The images below show how to do this on a CONSULT III +, which is Nissan’s dealer-level programming software.

Once you have your TCM part number, check to see whether there is a programming update on Nissan TechInfo

1. Go to https://www.nissan-techinfo.com/ecm07.aspx and enter 30136 in the first ECU part number search box
   
2. Enter the next 5 characters of the ECU part number and click on the Nissan dropdown in ALL CAPS
   
3. Compare the ECU ID to see if there is an update. If you have the current version of ECU software Nissan will not offer a configuration.
   
   1. In order to update the ECU file, you need a subscription to Nissan’s programming software (NERS or Consult III Plus). If you have this software you can download the calibration file from Nissan for $30 and reflash the TCM.
   2. If you do not have the software and cannot hire a programmer with the software, Nissan dealerships will perform the reflash for between $100 – $300.
   3. The DrewTech RAP Kit is also capable of reflashing the TCM on all Nissan models except for the CVT8 that comes with a programming CD (JF016E / RE0F10D in the 2013 and newer Altima and 2014 and newer Rogue)

The post Checking your Nissan TCM Part Number for Updates appeared first on Berkeley Standard.

The CVT oil warmer/cooler has two closed loops to exchange heat between the CVT and the engine.  After starting the vehicle, the engine helps warm the CVT fluid to operating temperature.  During extended operation, the exchange provides a cooling effect as heat from the CVT is exchanged into the engine coolant.

To prevent the CVT from overheating, inspect the engine coolant and replace the engine coolant if it is degraded.  Per the Nissan service manual engine coolant must be replaced at 105,000 miles or 84 months, whichever comes earlier.  Make sure the engine coolant lines are not obstructed and coolant can freely flow into the CVT warmer/cooler.  It is also important to inspect the engine air filter and replace it if dirty or obstructed.  Excess engine temperature will overheat the CVT fluid and may cause premature failure.

CVT Warmer/Cooler Flushing

Whenever an automatic transaxle is repaired, overhauled, or replaced, the CVT fluid cooler mounted in the radiator must be inspected and cleaned.

Metal debris and friction material, if present, can be trapped or become deposit in the CVT fluid cooler. This debris can contaminate the newly serviced CVT or, in severe cases, can block or restrict the flow of CVT fluid. In either case, malfunction of the newly serviced CVT may occur.

Debris, if present, may deposit as CVT fluid enters the cooler inlet. It will be necessary to back flush the cooler through the cooler outlet in order to flush out any built up debris.
CVT FLUID COOLER CLEANING PROCEDURE

1. Position an oil pan under the transaxle’s inlet and outlet cooler hoses.
2. Identify the inlet and outlet fluid cooler hoses.
3. Disconnect the fluid cooler inlet and outlet rubber hoses from the steel cooler tubes or bypass valve.
4. Allow any CVT fluid that remains in the cooler hoses to drain into the oil pan.
5. Insert the extension adapter hose of a can of Transmission Cooler Cleaner (Nissan P/N 999MP-AM006) into the cooler outlet hose.
6. Hold the hose and can as high as possible and spray Transmission Cooler Cleaner in a continuous stream into the cooler outlet hose until CVT fluid flows out of the cooler inlet hose for 5 seconds.
7. Insert the tip of an air gun into the end of the cooler outlet ho
8. Wrap a shop rag around the air gun tip and end of the cooler outlet hose.
9. Blow compressed air regulated to 5 to 9 kg/cm2 (70 to 130 psi) through the cooler outlet hose for 10 seconds to force out any remaining CVT fluid.
10. Repeat steps 5 through 9 three additional times.
11. Position an oil pan under the banjo bolts that connect the CVT fluid cooler steel lines to the transaxle.
12. Remove the banjo bolts.
13. Flush each steel line from the cooler side back toward the transaxle by spraying Transmission Cooler Cleaner in a continuous stream for 5 seconds.
14. Blow compressed air regulated to 5 to 9 kg/cm2 (70 to 130 psi) through each steel line from the cooler side back toward the transaxle for 10 seconds to force out any remaining CVT fluid.
15. Ensure all debris is removed from the steel cooler lines.
16. Ensure all debris is removed from the banjo bolts and fittings.

CVT FLUID

• Approximate capacity is 10.2 liters (10 ¼ quarts)
• Berkeley Standard’s reman CVT will already contain approx 3 quarts from the testing machine
• Use only Nissan NS-2 or NS-2 rated CVT fluid
• Use the CVT fluid dipstick to determine the correct fluid level
• Fill CVT fluid from CVT fluid charging pipe to the specified level on the CVT fluid dipstick.
• Adjust CVT fluid level temperature is 50° to 80°C (122° to 176°F). The vehicle needs to warm up for approximately 10 minutes of idle or light driving
• If fluid level is too high, drain the excess fluid from the drain plug on the oil pan
• The CVT fluid should be inspected every 30,000 miles and replaced if burnt, contaminated, or otherwise degraded. Replace CVT fluid with NS-2 rated fluid only.
• NOTE: The fluid change interval for the JF010E CVT is every 60,000 miles. If the vehicle has been driven over 60,000 miles on a Berkeley Standard CVT, maintenance records showing proof of fluid change(s) at 60,000 mile or earlier intervals must be provided in order to ensure warranty coverage.

NOTE: Nissan NS-3 is NOT interchangable with NS-2.  The use of the incorrect fluid will lead to premature wear and overheating of the CVT and will invalidate the warranty coverage.

Filling CVT Fluid
1. Warm up CVT fluid by letting the engine run approx 10 minutes.

2. Refill with new CVT fluid at CVT fluid charging pipe with the engine running at idle speed.
3. Refill until new CVT fluid at the proper level according to the CVT filler tube dipstick

CAUTION: Use genuine NISSAN CVT fluid NS-2.

