figure 1

6. Disconnect the CVT fluid cooler inlet and outlet rubber hoses from the CVT Fluid
warmer (Figure 2) and discard spring clamps.
NOTE: If rubber material from a cooler hose remains on the steel tube or fitting, replace
the rubber hose and clean the steel tube.
7. Allow any transmission fluid that remains in the CVT fluid cooler hoses to drain into the
oil drain pan.
All vehicles, other than Pathfinder, have both CVT fluid
warmer hoses routed directly to the CVT fluid cooler in
the radiator.
CVT fluid warmer to CVT fluid
cooler hose. (Pathfinder only)
All other applied vehicles are routed
from CVT fluid warmer directly to
“radiator based” fluid cooler

CVT fluid warmer
CVT fluid warmer to
radiator hose
(All applied vehicles)
To radiator
CVT fluid
cooler

CVT fluid cooler

(Pathfinder only)

To radiator CVT
fluid cooler

Figure 2
3/9

NTB15-013e

NOTE: The two hoses that have been removed from the CVT fluid warmer will be flushed
first in one direction and then the other.
CAUTION:
 Wear safety glasses and rubber
gloves when spraying the
Transmission Cooler Cleaner.
 Spray Cooler Cleaner only in areas
with adequate ventilation.
 Avoid contact with eyes and skin.
 Do not breathe vapors or mist from
spray.
8. Insert the “extension adapter hose”, from
a can of Transmission Cooler Cleaner
(Nissan P/N 999MP-AM006P), into one
or the other of the disconnected CVT fluid
cooler hoses (Figure 3).

Fluid outlet

Fluid inlet

CVT fluid cooler
bypass valve
(Pathfinder only)

Figure 3

9. Flush CVT fluid cooler (radiator based)
and hoses:
a. Hold the hose and can as high as
possible.


For Pathfinder, block the CVT fluid
cooler bypass valve fluid passage
(Figure 3) with thumb.

Place thumb over
this fluid passage
(Pathfinder only)

b. Spray Transmission Cooler Cleaner,
in a continuous stream, into the CVT
fluid cooler inlet hose.
c. Spray fluid until it flows out of the
other hose for 5 seconds.
10. Slide a piece of 5/8 inch hose (16 mm)
over the end of the CVT fluid cooler hose
(Figure 4) that was used as the flush
inlet.

5/8 inch hose

11. Insert the tip of an air gun into the end of
5/8 inch (16 mm) hose (Figure 4).


For Pathfinder block the CVT fluid
cooler bypass valve fluid passage
(Figure 3) with thumb.

12. Blow compressed air, regulated to 5-9
kg/cm2 (70 – 130 PSI), through the CVT
fluid cooler hose for 10 seconds to force
out any remaining fluid.

Figure 4

13. Repeat steps 8 through 12 one additional time and then proceed to step 14.

4/9

NTB15-013e

14. Reverse the direction that the hoses are being flushed (Figure 3) and repeat steps 8
through 12 twice.


When complete proceed to step 15.

15. Reassemble the CVT fluid cooler hoses to the CVT warmer with the new spring clamps
listed in PARTS INFORMATION on page 8 in the reverse order of disassembly.


For correct hose assembly and alignment, refer to the ESM, section TM – Transaxle
& Transmission or TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE > TRANSAXLE &
TRANSMISSION > CVT: [applicable CVT] > REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >
CVT FLUID COOLER SYSTEM > Removal and Installation.

16. If the vehicle is a Pathfinder, proceed to Flushing External CVT Transmission
Auxiliary Fluid Cooler, below.

Flushing External CVT Transmission Auxiliary Fluid Cooler (Pathfinder only)

1. Remove the CVT fluid cooler (auxiliary
fluid cooler) from vehicle.


Refer to the ESM, section
TM – Transaxle & Transmission
or TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE >
TRANSAXLE & TRANSMISSION >
CVT: [applicable CVT] > REMOVAL
AND INSTALLATION > CVT FLUID
COOLER SYSTEM > Removal and
Installation.

CVT fluid cooler

2. Remove the O-rings from the auxiliary
fluid cooler and discard.

Figure 5

3. Install a 4 inch long hose with an inside
diameter of 5/8 inch (16 mm) onto the
inlet side of the auxiliary fluid cooler.
4. Install a 6 inch long hose with an inside
diameter of 5/8 inch (16 mm) onto the
outlet of the auxiliary fluid cooler and
place the opposite end into a suitable
container to catch used fluid.

