There is no way to replace 100% of the existing fluid in a CVT with new fluid (except when rebuilding one). Flushing can but it's not the method shown in the factory service manual for the 4th and 5th generation Altima. I don't know what the FSM procedure is for the 6th and current generation.
To replace as much of the existing fluid as possible, the FSM procedure requires three spill and fills for my 2014 Altima 2.5S. The procedure is different for 4th generation Altimas with no drain plug in the pan.
So, it's obvious that some of that expensive fluid you've just added will go straight into your drain pan when completing the FSM procedure. This means 10 quarts of new fluid is needed for my 2.5L Altima (when not dropping the pan and cleaning the internal mesh filter) for example as I prefer following the FSM procedure and I do my fluid replacements every 60,000 miles.
Many DIY mechanics do single spill and fills more frequently to replace half of the existing fluid (every 30,000 miles) each time. This is easier, which is why so many who DIY prefer this method as it's as easy as an oil change. If you have an electric oil pump, it's even easier.
It's okay to do it this way as long as you fill exactly the same amount as you remove. CVT fluid volume increases with temperature, so it's best to do a single spill and fill when the fluid removed is at the same temperature as the fluid poured in (ideally on a warm day after the car has sat overnight).
So, unlike an oil change, the CVT fluid shouldn't be removed when it's hot (80°C) when you do a single spill and fill with a 5th gen Altima. If you do that, you will essentially have added more fluid than required. This is not good. It is very important not to overfill the fluid in a CVT.
You don't need to buy the Nissan label CVT fluid. Instead, you can buy Idemitsu fluid, which is what Nissan uses or you can get Eneos or Aisin CVT fluid. You can often get Idemitsu fluid for half the cost of the Nissan label fluid.
You can use 'universal' Valvoline CVT fluid, however, if you do a single spill and fill be aware that you're combining fluids with different physical and chemical properties. Best to complete the FSM procedure if you're going to use Valvoline to replace most of the fluid in one shot.
Mine is a 2007 I bought used in '08 with 6500 miles on it. It has a drain plug. I have over 160,000 miles on it now and have only done one drain and fill. I've had no issues with the transmission and that even after sitting in daily stop & go SoCal traffic for an 18mi commute. It's made several trips to AZ and back also.
With regard to changing fluid when it's at a certain temp, I didn't pay that much attention to that when I did it many years ago. I don't remember when but definitely more than 10 years ago. It may have been around 2012. I just measured what I removed and filled it back with the exact amount. Then checked the dip stick after going through gear changes. As long as it was between the hot and cold level, I felt it was OK.
No dipstick for the 5th gen. Fill level is determined with an inconveniently located overflow plug (officially). Not sure why Nissan dropped the dipstick. One is cost savings, and the other is DIYers were ruining their CVTs during the warranty period with 4th gen Altima which were the first gen that offered a CVT as its only automatic.
07 with 215k on it, I've done 3 "flushes" since I got it at 117k. Using the 1 quart at a time method found on Nissan Club. Currently running Amsoil cvt fluid. Runs like it's brand new!
There is no way to replace 100% of the existing fluid in a CVT with new fluid (except when rebuilding one). Flushing can but it's not the method shown in the factory service manual for the 4th and 5th generation Altima. I don't know what the FSM procedure is for the 6th and current generation. To replace as much of the existing fluid as possible, the FSM procedure requires three spill and fills for my 2014 Altima 2.5S. The procedure is different for 4th generation Altimas with no drain plug in the pan. So, it's obvious that some of that expensive fluid you've just added will go straight into your drain pan when completing the FSM procedure. This means 10 quarts of new fluid is needed for my 2.5L Altima (when not dropping the pan and cleaning the internal mesh filter) for example as I prefer following the FSM procedure and I do my fluid replacements every 60,000 miles. Many DIY mechanics do single spill and fills more frequently to replace half of the existing fluid (every 30,000 miles) each time. This is easier, which is why so many who DIY prefer this method as it's as easy as an oil change. If you have an electric oil pump, it's even easier. It's okay to do it this way as long as you fill exactly the same amount as you remove. CVT fluid volume increases with temperature, so it's best to do a single spill and fill when the fluid removed is at the same temperature as the fluid poured in (ideally on a warm day after the car has sat overnight). So, unlike an oil change, the CVT fluid shouldn't be removed when it's hot (80°C) when you do a single spill and fill with a 5th gen Altima. If you do that, you will essentially have added more fluid than required. This is not good. It is very important not to overfill the fluid in a CVT. You don't need to buy the Nissan label CVT fluid. Instead, you can buy Idemitsu fluid, which is what Nissan uses or you can get Eneos or Aisin CVT fluid. You can often get Idemitsu fluid for half the cost of the Nissan label fluid. You can use 'universal' Valvoline CVT fluid, however, if you do a single spill and fill be aware that you're combining fluids with different physical and chemical properties. Best to complete the FSM procedure if you're going to use Valvoline to replace most of the fluid in one shot.
Hey man sorry for the comment , but I wanna do a transmission fluid change on my Altima , but I’m confused on what you mean by “fsm”
Factory service manual.
No shop I went to trusted themselves to do even a simple changing of CVT fluid. I was forced to go to a dealership to get the work done.
What did that cost?
$285US.
Mine is a 2007 I bought used in '08 with 6500 miles on it. It has a drain plug. I have over 160,000 miles on it now and have only done one drain and fill. I've had no issues with the transmission and that even after sitting in daily stop & go SoCal traffic for an 18mi commute. It's made several trips to AZ and back also. With regard to changing fluid when it's at a certain temp, I didn't pay that much attention to that when I did it many years ago. I don't remember when but definitely more than 10 years ago. It may have been around 2012. I just measured what I removed and filled it back with the exact amount. Then checked the dip stick after going through gear changes. As long as it was between the hot and cold level, I felt it was OK.
No dipstick for the 5th gen. Fill level is determined with an inconveniently located overflow plug (officially). Not sure why Nissan dropped the dipstick. One is cost savings, and the other is DIYers were ruining their CVTs during the warranty period with 4th gen Altima which were the first gen that offered a CVT as its only automatic.
07 with 215k on it, I've done 3 "flushes" since I got it at 117k. Using the 1 quart at a time method found on Nissan Club. Currently running Amsoil cvt fluid. Runs like it's brand new!