The idea behind the Nissan Xtronic CVT transmission is to provide drivers with the perfect blend of performance and efficiency. They do this by eliminating the traditional forward gears, in favor of a flexible steel band suspended between two adjustable pulleys. This arrangement allows the Nissan CVT to give the driver seamless acceleration, which may not seem entirely natural to some drivers. The trade-off to eliminating traditional shift points, is the transmission’s ability to keep the engine in its power band during acceleration, then instantly switch to a more fuel-efficient ratio. But there have been some issues along the way. So let’s take a closer look at the Nissan CVT and discover everything you need to know.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Nissan CVT: How it works
Instead of using multiple planetary gear sets and clutch packs, the Nissan CVT transmission uses just two pulleys, one driven by the engine and the other driving the drive wheels. When the driver accelerates, the pulley attached to the engine will contract so the belt rides higher creating a low gear ratio. As the driver requires less acceleration, that one will spread apart allowing the belt to ride further down the inside of the pulley. This, combined with the spread of the other pulley, creates a higher gear ratio for better fuel economy. These ratios can hold for as long as the computer deems necessary. They can also be infinitely adjusted to provide more performance or better fuel economy, at the drop of a hat.
Nissan CVT: Why aren’t continuously variable transmissions more popular?
Most drivers are used to the audible and tactile sensations created by a transmission shifting gears. A CVT on the other hand, sounds like it’s stuck in gear and will drone on and on because it keeps the engine RPMs constant until the computer decides to change ratios. In a smaller car with less sound insulation, this can become very annoying (turning the radio on does help..) Over the years however, automakers have become much better at making a CVT feel and sound more natural. That’s one reason why the Nissan CVT is now found in a majority of the Nissan lineup. Cars like the Nissan Maxima, Nissan Altima, Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan Murano, Nissan Rogue, Nissan Juke, and Nissan Sentra all share the Nissan CVT transmission.
Nissan CVT: Problems
Unfortunately, the Nissan CVT has not been a bastion of reliability. In fact there have been a number of issues related to this transmission. Some of the highlights include:
- Hesitation or surging between 10 – 45 mph due to TCM programming
- Limp mode triggered by inadequate cooling. Valve body may need to be replaced and an external cooler installed.
- Vehicle will not move when placed in drive due to low CVT fluid, a failed speed sensor, a failed transmission pump or a failed forward clutch
To learn more about common Nissan CVT problems, click here.
Nissan CVT: Recalls
There have been a number of Nissan CVT recalls that cover a number of issues. Cars involved in these recalls include:
2013 – 2016 Nissan Altima
2014 – 2016 Nissan Rogue
2015 Nissan NV200
To learn more about Nissan CVT recalls, click here.
Nissan CVT: Long-term solution
Unlike a rebuilt RE0F10A transmission, a remanufactured RE0F10A transmission has been completely disassembled and then re-engineered on an assembly line. Each component is inspected, cleaned, and reconditioned by a technician that specializes in that particular stage of the process. All of the critical elements including the case, gears, valve body, shafts, pumps, and the torque converter are tested to ensure that they meet original equipment (OE) tolerances and standards. And any part that doesn’t meet the original specifications is either machined until it does or replaced with a brand new part.
Once all of the components meet specification, they’re sent down an assembly line and the transmission is reassembled. The reman RE0F10A transmission is then put on a dyno machine which simulates real-world driving through a software program called C.A.R.S. This allows any leaks and imperfections to be discovered and dealt with before the transmission leaves the factory.
Another benefit of a remanufactured transmission are the updates and upgrades it receives. Once a certain vehicle model has been in production for a few years, small issues with the design are discovered and solutions are implemented. It may be more robust friction materials, stronger seals, stiffer springs, or number of other things. These changes are immediately applied to the new models still in production, and Technical Service Bulletins (TSB’s) are sent to dealers so they know how to deal with problems that may arise. Transmission remanufacturing companies like Street Smart Transmission also get these TSB’s, and implement the changes on their assembly line as well.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Learn more about a remanufactured Nissan CVT by clicking here.