Outlet

Inlet

Figure 6
5/9

NTB15-013e

Inlet

5. Insert the “extension adapter hose” from
a can of Transmission Cooler Cleaner
(Nissan P/N 999MP-AM006P) into the
auxiliary fluid cooler inlet (Figure 7).
6. Spray one full can of Transmission
Cooler Cleaner through the inlet of the
auxiliary fluid cooler, letting the cleaner
drain through the outlet and into a
container.
7. Allow the remaining fluid in the auxiliary
fluid cooler to drain out.

Figure 7

8. Insert the tip of an air gun into the end of
the auxiliary fluid cooler inlet (Figure 8).
9. Wrap a shop rag around the air gun tip
and end of the cooler inlet (Figure 8) to
reduce blowback.
10. Blow compressed air, regulated to 5-9
kg/cm2 (70 – 130 PSI), through the inlet
side of the auxiliary fluid cooler for 10
seconds to force out any remaining fluid.
Figure 8
11. While holding the hoses securely to the
auxiliary fluid cooler (Figure 9), flush 2 full
quarts of NS-3 (or equivalent) with a 1
pint suction gun.


Suction gun
Inlet

Flush from the inlet side of the
auxiliary fluid cooler through to the
outlet (Figure 9).

12. Allow the remaining fluid in the auxiliary
fluid cooler to drain out.

Figure 9

6/9

NTB15-013e

13. To complete the flush, insert the tip of an air gun again into the end of the auxiliary fluid
cooler inlet (Figure 8).
14. Wrap a shop rag around the air gun tip and end of the cooler inlet (Figure 8).
15. Blow compressed air, regulated to 5-9 kg/cm2 (70 – 130 PSI), through the inlet of the
auxiliary fluid cooler for 10 seconds to force out any remaining NS-3 fluid.
16. Reassemble the auxiliary fluid cooler and CVT fluid cooler bypass valve in the reverse
order of disassembly with the new O-rings listed in PARTS INFORMATION on page 8.


For correct hose assembly and alignment, refer to the ESM, section TM – Transaxle
& Transmission or TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE > TRANSAXLE &
TRANSMISSION > CVT: [applicable CVT] > REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >
CVT FLUID COOLER SYSTEM > Removal and Installation.

7/9

NTB15-013e

PARTS INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION

PART #

QUANTITY

Hose spring clamp

21639-7990A

2

External CVT Cooler O-Rings (Pathfinder only)

22180-9NB0A

2

Transmission Cooler Cleaner

999MP-AM006P (1)

As needed

NS-3 CVT Fluid

999MP-NS300P (1) (2)

As needed

(1) Order this item through the Nissan Maintenance Advantage program: Phone: 877-NISNMA1 (877-647-6621). Website order via link on dealer portal www.NNAnet.com and
click on the “Maintenance Advantage” link.
(2) For warranty repairs, Nissan NS-3 CVT Fluid must be used. For customer pay repairs,
Nissan NS-3 CVT Fluid or an equivalent must be used.

CLAIMS INFORMATION
With CVT Assembly Replacement on same repair line
Submit a Primary Part (PP) type line claim using the following claims coding:
OPERATION
Flush CVT Oil Cooler
(1) Use the PFP for the repair actually performed.

PFP
(1)

OP CODE
JX31AA

FRT
0.7

OR
With Valve body or Torque Converter Replacement on same repair line
Submit a Primary Part (PP) type line claim using the following claims coding:
OPERATION
Flush CVT oil cooler with valve body / torque converter
replacement
(1) Use the PFP for the repair actually performed.

8/9

PFP

OP CODE

FRT

(1)

JX32AA

0.7

NTB15-013e

AMENDMENT HISTORY
PUBLISHED DATE

REFERENCE

DESCRIPTION

March 12, 2015

NTB15-013

Original bulletin published.

September 9, 2015

NTB15-013a

APPLIED VEHICLES and SERVICE
PROCEDURE sections revised

April 7, 2016

NTB15-013b

APPLIED VEHICLES section revised

June 9, 2016

NTB15-013c

APPLIED VEHICLES section revised

April 24, 2017

NTB15-013d

APPLIED VEHICLES section revised

October 31, 2019

NTB15-013e

APPLIED VEHICLES and PARTS
INFORMATION sections revised

9/9

NTB15-013e