Classification:

Reference:

AT15-005f

Date:

NTB15-015f

April 29, 2016

PATHFINDER, QUEST, MURANO, MAXIMA, ALTIMA V6;
CVT JUDDER AND DTC P17F0 OR P17F1 STORED
This bulletin has been amended to add two Figures on page 17 and remove an O-ring from Parts
Information. Please discard all previous versions of this bulletin.

APPLIED VEHICLES:

2013-2016 Pathfinder (R52)
2013-2016 Altima (L33)
2015-2016 Quest (E52)
2015-2016 Murano (Z52)
2016 Maxima (A36)

V6 engine only

APPLIED TRANSMISSION: CVT

IF YOU CONFIRM:
The customer reports a transmission judder (shake, shudder, single or multiple bumps or
vibration)
AND
One of these DTCs is stored.


P17F0 (CVT_JUDDER (T/M INSPECTION))



P17F1 (CVT_JUDDER (C/U INSPECTION))
NOTE:
 If a transmission judder (as described above) is not reported, this bulletin
does not apply.
 If either P17F0 or P17F1 are not stored, this bulletin does not apply.
 NTB15-014, Enhanced Diagnostic Logic For CVT Judder, has reprogramming
instructions that may apply.

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.

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ACTIONS:
Perform the SERVICE PROCEDURE, starting on page 3.


Review the Repair Flow Chart on this page.
NOTE: Essential Tool Tech Cam (borescope) J-51951 has been sent to dealers.
This tool’s attachments make CVT inspection possible.
=============================================================

Repair Flow Chart
Customer reports
transmission judder (shake, shudder,
single or multiple bumps or vibration)

DTC P17F0

DTC P17F0 or P17F1
found stored

DTC P17F1

NO

Remove the control
valve (valve body),
inspect the CVT chain

This bulletin
does not apply

(see page 7) *

Replace the CVT
assembly
See page 24
for important
pre-authorization
information

NO

The CVT chain
checks out OK

* DO NOT perform the
CONSULT-III plus
CVT INSPECTION test.
This is no longer
accepted for
warranty repairs.

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Replace the
valve body

NTB15-015f

SERVICE PROCEDURE
Check for Stored DTCs
1. Before starting, it is IMPORTANT to make sure:


ASIST on the CONSULT PC has been freshly synchronized (updated).



All CONSULT related software updates (if any) have been installed.

2. Once all ASIST and CONSULT related updates have been performed, attach the
CONSULT PC to the vehicle.


Connect the plus VI to the vehicle.



Connect the AC adapter to the CONSULT PC.

3. Turn ON the CONSULT PC, and then open CONSULT III plus (C-III plus).
NOTE: Make sure all applications other than C-III plus are closed.
4. Press the ignition switch twice without depressing the brake pedal.


The meter and gauges will illuminate.



Do Not start the engine.



Make sure ALL accessories are turned OFF.

5. Wait for the plus VI to be recognized.


The serial number will display when the plus VI is recognized.

6. Go to Diagnosis (All Systems).

Step 5:
plus VI is
recognized

Step
6

Figure 1

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NTB15-015f

7. Select TRANSMISSION.

Step
7

Figure 2

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8. Select the Self Diagnostic Result tab, print the screen showing the VIN and DTC,
and then attach the printout to the repair order.
IMPORTANT: The screen printout MUST clearly show the VIN and DTC.
a. If P17F0 is stored, replace the CVT assembly.


For CVT assembly pre-approval, refer to page 24, CVT Assembly
Replacement Approval Procedures.



Refer to the appropriate Electronic Service Manual (ESM), section
TM-Transaxle & Transmission, for CVT assembly replacement procedure.



Skip to step 9.

b. If P17F1 is stored, go to page 7, Control Valve (Valve Body) Removal and CVT
Chain Inspection – for DTC P17F1 ONLY after completing steps 9-12.
c. If neither P17F0 or P17F1 are found stored, this bulletin does not apply. Close
C-III plus, and then refer to ASIST and the ESM for further diagnosis.
9. Print a screen shot.
VIN must show
on printout
Step
8

DTC must show
on printout

P17F1

Pathfinder R52 201x

5N1AR2Mxxxx-xxxxxx

CVT JUDDER (T/M INSPECTION)

xxxxx

Step
9

Figure 3
10. Close C-III plus.
11. Turn the ignition OFF.
12. Disconnect the plus VI from the vehicle.
For vehicles with P17F1, go to page 7, Control Valve (Valve Body) Removal and CVT
Chain Inspection – for DTC P17F1 ONLY after completing steps 9-12.

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NTB15-015f

Example: Exploded View of Control Valve (valve body)

(#7 is on the head
of these bolts)

Figure 4
Terminal cord assembly

Control valve (valve body)

O-ring

Oil strainer assembly

Oil pan gasket

Oil pan

Drain plug

Drain plug gasket

Two magnets

Spring washer

Manual plate

Lip seal

Snap ring

Overflow plug

O-ring

Transaxle (CVT) assembly

: Always replace after every disassembly.
: N·m (kg-m, ft-lb)
: N·m (kg-m, in-lb)

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NTB15-015f

Control Valve (Valve Body) Removal and CVT Chain Inspection – for DTC P17F1
ONLY

1. Remove the valve body.


Before lifting the vehicle:
 Place the transmission gear selector in Neutral.
 Leave the driver door unlatched. A step further in the procedure may require it.

