[Chuckh]

I was wondering which CVT fluid is best for these vehicles. My 2017 Rogue Sport SV would get NS3 fluid but I was wondering if there is a usable and less expensive alternative to paying $20 a quart for the fluid. What worked best in yours? I do realize one thing and that is to keep ATF away from these since that will destroy them since it must be CVT fluid only. I tired searching but only found a lot of posts about dipsticks. I do think it is nice that we have the pipe even if there is no stick inside it. Too many vehicles these days come with a "sealed" transmission. That just means it has no easy way to inspect the fluid or check its level. I have also heard of the mythical "lifetime" fluid that some cars have but I know better than to fall for that malarkey.

 

[Sparky]

Hi Chuck! I just used Idemitsu NS-3 fluid which I ordered from Napa on line. (I did some research and this is the exact same fluid as Nissan's fluid at a much lower price.) On our 2017 RS, I just did this drain and fill 2 days ago. Our Sport had 29K and let me tell you....do this service. The fluid was dirty and brown in appearance. I also changed out the small external filter and gasket. Very dirty looking as well. Easy to do except for the top bolt (there's 4 10mm bolts) which you can only get a small wrench to loosen/remove the bolt.) There was some fine metal shavings in the drain pan. Nothing too concerning though. I did this w/the front end on ramps (and two jack stands as well). Measured the fluid and put back in same amount....about 3 Qt 4 oz's. (I did make a homemade dipstick and assuming the factor fill was correct, same amount went back in.) Will do another drain and fill in the near future. (I bought a new pan strainer filter as well as the gasket but I didn't feel it was necessary to do a pan drop @ this time. Maybe @ 60K?) There appears to be a "overflow" transmission drain bolt for checking the fluid level. (Car level and at a certain temp.) By all means if you want your car to last....perform this service as well as changing the oil more often as "Direct Injection" engines seems to add gas to the oil during the OC interval. This engine is no except. Also....I would recommend since you're out of factory warranty....use a 5w-30 oil. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum is a very light 5w-30 oil. First two oil changes I used 0w-20 oil. After that, blended or used a 5w-30 oil (mostly Pennzoil and the Havoline Pro DS.) CAFE is the only reason for the 0w-20 recommendation. Same engine around the world 5w-30 and thicker. You will notice how much smoother your engine runs with much less valve sound. Hope this helps... Bill.