Classification:

AT13-014d

Reference:

Date:

NTB13-079d

November 25, 2015

2007-2012 ALTIMA; REDUCED PERFORMANCE DUE TO CVT
FLUID TEMPERATURE PROTECTION LOGIC
This bulletin has been amended to revise the flow chart on page 2 with additional repair
information. Please discard all previous versions.

APPLIED VEHICLE:
APPLIED ENGINE:

2007-2012 Altima (L32)
4 Cylinder only

IF YOU CONFIRM
The vehicle speed is, or was, reduced by the CVT fail-safe (reduced vehicle speed) after
continuous operation under the following conditions:


High RPM and/or high speed driving
(RPM of 4000+ or speeds of 65 mph (104.6 km/h) for 1.0 – 1.5 hrs or more)



Driving in ambient temperature of 96 degrees or higher



Climbing steep or extended hills for 6 miles (9.6 km) or more



Whine or rattle type noise occurring during reduced engine performance (vehicle
speed decrease)

ACTION
1. Perform a self diagnosis with CONSULT-III plus (C-III plus).
 If DTCs are present, refer to the appropriate section of the Electronic Service
Manual (ESM) and diagnose the DTCs first before proceeding to step 2 of
ACTION.
2. Check the number of counts of "CVT-A” and “CVT-B" with C-III plus.
 Refer to the Flow Chart on page 2 and the Service Procedure starting on page 3
to confirm if this bulletin applies.
IMPORTANT: The purpose of “ACTION” (above) is to give you a quick idea of the work you will be
performing. You MUST closely follow the entire Service Procedure as it contains information that is essential
to successfully completing the repair.
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.

1/7

Flow Chart

Important
Before applying this bulletin:


Confirm that the CVT fluid has not been overfilled, and that it contains the proper
CVT fluid.



Confirm that the coolant concentration is not greater than 50%.

Use of incorrect fluid, overfilling the CVT fluid, or coolant concentrations greater than
50% can cause the symptoms in the IF YOU CONFIRM section on page 1.

Refer to NTB12-057 to resolve these conditions first if they should
occur.
NOTE: Refer to the ESM for the correct CVT fluid and coolant type for the model and
year vehicle that is being worked on.
Check the CVT-A and
CVT-B counts with CIII plus.
Yes

No



Is the CVT-A count
greater than 1?

Is the CVT-A count 24 or
more?

No

Refer to bulletin
NTB12-057 for related
service information.

Yes

And/or


Are 2 or more of the
following DTCs stored?
 P0840
 P0845
 P0710

Replace only the Control
Valve assembly, and
then install the External
CVT Fluid Cooler kit.
 Go to page 5.

Pre-authorization is required
before CVT replacement.
Print screen showing CVTA; CVT-B counts for
Powertrain Cal Center
approval.

Replace the CVT assembly, and then
install the External CVT Fluid Cooler kit.
 Go to page 5.

NOTE:


If the CVT-A count is not greater than 1 and similar symptoms to those in
IF YOU CONFIRM and/or a single DTC is present, refer to the ESM and
NTB12-057 for further diagnosis.



Refer to the ESM section TM – Transaxle & Transmission for removal and
installation information for the Control Valve or CVT assemblies.
2/7

NTB13-079d

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Check CVT-A and CVT-B count with C-III plus

1. Open C-III plus and select
Diagnosis (All Systems).

Select

Figure 1

2. Select TRANSMISSION.

Step 2

Figure 2

3/7

NTB13-079d

3. In Data Monitor select TRANSMISSION
and then select CVT-A and CVT-B.

Select
TRANSMISSION

Select CVT-A
and CVT-B

4. Select START.
Step 4
Figure 3

Confirm VIN is
present
5. Check both CVT-A and CVT-B counts
and refer to the Flow Chart on page 2 to
confirm if this bulletin applies.
NOTE: If the CVT-A count is not greater
than 1 and similar symptoms to those in
IF YOU CONFIRM and/or a DTC is
present, refer to the ESM and
NTB12-057 for further diagnosis.

CVT-A and
CVT-B counts

Figure 4
6. If it is confirmed that this bulletin applies, install the SERVICE KIT-COOLER-ASSY
listed in the Parts Information.
And


If the CVT count is 24 or greater, replace the CVT assembly.

Or


If the CVT count is less than 24, replace the Control Valve Assembly.

IMPORTANT: Pre-authorization is required before CVT replacement. Print screen
showing CVT-A; CVT-B counts for Powertrain Call Center approval.
 Refer to the Installation Instructions beginning on the next page to install the
SERVICE KIT-COOLER-ASSY.
 Refer to the ESM section TM – Transaxle & Transmission for removal and
installation information for the Control Valve or CVT assemblies.