NOTE:
o The number ‘7’ is on the head of all bolts that need to be removed for valve
body removal. Do not remove any bolt that does not have the number ‘7’.
o Due to multiple model vehicles, pictures throughout the service procedure are
examples and may not exactly match your vehicle.

CAUTION: Never allow any chemicals or fluids other than NS-3 CVT fluid or
equivalent to enter the CVT assembly. Never allow any foreign debris, dust,
dirt, etc. to enter the CVT assembly.
NOTE: For additional information, see video # 546: “CVT Chain Inspection”. This
video is located under the TECH TRAINING GARAGE VIDEOS tab in Virtual
Academy.

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NTB15-015f

2. Secure the right front tire with a suitable strap.


This will assist in making the chain turn.

3. Mark the left front tire with a suitable marking.


This will assure all 360° of the chain is
inspected.

Figure 5
4. Using borescope J-51951 with mirror attachment, visually inspect the side of the chain
that comes in contact with the pulley:
a. First inspect the entirety (360°) of the driver side of the chain that comes in contact
with the pulley (see page 10, Figure 9 and 10, and page 12, Figure 13).
b. If the inspection result is OK on all 360°, inspect all 360° of the passenger side of the
chain.
NOTE: Reference the pictures on page 13-15 for comparison.


Insert the camera lens behind the pulley between the guide rail and the pulley
where shown in Figure 6 (also see page 9-10, Figure 7-10).



Insert the lens approximately 8-9 inches, and then view the side of the chain that
contacts the pulley.
Chain
Pulley
Guide
rail
------

------

Front

Driver side

Step 4a
Step 4b

Figure 6

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NTB15-015f



Figure 8 shows where to insert the camera lens on the driver side of the chain.
Chain
Pulley
Guide
rail
Camera
cable
------

------

------

Figure 7



Figure 9 shows where to insert the camera lens on the passenger side
of the chain.
Chain
Pulley
Guide
rail
Camera
cable
------

------

------

Figure 8

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NTB15-015f



Figures 9 and 10 shows the routing and location of the camera.
NOTE: The CVT’s side cover was removed for easier viewing of camera location.
The side cover is not to be removed at any time during this procedure.

UP

Front of vehicle

Camera lens
positioned behind
plastic guide

Camera
cable

Primary pulley:
Camera cable
routed past
primary pulley

Figure 9

For best picture,
position camera
lens 10 mm away
from chain
Figure 10
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NTB15-015f

4c. Slowly and carefully turn the left front
tire one full turn in the forward rotation
to view all of the chain.


Holding the borescope with one
hand allows for turning the tire with
the other hand (see Figure 11).

CAUTION: If the tire is rotated in the
rearward rotation, the camera lens
may get caught between the chain
and pulley.
d. If the inspection result is OK on all
360° on both sides of the chain, skip
to step 5 on the next page.


If any evidence of chain slippage
is found, go to step 4e, and then
skip to step 6.



Refer to Garage Video #564 if
needed (see bottom of page 7).

Figure 11

e. Once CVT replacement is determined
as required, use borescope J-51951 to
record a 15 second or less continuous
video of the most severe evidence of
chain slip and the VIN on the
F.M.V.S.S. certification label (VIN
label). See example in Figure 12.


Example
of VIN label
location

For best picture, the camera lens
should be about 10 mm away from
the object being recorded.
Figure 12

NOTE: This required video must be attached to the Powertrain Call Center CVT
Preauthorization Form (in ASIST) prior to calling for authorization. Failure to submit
a continuous video will cause immediate denial of request for replacement.

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NTB15-015f





Before starting to record, make sure the camera handle’s AA batteries are fresh and
the LCD monitor’s battery is charged.
The whole video will show as backward, or reversed mirror image. This is okay.
The required video must show clear evidence of chain slippage and be 15 seconds
or less.

5. Flush the CVT cooler(s).
IMPORTANT: A CVT Cooler flush is required after a valve body or CVT assembly
replacement. Refer to bulletin NTB15-013 to perform CVT Cooler flush.
6. If the chain inspection result is OK, replace the valve body.



There is no need for pictures or video showing “OK” chain surfaces.
For valve body replacement, go to page 16, Control Valve (Valve Body)
Installation.

7. If the chain inspection result is NG, replace the CVT assembly.




Get authorization to replace the CVT assembly (see page 24).
Make sure to perform step 4d on page 11.
For CVT assembly replacement, refer to the appropriate ESM, section TM –
Transaxle & Transmission.
IMPORTANT: Perform "ADDITIONAL SERVICE WHEN REPLACING TRANSAXLE
ASSEMBLY".
 Refer to TM – Transaxle & Transmission / BASIC INSPECTION:
o Check for fluid leakage.
o Install Write IP Characteristics to the TCM; see NTB12-103.



The CVT unit requiring replacement will need to be reassembled for Nissan parts
return/collection.

Inspect this side
Inspect this side
Do not inspect
this side

Do not inspect
this side

Figure 13

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NTB15-015f

Figure 14: CVT chain

Inspect these surfaces

Figure 15: Close-up of area to be inspected

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Pictures in Figure 16 and 17 were taken with borescope J-51951.

OK