4. Delete CVT fluid deterioration date with scan tool after changing CVT fluid.
5. Check fluid level and condition.

TCM Initialization Procedure

1. Set the parking brake with the selector lever in “P” (Park).
2. Connect scan tool to the vehicle and turn the ignition ON (engine OFF – not running).
3. Navigate the scan tool to find the TCM Part number
4. Select the TCM part number (P/N) and Calibration Data, and then print and save a copy.
5. Perform the initialization (EEPROM erase) procedure as follows:
6. Select Transmission Self Diagnostic Results.
7. Press and hold the brake pedal.
8. Shift the selector lever to “R” (Reverse).
9. Press and hold the accelerator pedal down about one-third, but no more than halfway.

• The purpose of this step is to get both the wide open throttle and closed throttle position signals to read “OFF” at the same time.

1. Press Erase.

IMPORTANT: During the next step, observe the shift selector position display.

1. Shift the selector lever to “P” (Park).

• If there is a delay with “P” to illuminate, EEPROM has successfully erased.
• If there is no delay, EEPROM has not erased. Perform Step 5 again.

TCM Reprogramming

The vehicle does not require programming unless the TCM software is affected by a service bulletin. To check the TCM software see instructions below:

First, find TCM Part Number with Scan Tool.  The TCM hardware is a computer chip with identical hardware and the part number represents the software the TCM is programmed with.  The TCM part number will start with 31036-XXXX.

If the TCM part number is any of the ones on the table below, the TCM is affected by a service bulletin needs to be reprogrammed with updated software.  This can be done either with a Consult 3+ scanner and programmer (available at Nissan dealerships), or with the RAP Kit by Drew Technologies.

NOTE: The JF010E transmission or valve body does not come with a programming CD.

NOTE: If there are any diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) the transmission may not program.  Clear all DTCs before proceeding with programming.  If there are persistent DTCs, these must be addressed and cleared before programming can proceed.

CURRENT TCM PART NUMBER 31036 – XXXXX

TEST DRIVE AND TRANSMISSION CALIBRATION

After the transmission has been installed use a scan tool to verify the vehicle does not have any diagnostic trouble codes.  If there are codes from the previous transmission, clear them with a scan tool and check if they return.  When the vehicle does not have any codes, clear the TCM memory, self-learning data, and fluid degradation data. Test drive the vehicle for an additional 15 – 20 minutes to allow the TCM to self-calibrate.  Do not test drive the vehicle if it has any DTCs.

The test drive should cover a range of speeds in both forward and reverse. The vehicle may shift abnormally at the beginning of the test drive but should normalize in 20 minutes or less.  If the MIL / check engine light illuminates during the test drive, do not continue driving.

Re-scan the vehicle after the test drive to ensure there are no DTCs.

Source material: Nissan CVT manuals and TSBs

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As the automatic transmission of your car is an always-working part, there can be many early warning signs that you need to watch out for. Below are some of the important signs of CVT transmission problems.

Leakage

If you see pinkish oil leak marks when you move your car out of the parking area in the morning, it can be a classic sign of trouble. Transmission experts say that a CVT transmission can leak from about twenty external seals, some of which are very easy to repair and fix, whereas others will need complex services.

Vibration

Do you feel a bucking or shaking feel while commuting at high speeds? There can be two reasons for that, the first being a poor tuning and the second due to a malfunction in the transmission system of the vehicle. So if you feel shaking or vibrations while driving your car, take it to an experienced mechanic and get the vehicle transmission checked.

Delayed Drive

Another classic sign of a CVT transmission malfunction is a noticeable hesitation for the transmission of the car to engage a gear when you put the gear shifter in “D” or “R.” Issues like low transmission fluid, a loose belt, or a failing clutch pack of an internal transmission seal can cause the delay in gear engagement.

Burning Smell

If you sense a burning smell when you are near your car, it can be a sign of an overheating transmission. The burning smell can also be caused due to the transmission fluid leaking into the exhaust system. If the burning smell is caused by the leak of transmission fluid to exhaust system, it should be addressed immediately.

Transmission Slips

Transmission slip is a situation where the engine is revving fast but the complete power is not transferred to the wheels. There can be a number of reasons for transmission slips and it would be better to take your ride to a technician for a checkup before things get worse.

The post Warning Signs of Issues in CVT Transmission appeared first on Berkeley Standard.

Most manufacturers replace the items that are entirely worn out in the case of a rebuilt transmission, which means that the items that are marginally good will not be replaced. A rebuilt and repaired transmission might work well sometimes, but it will not be as good as a remanufactured transmission. On the other hand, all the worn items in the automatic transmission will be replaced in case of a remanufactured transmission. Even the marginally good parts that are still working will be completely replaced or re-machined. This makes remanufactured transmission a much better choice when compared to opting for a rebuilt transmission.

Remanufactured transmissions are also a lot more different from the transmissions that are simply rebuilt or repaired by including a few updates, which the factory should have initially included in the main design of the transmission in the first place. Remanufactured transmissions usually include slight modifications to the valve body and the machining of the internal parts of the transmission to extend its life and performance.

Additionally, some remanufacturers also prefer to use better quality friction materials to the transmission during the remanufacturing process to make it more efficient. These kind of modifications, which are implemented by the remanufacturers to boost the durability and lifespan of the transmission, are absent in most rebuilt transmissions.

Several rebuild shops in the country do not even have the right equipment for handling the repairs on an automatic transmission, which has undergone a severe failure. These rebuilding shops also have no access to high-pressure hot tanks, which are specially designed to thoroughly clean the small passages of the automatic transmission. At Berkeley Standard, we have the most up to date technology and tools, which allow us to produce high-quality remanufactured transmissions with ease. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

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