4/7

NTB13-079d

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Install External oil cooler kit
1. Place the vehicle on a lift and raise as needed to perform the following procedure.
2. Attach the COOLER ASSY-AUTO
TRANS to the radiator support ahead of
the radiator/condenser:
a. Insert 3 bolts (Figure 5 and
Figure 6) from the kit through the
composite radiator support from the
engine compartment side.


2 bolts through
radiator support

These holes are pre-existing.

b. Install the COOLER ASSY-AUTO
TRANS onto bolts.

COOLER ASSYAUTO TRANS

c. Thread on the nuts and torque to
9.8 N·m (1.0 kg-m, 87 in-lb).

Figure 5

NOTE: Figure 5 is a view of the front of
the radiator/condenser, taken from the
bottom looking up.

Third bolt through
radiator support

3. Route both hoses through the radiator
support shown in Figure 6.
4. Slide 1 “CLP - HOSE SPR PLATE”
(spring clamp) onto each hose.
5. Attach both of the hoses to the
COOLER ASSY-AUTO TRANS.


See Figure 8 and Figure 9 on page 6
for correct hose routing.



Do not release the CLP - HOSE
SPR PLATE(s) yet, until the hoses
are attached at their other ends.

Figure 6
Remove and discard
upper CVT to
Radiator fluid hose

6. Remove the upper radiator to CVT fluid
hose from both the radiator and the
CVT and discard this hose and its CLP HOSE SPR PLATE(s).
7. Clean both radiator and CVT fittings
with brake cleaner.
NOTE: Use genuine Nissan Brake
Cleaner or equivalent.
8. Attach the new hose from the COOLER
ASSY-AUTO TRANS to the upper
radiator CVT fluid fitting.
5/7

New hose from
COOLER ASSYAUTO TRANS
Figure 7
NTB13-079d

Top hose routed to
the top radiator fitting

Bottom hose routed to
the CVT fitting

Pre-existing hose
from radiator to CVT
Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 8 and Figure 9 show hose routing from the COOLER ASSY-AUTO TRANS (external
CVT cooler) to the radiator and the CVT.

9. Attach the second COOLER ASSYAUTO TRANS fluid hose to the CVT
(Figure 10).
10. Position and release all 4 of the CLP HOSE SPR PLATE(s) (spring clamps).


Position the CLP - HOSE SPR
PLATE as close to each fitting bulge
as possible and then release them.

Hose from COOLER
ASSY-AUTO TRANS
Figure 10

NOTE: Confirm that the CLP - HOSE
SPR PLATE(s) are not on top of the
fitting bulge or on an angle.
11. Check the level of the CVT Fluid and add as needed.
NOTE: For warranty repairs, Nissan NS-2 CVT Fluid must be used. For customer pay
repairs, Nissan NS-2 CVT Fluid or an equivalent is recommended.

6/7

NTB13-079d

PARTS INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION
SERVICE KIT-COOLER ASSY

PART #
21606-ZX59A

QUANTITY
1

NS-2 CVT Fluid (2)
Control Valve Assembly
CVT Assembly

999MP-NS200P (1)
(3)
(3)

As needed
1
1

(1) For warranty repairs, Nissan NS-2 CVT Fluid must be used. For customer pay repairs,
Nissan NS-2 CVT Fluid or an equivalent is recommended.
(2) 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.
(3) Use the VIN and the electronic parts catalog (FAST or equivalent) to obtain the
applicable part number for the vehicle you are working on.
Table A
PART NAME
COOLER ASSY-AUTO TRANS

QTY PER KIT
1

HOSE-AUTO TRANS, UPR
HOSE-AUTO TRANS, LWR
CLP - HOSE SPR PLATE
BOLT-HEX
NUT-HEX

1
1
4
3
3

CLAIMS INFORMATION
Submit a Primary Part (PP) type line claim using the following claims coding:
DESCRIPTION
PFP
OP CODE SYM DIA
FRT
JD48AA
Replace Control Valve Assembly
(1)
21606-ZX59A
AE
32
Oil cooler kit installation
JX15AA
0.8
(1) Reference the current Nissan Warranty Flat Rate Manual and use the indicated Flat
Rate Time.
OR
Submit a Primary Part (PP) type line claim using the following claims coding:
DESCRIPTION
PFP
OP CODE SYM DIA
FRT
R&I Automatic CVT Transaxle Assembly

JD01AA

Replace Automatic CVT Transaxle
(1)
JD023A
(2)
ZE
32
Assembly
CVT TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS
JX22AA
Oil cooler kit installation
JX15AA
0.8
(1) Reference the current Nissan Warranty Flat Rate Manual and use the indicated Flat
Rate Time.
(2) Refer to the electronic parts catalog (FAST) and use the CVT assembly part number as
the Primary Failed Part (PFP).

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NTB13-079d